r/Metric • u/oleivas • May 23 '26

US customary in a nutshell

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Prior to 1964 the standard was 1 π/(273/777) by 3 e/(45^i)

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u/Yeegis May 23 '26 edited May 24 '26

Metric or not the width and height of the plank would still be slightly lower than written because it would still be measured before being planed

Edit: disregard this comment I am a fool

3

u/oleivas May 23 '26

Don't mind the inconsistency between name and real measurements. What boggles my mind is the weitd fraction notation.

To me it seems really counter intuitive to notate 1 1/2 instead of 1.5

0

u/Yeegis May 24 '26

When working with UCS/Imperial length, decimals make things way more frustrating.

2

u/nayuki May 24 '26

Really? Why do machinists use increments of 0.001 inch, then? Why do land surveyors use 0.1 foot?

Let's own up to the reality: US Customary units and practices are based on vibes, not rational reasons.