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Old UK Print Ads @oldukprintads.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Aug 1977: Flour ad from The Metrication Board «You'll find the new flour bags have put on a bit of weight»

This black and white advertisement discusses the introduction of metric weights for flour bags in the UK. It highlights that the new 1.5 kg flour bags contain more flour than the old 3 lb bags, and the new 500g flour bags contain just over 1 1/2 ounces more than the old 1 lb packs.

You'll find the new flour bags have put on a bit of weight

As flour is starting to be sold in metric weights, more and more you will find that the new 1.5 kg (1½ kilograms) pack is replacing the old 3 lb pack. This metric pack contains nearly 5 oz* more.
The new 500 g (500 grams) pack is replacing the old 1 lb pack and contains just over 1½ oz* more. You get approximately ten per cent more flour in each of the metric packs: so you may expect to pay more for them.
Metric packs are clearly marked METRIC PACK
*To be more precise 1.5 kg is 3.31 lb; 500 g is 1.1 lb.

Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 28/08/2026

1980s/1990s-style #metrication ▶️ width ◀️ restriction signs, featuring separate roundels for 6'-6" and 2.0 m. Photographed in 2008, the signs have since been replaced with dual-unit signs. #metric @showmeasign.online metrication.uk/transport/ro...

Width restriction signs, photographed in 2008, featuring separate roundels for 6'-6" and 2.0 m.

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Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 13/08/2026

Dual units, with separate metric and imperial signs, paved the way for metric-only signs - imperial signs could be removed when all signs were dual units. However, in 1994, this #metrication route was scuppered, when the metric height roundel was withdrawn and a new dual unit sign was introduced.

On the left are two options for signing a height restriction in 1981 - imperial-only OR dual-unit (two separate signs)

On the right are two options for signing a height restriction in 1994 - imperial only OR dual-unit (metric and imperial on the sign)

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Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 13/08/2026

#OTD 45 years ago, #metric restriction signs 🚗 were introduced on 🇬🇧 UK roads. From 13 August 1981, metric units 📏 could be used for the first time, alongside imperial units, to indicate height, width and length restrictions on 🇬🇧 UK road signs. Weight restriction signs went metric on the same day.

An imperial width restriction sign indicating a width restriction of 6 feet 6 inches, together with an equivalent metric sign from 1981 showing a width restriction of 2.0 metres.

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Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 01/06/2026

Apart from medicines, which went metric in 1969, 🖌️ paint was the first liquid product to be sold to the public in metric volumes. #Metric cans of 🎨 paint first went on sale in June 1971. #metricsystem #metrication metrication.uk/industry/con...

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UK Metric Association @ukma.org.uk · 29/04/2026

"What is up with UK bridge height signs?" #metrication #metricsystem www.youtube.com/watch?v=kH_b...

youtube.com

What is up with UK bridge height signs?

YouTube video by Stand-up Maths

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UK Metric Association @ukma.org.uk · 29/04/2026

There is also a potential legal issue with dual unit signs. Depending on the sign, it is possible for a vehicle to be compliant with the metric restriction but not the imperial one, and vice versa. metrication.uk/transport/ro...

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UK Metric Association @ukma.org.uk · 18/04/2026

When it comes to Britain's poor use of measurement units, the "elephant in the room" is its failure to complete metrication. bsky.app/profile/scot...

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UK Metric Association @ukma.org.uk · 26/03/2026

50 years ago, the BBC's Inter-divisional Metrication Committee published "Metrication – A Producer’s Guide". Our latest blog article: What role did the BBC play in the UK’s transition to the metric system in the 1970s? #BBC #metrication #metric metricviews.uk/2026/03/26/w...

"Metrication – A Producer’s Guide"

A 68-page booklet published by the BBC Inter-divisional Metrication Committee in October 1976.

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Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 15/02/2026

The musical film "Half a Sixpence" was released in 1967 - the same year in which the last pre-decimal coins 🪙 were minted. "Half of Two and a Half new pence" didn't have quite the same ring to it, but that didn't stop #decimalisation 55 years ago today. #OTD #OnThisDay #DecimalDay

2 decimal coins from 1971:

A 2 NEW PENCE coin, and a ½ NEW PENNY coin.

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Old UK Print Ads @oldukprintads.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

Feb 1971: Groceries ad from Tesco (+Wincarnis "Red Label" TONIC WINE; Emva Cream Cyprus Sherry; Home Grown Cox's Apples; Our own cooked GAMMON HAM; Robinsons Barley Water; Gales Honey; Blue Band Margarine; Fray Bentos Steak & Kidney Pies; Cadbury's MINI ROLLS; Heinz Sponge Puddings, and more)

This is an advertisement for a Tesco supermarket in the UK from 1971. It features a range of groceries, including tinned goods, meat, and toiletries, as well as the option to purchase Green Shield Stamps. It is a promotional advertisement during the change over to decimal currency.

Trust Tesco to see you through the “Change-over”!

All Tesco.Stores will be closed on Monday February
15th to prepare for Decimalisation.
All Tesco Stores will open on Tuesday February 16th
at the normal time and will stay open each day for the
remainder of the week.
From Tuesday February 16th all Tesco Stores will be
Decimal Shops,
All your present money will be accepted, but change
will be given in Decimal Coinage only.
Conversion of all £ s. d. prices to £p prices are
strictly in accordance with the official shoppers table
(a copy of which will be prominently displayed in
every store.)
All Tesco staff have received training to give advice
and assistance to our customers.
Green Shield Stamps:- Your entitlement to these will
remain the same. One stamp for every 21p (6d) spent.
Therefore you still get 40 stamps for each £1 spent, and
of course, twice that number on Double Stamp Days
(except on Wines, Spirits & Cigarettes).
Home'n'Wear
CLOTHING FOR ALL THE FAMILY
HOUSEHOLD TEXTILES * HOUSEWARES
QUALITY + VARIETY + VALUE
GOODS EXCHANGED OR MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE

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Old UK Print Ads 70s/80s/90s @oldukprintads7890s.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

Feb 1971: Bank Statement ad from Lloyds Bank «Computers. Decimals. The postal strike.»

This Lloyds Bank advert highlights the efficient processing of decimalised bank statements by computers. However, a postal strike means statements cannot be delivered. Customers are invited to collect their statement from their local branch.

Computers. Decimals. The postal strike.

A topical statement from Lloyds Bank
On D-Day (Feb. 15th)
Lloyds Bank computers finished
printing out over 700 miles of
decimalised bank statements
right on schedule. But while the
postal strike lasts we're unable
to deliver them.
If you're a Lloyds Bank
customer and you'd like to see
your D-Day balance, then please
call at your branch. You'll
find your statement ready for
collection.
Lloyds Bank looks after people like you

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UK Metric Association @ukma.org.uk · 01/01/2026

Today marks the 200th anniversary of the end of the traditional ale pint 🍺. Imperial measures led to a reduction in the size of a #pint of #beer, from about 578 ml to about 568 ml. #metric #metrication #OTD Our latest blog article: The end of the traditional pint metricviews.uk/2026/01/01/t...

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Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 31/12/2025

56 years ago today was the last chance to use the HALF CROWN coin, before the switch to #decimal currency. There were four crowns to the pound, but crown coins weren't in general use. When learning about money, any child asking what it was worth would be told, "TWO AND SIX". #OTD #decimalisation

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Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 25/12/2025

🎄 🎅 Merry Christmas 🎁 🎄 A metric-size Robertson's Christmas Pudding 🥳 400 g METRIC PACK - circa 1980 #ChristmasPudding #metricpack #metrication #metric #metricsystem #Christmas

A Robertson's Christmas Pudding in its box

400 g METRIC PACK

circa 1980

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Old UK Print Ads 70s/80s/90s @oldukprintads7890s.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

Top 30 posts of 2025, #30...

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Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 10/12/2025

Here's a 1973 edition of the leaflet ... #GoingMetric

GOING
METRIC

Check List
for
Managers

MM1
August 1973

Metrication Board

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Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 10/12/2025

Here's a 1973 edition of the leaflet ... #GoingMetric

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Old UK Print Ads 70s/80s/90s @oldukprintads7890s.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

Dec 1972: Metrication Check List for Managers ad from The Metrication Board (+Regular publications related to metrication) «Business is simpler in metric.»

This advertisement encourages managers to adopt the metric system in their businesses, highlighting the increasing metrication in Britain by 1975. It offers a checklist for managers to arrange their metrication programme to get the maximum benefit at the minimum cost.

Business is simpler in metric.

By 1975 Britain will be substantially metric. This Government has endorsed the target set in 1965.
Already by 1973 the construction industry will have completed their changeover. By 1975 the engineering industry will be 75% metric.
Most industrial materials are already available in metric. Examples are steel, non-ferrous metals, timber, building materials.
If you're responsible for your firm's future you need to know about metrication.
To help your changeover the Metrication Board has published a ten-point Check List for Managers. A step-by-step leaflet advising you how to arrange your metrication programme to get the maximum benefit at the minimum cost. Send for the Check List today.
Please place my company on your mailing list for regular publications and send me “Going Metric-Check List for Managers.”
Type of Business
Name
Position
Company
Address
SD 1
Send to: Information Office, Metrication Board, 22 Kingsway, London WC2B 6LE

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Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 23/11/2025

On this day 60 years ago, the British standard for screw threads 🔩 went #metric. On 23 November 1965, major sectors of British industry approved a BSI policy statement urging British firms to make ISO metric threads their first choice for all future designs. #OTD #metricsystem #metrication #ISO

a cross section diagram of an ISO metric screw thread

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Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 01/11/2025

On this day 50 years ago, breakfast cereals went #metric. On 1 November 1975, METRIC PACK sizes ⚖️ were introduced for flaked breakfast cereals 🌽❄️. Imperial pack sizes were withdrawn on 30 June 1978. #OTD #metricsystem #metrication

A 1975 METRIC PACK of Kellogg's Corn Flakes.

The back of the pack includes information about the switch to metric pack sizes:

"Kellogg's and Metrication

You will probably have noticed from the front of this packet that it has a new metric weight. It now contains 500 grammes (1.10 lb) of Corn Flakes in place of the previous 16 oz.

Since the Weights and Measures Act, 1963, we have had to pack our flaked breakfast cereals in multiples of 4 ounces. This was the main reason why Corn Flakes were packed in 8 oz, 12 oz and 16 oz packet sizes.

But now that Britain is changing to the metric weight system the Law has been amended to permit flaked cereals to be packed and sold in set metric quantities.

This Giant pack, which previously held 16 ounces, will now contain 500 grammes (one of the new set quantities). So there are now 10% more Corn Flakes in the packet."

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UK Metric Association @ukma.org.uk · 04/10/2025

The cost can be reduced if the speed limit reduction takes place at the same time as a switch to metric speed limits. “30” signs could be retained, but perhaps with the addition of a temporary “km/h” plate. Metric also provides a more flexible range of speed limits. metricviews.uk/2023/09/01/o...

metricviews.uk

Opportunity missed to save £ millions on new speed limit signs in Wales

An opportunity to save millions of pounds on new speed limit signs in Wales has been missed by the failure to synchronise the lowering of the default speed limit on roads in built-up areas in Wales…

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Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 01/10/2025

For 50 years now, the familiarity of the 1 kg bag of sugar has made it easy to visualise body weight ⚖️ changes in kilograms To visualise weight changes in stones 🪨, we have ... oh! The sale of #METRIC PACKs of sugar was first permitted 50 years ago today, on 1 October 1975 #thinkmetric #OTD #KISS

A 1976 Silver Spoon 1 kilogram METRIC PACK of sugar

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Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 29/09/2025

No 50th anniversary special #stamps from the Post Office today, but here's an event day cover ✉️, from 50 years ago, commemorating the Post Office's 🏤 very own M-Day.

A British stamps "Day of Event" Cover, commemorating the #metrication of the Post Office #metrication on 29 September 1975.

The envelope bears the words, "THE POST OFFICE GOES METRIC".
The 8½p stamp is franked with the words, "NATIONAL POSTAL MUSEUM 29 SEP 1975 LONDON EC1".

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Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 29/09/2025

#OTD On this day, 50 years ago, the Post Office 🏤 went #metric 📏. On 29 September 1975, all ⚖️ weight-based 📮📦 postal tariffs switched to the #metric system. POSTER: "Mail goes metric from 29 Sept" metrication.uk/post-office/

A 1975 Post Office poster titled, "Mail goes metric from 29 Sept".

Some examples of the new weight steps

INLAND
letters
60g 100g 150g 200g 250g 300g 350g 400g 450g 500g 750g

parcels
1kg 2kg 3kg 4kg 5kg 6kg 7kg 8kg 9kg 10kg

OVERSEAS
air-letters - Europe
20g 50g 100g

air-letters - Outside Europe
15g 30g 40g

Imperial equivalents for the new weight values are given in brackets.

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Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 21/09/2025

That diagram misses out cubic inches and cubic feet. Here's an amended one, plus the equivalent in #metric ...

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Old UK Print Ads 70s/80s/90s @oldukprintads7890s.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

Sep 1974: Metric System ad from The Metrication Board (+Cement; Plaster; Linseed Oil Putty; Deodorants; Cosmetics; Shaving Creams; Hair Sprays; Pharmaceutical Products; Dog Meat; and After Shave) «Weighing up the kilogram.»

An old advert for the metric system of measurement. It is saying that 1 kilogram weighs 2 1/4lbs. Many goods are sold in quantities of 250 grams, 500 grams, etc.

Weighing up the kilogram.

Virtually every country in the world
is metric, or, like Britain, is changing
to metric now. Under the metric system
the kilogram is used for measuring
weight. It is pronounced 'killo-gram.'
When you buy in metric weights, it
may help to remember that 500 grams
(half a kilogram) is just over 1 lb.
Many goods are sold in quantities
of 250 grams (1 kilogram),
500 grams (kilogram), etc.
Already examples of
goods sold by the kilogram
are in the shops, for
example-putty, plaster, and
cement. Deodorants, cosmetics,
shaving creams, hair sprays and
many pharmaceutical products have
been sold in metric sizes for some time,
and most of the bathroom scales you
can buy show dual marking.
Where to get more information.
More information is available
from your local Trading Standards
Officer or Consumer Protection
Officer (Inspector of Weights and
Measures), from your Citizens'
Advice Bureau or your local
Women's Institute or Rural
Community Council.
The Metrication Board
22 Kingsway, London WC2B 6LE
Britain in the Metric World.

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Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 06/09/2025

2025 is the 50th anniversary of Rugby's switch to the #metric system for all measurements. In 1975, the 25-yard line became the 22-metre line, and the crossbar height was set at 3.0 metres. passport.world.rugby/laws-of-the-...

A diagram of a Rugby Union pitch showing all dimensions in round metric values. It includes the 22-metre and 10-metre lines.

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Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 17/08/2025

METRIC PACKS of Homepride flour in the "Homepride Selection" catalogue leaflet, 1979 bsky.app/profile/oldu...

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Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 17/08/2025

Sugar in 1 kg METRIC PACKS first appeared in the shops 49 years ago, in the summer of 1976: bsky.app/profile/oldu...

A 1 kilogram METRIC PACK of sugar - 1976

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Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 16/08/2025

This is the leaflet mentioned in the advert: metrication.uk/shopping/foo...

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Old UK Print Ads 70s/80s/90s @oldukprintads7890s.bsky.social · 11/08/2025

Aug 1979: Butter ad from The Metrication Board «And now butter goes metric too. The new metric packs weigh 10% more than the old sizes.»

This advertisement from The Metrication Board is designed to inform the public that butter is going metric. It states that new metric packs will weigh just over 10% more than the old sizes.

And now butter goes metric too. The new metric packs weigh 10% more than the old sizes.

Butter is going metric in the shops now. After 26 August all prepacked butter will be sold in metric quantities. On the right is the half pound pack of butter you're used to. The new 250 gram metric pack is below. A new 500 gram pack replaces the old 1 lb pack too. These new metric packs weigh just over 10% more. So they will go further - but they may cost you more for the extra butter. When it comes to cooking, for metric recipes measure only in metric. Or you can still use your old recipe books if you just weigh out ounces from the metric packs. Whatever you do, don't confuse yourself by mixing grams and ounces. Our 'Shopping in Metric 1979' leaflet helps you to compare weight and prices between the new packs and the old. Ask your retailer for one or write direct to us.

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Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 13/08/2025

At that time, metric restriction signs could only be used in combination with, and positioned below, an equivalent imperial sign. 44 years later, despite dual-unit signs being compulsory on all new signs installed since 2016, imperial-only signs are still in use.

Road sign diagrams from the TSRGD 1981.

Diagram 530
Headroom at hazard.
Permitted variant: Metric units may be substituted for imperial units within the warning triangle.

Diagram 629
Vehicles exceeding width indicated prohibited.
Permitted variant:
Metric units may be substituted for imperial units within the warning triangle.

#metrication #roadsigns

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Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 13/08/2025

#OTD 44 years ago, #metric restriction signs 🚗 were introduced on 🇬🇧 UK roads. From 13 August 1981, metric units 📏 could be used for the first time to indicate height, width and length restrictions on 🇬🇧 UK road signs. Weight restriction signs went metric on the same day. #metrication #roadsigns

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Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 26/07/2025

For fun, here's an expanded version of the diagram, with a few more imperial units added, like cubic inches. How many people know all the imperial conversion factors? For anyone daunted by learning the metric system 📏, the equivalent #metric chart is included alongside.

A diagram comparing imperial and metric units of volume.

1 quart = 8 gills
1 firkin = 4.5 pecks
1 pint = 34.677 cubic inches

1 litre = 1000 millilitres

@metrication.uk

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Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 26/07/2025

In 1969, Minister of Transport, Richard Marsh, announced plans to switch road 🚗 speed limit signs to kilometres per hour. hansard.parliament.uk/%E2%80%8CCom...

A diagram with 3 images, showing one method for the #metrication of speed limit signs.

The first image is of an imperial 50 mph sign - a red roundel showing the figure 50.

The second image is of a transitionary metric 80 km/h sign - a red roundel showing the figure 80, with a supplementary plate below the roundel showing a symbol km/h.

The third image is identical to the second, but with the supplementary km/h plate removed.

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Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 26/07/2025

#OTD 57 years ago, the Government confirmed that 1975 would be the end date for the UK's #metrication programme. Speed limits were to go #metric in 1973, but that date was postponed. 50 years after the 1975 target date, we are still waiting for the Government to complete its metrication programme.

The Government agree that programmes for the different sectors of the economy can be properly co-ordinated only if there is some general guidance on the timing. They therefore accept the end of 1975 as the target date for all provisional programmes, with the qualification that if this date proves to be unreasonable for any particular sector, the programme may aim at an earlier or later date.

Anthony Wedgwood Benn, Minister of Technology
26 July 1968

METRICATION
HC Deb 26 July 1968 vol 769 cc1167-711167

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Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 26/07/2025

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Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 19/07/2025

The 440 yards (402.34 m) hurdles in 1966, was replaced by the 400 metres hurdles in 1970. The 220 yards (201.17 m) in 1966, was replaced by the 200 metres in 1970.

A page from an athletics programme for the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh.

It shows the competitors for the semi-finals of the 400 metres hurdles, together with the previous games winners for the 440 yards hurdles that this event replaces.

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Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 19/07/2025

55 years ago this month, the Commonwealth Games went #metric. In July 1970, athletics and swimming events switched to the metric system. In track events 🏃, metres replaced yards. In field events, metres (to 2 decimal places) 📏 replaced feet and inches. In swimming 🏊, metres replaced yards.

Four athletics programmes for the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh.

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UK Metric Association @ukma.org.uk · 15/07/2025

165 years ago, in his opening address at the London meeting of the International Statistical Congress, on 16 July 1860, Prince Albert drew attention to the measurement muddle, and was in no doubt that it would have to go. #metrication #metric #decimalisation #OTD metricviews.uk/2025/07/15/p...

metricviews.uk

Prince Albert and the measurement muddle in the 1860s

165 years ago, in his opening address at the London meeting of the International Statistical Congress, held on 16 July 1860, Prince Albert drew attention to the measurement muddle prevalent at the …

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Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 01/07/2025

The report noted: "the serious loss of time incurred by English school children in having to learn the complicated system of tables of existing weights and measures. ... no less than one year’s school time would be saved if the metrical system were taught in place of that now in use." 🏫 #metric

A diagram comparing imperial and metric units of mass.

The relations between 11 different imperial units of mass are shown, including:

1 pound = 291.67 pennyweights
1 ton = 2722.2 troy pounds
1 stone = 3584 drams

This is contrasted with the simple decimal relations of metric units of mass, such as:

1 kilogram = 1000 grams

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Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 01/07/2025

#OnThisDay 130 years ago, the Select Committee on Weights and Measures ⚖️ proposed a rapid switch to the #metric system. Published 1 July 1895, their report recommended: "That after a lapse of two years the metrical system be rendered compulsory by Act of Parliament." ukma.org.uk/wp-content/u...

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