Welcome to the UK Metric Association web site
The UK Metric Association (UKMA) is an independent, non-party political, single issue organisation which advocates the full adoption of the international metric system (“Système International” – SI) for all official, trade, legal, contractual and other purposes in the United Kingdom as soon as practicable. We also campaign for better consumer protection through accurate and consistent use of metric units of measurement in order to achieve price transparency.
On our web site you will find the following information:
- accurate information to explain the metric system and to correct misunderstandings and debunk myths
- a demonstration of how the metric system is much easier to use than obsolete imperial
- practical help for people unaccustomed to metric
- correct use of metric units and symbols, including the UKMA Measurement Units Style Guide to explain correct metric usage
- an explanation of why it is in Britain’s interest to complete the changeover to the international metric system as soon as possible
- what you can do to help the UK to complete its metric transition
- responses to public consultations
- sources and references for researchers and journalists
It’s time to move on
Measurement affects us all when we work, buy food, fill up the car with petrol, weigh ourselves, go for a medical check-up, buy a property, go out for a drink, go for a walk or tend the garden. Modern Britain needs the best set of measures available.
Survey exposes the failure of measurement policy in the UK
See our report “Still a Mess” analysing the results of a survey commissioned by UKMA.
UKMA is delighted to welcome our new patron – Professor Jim Al-Khalili
As a scientist, using the metric system on a daily basis is for me more than just a matter of ideology, convenience or a badge of honour showing off my credentials as a progressive global citizen in the modern world. Rather, it is the only way I am able to do good science and develop my understanding and knowledge of the universe.
To my mind, those who resist embracing this utterly sensible measuring system are in a way being antiscientific. While I find it amusing, I am in fact rather delighted when my students admit that they have no idea how long a yard is. This confirms to me that our education system is working.
I do hope that those outmoded – dare I say sometimes even xenophobic – voices calling for a return to the outdated Imperial system fade away and are ignored. While Imperial units themselves can be retained for amusing quiz questions like, “How many chains are there in a furlong?”.
Jim is a leading academic, based at the University of Surrey where he holds a Distinguished Chair in physics as well as a university chair in the public engagement in science.
He is a presenter of TV science documentaries, such as the BAFTA nominated Chemistry: A Volatile History, and hosts the long-running weekly BBC Radio 4 programme, The Life Scientific, in which he excels at making the work of distinguished scientists accessible to the public.
UK Metric Association 