About UKMA

The UK Metric Association (UKMA) is an open, independent, single-issue organisation. It is not party political.

  • UKMA advocates the full adoption of the international metric system (“Système International” – SI), a single, simple, rational system of measurement, for all official, trade, legal, contractual and other purposes in the United Kingdom as soon as practicable.
  • UKMA campaigns for better consumer protection through accurate and consistent use of metric units of measurement in order to achieve price transparency.
  • UKMA believes that widening the use of the metric system is in the national interest and of benefit to the public.

In 1897, Parliament legalised the metric system for all purposes in Britain, Ireland and the colonies. Progress was slow, but by the middle of the twentieth century, British industry began to recognise that there are substantial benefits to industry, trade and education from implementing the metric system.

In 1965, the Government announced plans to adopt the metric system in the UK within 10 years. This influenced many Commonwealth countries to decide to do likewise. 60 years later, the UK and Canada are the only principal Commonwealth countries that have not yet completed the transition (and even Canada has moved wholly to kilometre-based road signage). Most Britons have now had to use two incompatible systems, but surveys show that many have a poor grasp of measurement in either system. A Department for Education study in 2002 showed, for example, that one in three adults could not calculate the floor area of a room in either metric or imperial!

The “UK Metrication Association” was founded by Chris Keenan in 1999. It began with a website aimed at countering misinformation provided to the media on metrication issues.

In 2001, a group of its supporters held an inaugural meeting and agreed to formally associate. The new Association’s activities began with individuals sharing information and ideas through an e-mail forum. It realised the need to organise more formally in order to be effective. The first Annual Conference took place in September 2001. Its constitution – using the name “UK Metric Association” – was adopted and its first officers were elected in March 2002. UKMA held its first annual general meeting in July 2002. UKMA now holds its AGM and Annual Conference in July each year. The Association’s affairs are managed by a Committee, which currently comprises the Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and three other members, all of whom are elected annually.

Over the years, UKMA has increased its presence on the internet and social media. UKMA can now be found at:

These are available to all, not just members.

UKMA has taken part in government consultations, press interviews and lobbying activities regarding metric issues. As a single-issue organisation, UKMA takes no position on political issues such as relationships between the UK and the EU, but enjoys support from politicians across the political spectrum. Our parliamentary supporters include Lord John Attlee (Conservative) and Lord Neil Kinnock (Labour).

UKMA has published several reports, including:

  • “A very British mess” (2004), which deals with the confusion caused by partial adoption of the metric system and proposes solutions.
  • “Metric signs ahead” (2006) which considers the problems caused by using two measurement systems on our roads and proposes solutions.
  • “Traffic Signs 2.0” (2009), an illustrated leaflet which shows current signage and proposed metric signage based on best practice.
  • “Still a mess” (2014), a measurement unit survey which exposes the continuing failure of UK measurement policy.
  • “Vehicle dimension signs in the UK” (2014), which reviews the current practice for height, width and length restriction signs and examines options for improvement.
  • “Measurement units style guide” (updated 2021), which explains how to write metric symbols correctly based on British and internationally agreed standards and represents best practice.

UKMA produces a quarterly newsletter for members and supporters.

The UK Metric Association is currently the principal campaigner in favour of completing the adoption of metric measures in the UK. UKMA wishes to see:

  • A decisive, comprehensive, consistent and coordinated Government programme to complete the metric changeover.
  • A public campaign to inform the public about the metric system and to show how to use it in everyday life.

UKMA is financed entirely by membership subscriptions and personal donations.

Enquiries relating to membership should be made to the Secretary: secretary@metric.org.uk