What is the measurement system in Australia?

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Australias primary measurement system is the International System of Units (SI), the modern metric system. While predominantly metric, specific exceptions exist, legally defined and detailed within the National Measurement Regulations.
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Measurement System in Australia

Australia’s primary measurement system is the International System of Units (SI), which is the modern metric system. The SI is a coherent system of units that uses seven base units to define all other units.

However, there are some specific exceptions to the use of the SI in Australia. These exceptions are legally defined and detailed within the National Measurement Regulations.

The most common exceptions are:

  • The avoirdupois system: This system is used for measuring weight and mass, and includes units such as ounces, pounds, and tons.
  • The imperial system: This system is used for measuring length and distance, and includes units such as inches, feet, and miles.
  • The apothecaries’ system: This system is used for measuring quantities of drugs and medicines, and includes units such as grains, drams, and ounces.

While these exceptions still exist, the SI is becoming increasingly common in all areas of Australian life. This is largely due to the fact that the SI is a more convenient and efficient system of units than the traditional imperial and avoirdupois systems.

Here is a table that summarizes the different units of measurement and their corresponding SI equivalents:

Imperial/Avoirdupois Unit SI Equivalent
Inch 2.54 centimeters
Foot 0.3048 meters
Yard 0.9144 meters
Mile 1.6093 kilometers
Ounce (weight) 28.3495 grams
Pound (weight) 0.453592 kilograms
Ton (weight) 1016.047 kilograms

It is important to note that these are just a few of the most common exceptions to the use of the SI in Australia. There are many other specific exceptions that are used in different industries and professions.