Metric system vs Imperial system: What are they?
Understanding both metric and imperial measurements is important to the success of home cooks when you’re navigating recipes so that you can achieve consistent results. In this blog post, I’ll highlight the key differences between the two systems and provide helpful conversion tips to help you in the kitchen.
What are the metric system and imperial system and what’s the difference?
Here in Canada, we use the metric system. We measure in kilometers.
What does this have to do with cooking and recipes?
Well, these two different measuring systems are used in everything, including measuring food and ingredients. From cups, to ounces, to grams, and pounds, these two systems both exist. Let’s sort them all out into tables and graphs so it’s easier to understand and easier to convert when you’re reading a recipe.
I’ll include printable graphics for you in this blog post, in color and in black and white, so you can, screenshot them on your phone, hang them in your pantry or kitchen, or tuck them in your recipe binder for easy reference.
The Metric System
The metric system is used globally and is the standard system of measurement in most countries around the world.
What are the basics of the metric system?
The metric system is a decimal-based system of measurement, that was designed to provide a consistent and easily adaptable framework for measurements across various fields.
Its primary units include grams for mass, liters for volume, and meters for length, with prefixes such as kilo-, centi-, and milli- used to denote multiples or fractions of these base units.
Common Metric Measurements
- Length: The basic unit of length is the meter (m).
- Mass: The basic unit of mass is the gram (g).
- Volume: The basic unit of volume is the liter (l).
- Temperature: The basic unit of temperature is degrees Celsius (°C).
Common Metric Conversions
This list is short because converting with the decimal system is fairly straightforward.
- 1000 meters in 1 kilometer
- 1000 milligrams in 1 gram
- 1000 grams in 1 kilogram
- 1000 milliliters in 1 liter
The Imperial System
The imperial system is primarily used in three specific regions – the USA, Liberia, and Myanmar.
The United Kingdom uses the British imperial system alongside the metric system. Imperial units are commonly used for road distances (miles, yards), beer and milk (pints – although their pints are 20 oz vs 16 oz in the US), and body measurements (stones and pounds).
What are the basics of the imperial system?
The imperial system features a collection of units for measuring length, weight, volume, and capacity, including ounces, pounds, pints, gallons, inches, feet, and yards.
Unlike the metric system, the imperial system lacks a standardized base unit structure, resulting in a more complex and varied set of measurements.
Common Imperial Measurements
- Length: The basic units of length are Inch (in), Foot (ft), Yard (yd), and Mile (mi).
- Mass: The basic units of mass are Ounce (oz) and Pound (lb).
- Volume: The basic units of volume are Fluid Ounce (fl oz), Cup, Pint (pt), Quart (qt), and Gallon (gal).
- Temperature: The basic unit of temperature is Degrees Fahrenheit (°F).
Common Imperial Conversions
Unlike the metric system, conversion between imperial units aren’t as quick and easy. Here are some common conversions:
- Length
- 1 foot = 12 inches
- Mass
- 1 pound = 16 ounces
- Volume
- 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons
- 1 fluid ounce = 2 tablespoons
- 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces
- 1 pint = 2 cups = 16 fluid ounces
- 1 quart = 2 pints
- 1 gallon = 4 quarts
Metric vs Imperial Conversion Charts
Understanding how to convert between metric and imperial measurements is essential for following recipes from around the world.
In this section you’ll find easy-to-use tables that will help you quickly and accurately switch between these two systems, ensuring your dishes turn out perfectly every time.
Whether you’re measuring flour, sugar, or liquids, these charts will be your go-to resource for successful cooking and baking.
Find links to the downloadable, printable version below each chart.
Imperial to Metric Volume conversions
Accurate volume measurements are crucial for cooking and baking success, but with so many different measurements, it’s tricky to remember. Below you’ll find a comprehensive guide to converting common imperial volume measurements, such as teaspoons, tablespoons, cups, pints, and gallons, to their metric equivalents based on milliliters and liters.
These charts will help you seamlessly adapt your recipes and ensure precise ingredient measurements, no matter where the recipe originates. Easily find out how many milliliters in a cup, milliliters in a pint, and liters in a gallon.
| Imperial Volume | Metric Volume (milliliters or ml) | Metric Volume (Liters or L) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon | 5 ml | 0.00 L |
| 1 tablespoon | 15 ml | 0.01 L |
| 1 fluid ounce | 30 ml | 0.03 L |
| 1/4 cup | 59 ml | 0.06 L |
| 1/2 cup | 118 ml | 0.12 L |
| 1 cup | 237 ml | 0.24 L |
| 1 pint | 473 ml | 0.47 L |
| 1 quart | 946 ml | 0.95 L |
| 1 US gallon | 3785 ml | 3.785 L |
Download the printable imperial to metric volume conversion chart.
Download the imperial to metric volume conversion chart for iPhone.
Metric to Imperial Volume conversions
Cups, fluid ounces, and milliliters are all commonly found in recipe across the internet. Browse below to find out how many milliliters in an ounce, or how many ounces in a cup.
| Metric Volume | Fluid Ounce | Cup | Quart | Gallon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ml | 3.38 | 0.42 | 0.11 | 0.026 |
| 250 ml | 8.45 | 1.06 | 0.26 | 0.066 |
| 500 ml | 16.9 | 2.11 | 0.53 | 0.13 |
| 1 liter | 33.8 | 4.23 | 1.06 | 0.26 |
Download the printable metric to imperial volume conversion chart.
Download the metric to imperial volume conversion chart for iPhone.
Metric to Imperial Weights
The metric system of weight is based on grams and the kilogram, where the imperial system uses ounces and pounds. Below are common conversions, so whether you’re looking for how many grams in a pound, or how many pounds in a kilogram, you’ll find the answer below.
| Metric Grams | Ounces | Pounds |
|---|---|---|
| 50 grams | 1.76 oz | 0.11 lb |
| 100 grams | 3.53 oz | 0.22 lb |
| 250 grams | 8.82 oz | 0.55 lb |
| 500 grams | 17.64 oz | 1.1 lb |
| 1000 grams (1 kilogram) | 35.27 oz | 2.2 lb |
| 2000 grams (2 kilograms) | 70.55 oz | 4.41 lb |
| 5000 grams (5 kilograms) | 176.37 oz | 11.02 lb |
Download the printable metric to imperial weight conversion chart.
Download the metric to imperial weight conversion chart for iPhone.
Imperial to Metric Weights
| Imperial (Ounces and Pounds) | Metric Gram (g) | Metric Kilogram (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 oz | 28 g | 0.028 kg |
| 2 oz | 57 g | 0.057 kg |
| 4 oz | 113 g | 0.113 kg |
| 8 oz | 227 g | 0.227 kg |
| 12 oz | 340 g | 0.340 kg |
| 16 oz (1 lb) | 454 g | 0.454 kg |
| 2 lb | 907 g | 0.907 kg |
| 5 lb | 2268 g | 2.268 kg |
| 10 lb | 4536 g | 4.536 kg |
Download the printable imperial to metric weight conversion chart.
Download the imperial to metric weight conversion chart for iPhone.
Farenheit to Celsius Temperature Conversions
In Canada, the metric system is the official standard for most measurements, including scientific, medical, and everyday use. This means that distances, weights, and temperatures in weather forecasts are all expressed in metric units like kilometers, grams, and Celsius. However, when it comes to cooking, many Canadians still rely on Fahrenheit for certain recipes and kitchen appliances.
This dual approach is a remnant of the country’s historical ties with both imperial and metric systems – Canada officially switched to the Metric system on April 1, 1975. I’m not kidding.
Here is a chart for common Fahrenheit to Celsius Temperature Conversions
| Fahrenheit | Celsius |
|---|---|
| 32°F | 0°C |
| 140°F | 60°C |
| 165°F | 74°C |
| 180°F | 82°C |
| 200°F | 93°C |
| 225°F | 107°C |
| 250°F | 121°C |
| 275°F | 135°C |
| 300°F | 149°C |
| 325°F | 163°C |
| 350°F | 177°C |
| 375°F | 191°C |
| 400°F | 204°C |
| 425°F | 218°C |
| 450°F | 232°C |
| 475°F | 246°C |
| 500°F | 260°C |
Download the printable temperature conversion chart.
Download the temperature conversion chart for iPhone.
Conclusion: Which system is better?
In summary, the metric system is often preferred for its ease of use and universal application, especially in scientific and global contexts.
The imperial system, while more complex, continues to be valued in regions where it is traditionally used and may offer practical advantages in everyday situations.
Ultimately, the choice between the two systems often comes down to personal preference, geography, and specific needs.
If you’re interest in a download with all of the charts in one, comment and let me know and I’ll make one!
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