How to Learn the English Measurement System

The metric system serves as the universal language of measurement that is recognized and understood regardless of the country of residence or the language spoken. However, the United States has not embraced this system; thus, the measurements used in the country are still in English units. Learning the English measurement system is a straightforward process, involving learning the English symbols, the units used in the measurement and conversion of properties, such as length, mass, volume and temperature.

Instructions

Learning the English Units and Symbols

1

Study the mass units and their symbols. Mass is expressed in pounds with the symbol. In the English system, one pound is made up of 16 ounces, while one ton is made up of 2,000 pounds.

2

Study the volume units and their symbols. In the English system, volume is measured in fluid ounces and gallons.

3

Study the length units and their symbol. The length units in the English system include inch, the foot, the yard and the mile.

4

Study the temperature units and their symbols. The temperature in the English system is measured in Fahrenheit units.

Learning the English System Conversions

5

Learn how to convert English mass. You have to master a conversion factor, such as 437 1/2 grains = 1 ounce; 16 ounces. = 1 pound; 14 pounds = 1 stone; 100 pound = 1 hundredweight; and 20 hundredweights = 1 ton.

6

Learn how to convert English volumes. You have to master a conversion factor, such as 1,728 cubic inches = 1 cubic foot and 27 cubic feet = 1 cubic yard.

7

Learn how to convert English lengths. You have to master a conversion factor, such as 12 inches = 1 foot; 3 feet = 1 yard; 220 yards = 1 furlong; 8 furlongs = 1 mile; 5,280 feet = 1 mile; and 1,760 yards = 1 mile.