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Tips & Techniques

Try the Metric System for Faster Measurements

Whole numbers can be easier to manage than fractions, especially when math is involved.

By Charles Miller Issue 303 - November 2021

A few years ago, as an experiment, I trimmed out a few rooms in my house using the metric system for measuring. After some initial awkwardness, I found it was faster and more accurate than using inches. I think it’s because metric measurements use whole numbers, which are almost always easier to manage than fractions— especially when math is involved.

For example, can you divide 1044 in half faster than 411⁄8 in.? How about adding a couple of 14-mm reveals to a 1133-mm window case, versus 9⁄16-in. reveals to a 445⁄8-in. case? I now use the metric system almost exclusively. The only downside to going metric in the United States is that nobody else will understand your measurements. I highly recommend taking the measuring system the majority of the world uses for a test drive.

— Tim Samuel, Kent, Wash.

Edited by Charles Miller

Published in Fine Homebuilding #303


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  1. user-6930882 | Nov 04, 2021 03:01pm | #1

    10ths of a foot has worked for me for 45 years. Engineers use tenths. I got tired of 4" partitions on building plans when the rough dimensions were actually 3.5" and the drywalled finished partitions were 4.5". The carpenter would layout from one side of the house and the plumber from the other end and the pipe wouldn't fit into the partition. If the plan dimensions were figured using tenths and converted on the plans to inches, no matter which end of the building the trades began their layout from the plumbing fit properly into the walls. Of course, if everyone used engineering rules and tapes the plan dimensions could be shown in 10ths.

  2. user-7683413 | Nov 28, 2022 01:22pm | #2

    remodelermike
    I also use metric measurements i was taught the metric system since i was in fourth grade in school overseas and found it very difficult to use inches metric is far easier to use and i have taught all my subs how to use it as it is far more acurate especially when measuring tile and given them metric tapes which i brought back with me after a visit to the country i was born in

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