Key Differences Between Customary and Metric Units
Customary systems are the systems for weights and measures that are used in the United States and other countries. We find the usage of customary systems for measuring length, weight, capacity and temperature. These customary systems measure everything in terms of units. Like we measure length and distances in the customary system in inches, feet, yards and miles.
For example, a system based on the yard is a unit of length, the pound is the unit of weight, the gallon is the unit of liquid volume, and the bushel is the unit of dry volume.
Here, on this page, we will cover more about the customary system and the units in detail.
Key Concepts of US-Based Customary Units
Table for Customary Equivalent of Length and Distances
Table for the US Customary Weight Units
Table for the U.S Customary Capacity or Volume Measurement Units
Customary Units for Temperature Measurement
The U.S. customary unit for temperature measurement is °Fahrenheit. So, the °F value is given as;
1 °C = 33.8 °F
MCQs on Customary Systems and Units
1. 8 yards is equal to how many feet?
23
21
24
26
Answer: option c
We know that 1 yard = 3 feet, so 8 feet = 3 times of yards value, i.e., 8 x 3 = 24.
Therefore, 8 yards is equal to 24 feet is the answer.
2. How many ounces make 12 pounds?
80
56
64
192
Answer: option d
We know that 1 pound is equal to 16 ounces. Here, we have to find ‘?’ ounces to make 12 pounds. Let us solve this problem:
1 pound = 16 ounces
? = 12 pounds
16 12
16 (10 + 2)
(16 10) + (16 2)
160 + 32
=192
So, 192 ounces make 12 pounds, which is our required answer among the four options.
3. 2 gallons equal how many pints?
16 pints
18 pints
19 pints
20 pints
Answer: option c
1 gallon is equal to 9.6076 U.S. liquid pint. So, 2 gallons = 12 times the 9.6076 U.S. liquid pint. So, we have
2 9.6076
=(2 9.0000) + (2 0.6076)
= 18.0000 + 1.2152
= 19.2152 approx. equal to 19 pints
So, our answer is option C i.e., 19 pints.
4. Convert 5°C into Fahrenheits.
338 °F
3.38 °F
190 °F
0.338 °F
Answer: option c
We know that 1°C = 38 °F, so 5°C becomes 5 times the value of 38°F, so here we have:
5 38
= 5 (30 + 8)
=(5 30) + (5 8)
=150 + 40
= 190
So, the desired answer of the °F equivalent for 5°C is 190°F.
This was all about customary systems and their equivalent units for lengths and distances, volume, and temperature. Going through the MCQs solved above will help you give a clear understanding of this concept.
FAQs on Customary Systems and Units Explained
1. What is the customary system of measurement?
The customary system of measurement is the primary system used in the United States for measuring quantities like length, weight, and capacity. Instead of being based on powers of ten like the metric system, it uses specific, traditional units. For example, we measure a person's height in feet and inches and buy milk by the gallon, which are both part of the customary system.
2. What are the common customary units for length, weight, and capacity?
The customary system uses different sets of units for measuring different attributes. The most common ones you will encounter are:
- For Length: Inches (in), feet (ft), yards (yd), and miles (mi).
- For Weight: Ounces (oz), pounds (lb), and tons.
- For Capacity (Volume): Fluid ounces (fl oz), cups, pints (pt), quarts (qt), and gallons (gal).
3. How does the U.S. customary system differ from the metric system?
The main differences between the U.S. customary and metric (SI) systems are in their structure and global usage. The metric system is base-10, making conversions easy (e.g., 100 centimetres in 1 metre). The customary system uses non-decimal conversions (e.g., 12 inches in 1 foot, 5280 feet in 1 mile). While the metric system is used by most of the world for science and daily life, the customary system is primarily used in the United States.
4. How do you convert between different units within the customary system?
To convert between units in the customary system, you must multiply or divide by a specific conversion factor. The rule is:
- To convert from a larger unit to a smaller unit, you multiply. For example, to find how many inches are in 4 feet, you multiply by 12 (4 ft × 12 = 48 inches).
- To convert from a smaller unit to a larger unit, you divide. For example, to find how many pounds are in 32 ounces, you divide by 16 (32 oz ÷ 16 = 2 pounds).
5. In what real-life situations would a student typically use customary units?
While the metric system is common in science, you use customary units in many everyday situations in the United States. For example:
- Cooking and Baking: Recipes often call for ingredients in cups, pints, and fluid ounces.
- Personal Measurement: Height is measured in feet and inches, and body weight in pounds.
- Travel: Road signs show distances in miles and speed limits in miles per hour (mph).
- Groceries: Liquids like juice or milk are sold in gallons, quarts, or pints.
6. Is the U.S. customary system the same as the British Imperial system?
No, they are not the same, although they are very similar and share historical roots. While many units for length and weight (like feet, pounds, and miles) are identical, there is a significant difference in the units for capacity or volume. For example, a U.S. gallon is smaller than a British Imperial gallon. Therefore, it is important not to use them interchangeably, especially when dealing with liquid measurements.
7. Why is it useful for students to understand both the customary and metric systems?
Understanding both measurement systems is crucial for navigating our modern world. Knowledge of the customary system is essential for daily life in the United States. However, the metric system is the global standard for science, technology, and trade. Knowing both allows you to interpret scientific data, understand product specifications from other countries, and easily convert measurements when traveling or working on international projects.
