WEIGHTS, MEASURES AND SIZES
The U.S. uses predominantly the English (inch, foot, yard, mile) system of measurement
at this time. We are gradually changing over to the metric system, but most measurement
continues to be in the English system.
Weights and Measures
Linear Measure
Personal height is expressed in feet and inches. To convert centimeters to inches,
multiply the number of centimeters by .39. To convert inches to centimeters, multiply the
number of inches by 2.54.
1 millimeter
Inches
Feet
.04 inches
Yards
Miles
.39 inches
1 centimeter
2.54 centimeters 1 inch (1")
30.58 centimeter 12 inches
1 meter
1 foot (1")
39.4 inches 3.28 feet 1.09 yards
91.44 centimeter 36 inches
3 feet
1 kilometer
3274 feet
1 yard
1091 yards .62 miles
1.6 kilometers
5280 feet
1760 yards 1 mile
Dry Measure
Americans use the Avoirdupois system based on a pound (lb.) weighing 16 ounces (oz.).
To convert grams to ounces, multiply the number of grams by .03527. To convert ounces
to grams, multiply the number of ounces by 28.35. To convert kilos to pounds, multiply
the number of kilos by 2.2046. To convert pounds to kilos, multiply the number of
pounds by .4536. In the U.S. this system is used for personal weight and for weighing
many commodities including meats, vegetables, sugar, cofee, butter, etc.
1 gram
28.35 grams
Ounces
Pounds
.03527 ounces
1 ounce
.4536 kilograms 16 ounces
.0625 pounds
1 pound
Tons
35.2 ounces
1 kilogram
907.2 kilograms
2.2 pounds
1 metric ton
2,200 pounds 1.1 tons
2,000 pounds 1 ton
Liquid Measure
The English system of liquid measure, as used in the U.S., includes the teaspoon (tsp or
t.), the tablespoon (tbs or T.), the cup (c.), the pint (pt.), the quart (qt.), and the gallon
(gal.). You must use special utensils to measure these amounts correctly. Tableware may
measure incorrect portions.
English/English Equivalent English/International Equivalent
3 t.; 1 T.
1 t.; 5 milliliters
4 T.; 1/4 c. 2 oz.
1 T.; 15 ml.
1 c.; 8 oz.
1 c.; 227 ml.
2 c.; 1 pint 16 oz.
2 c.; 454 ml.
2 pts.; 1 qt. 32 oz.
1 qt.; 1.10 liters
4 qt.; 1 gal.
1 pt.; .55 liter
1 gallon; 3.785 liters
1 liter; 1.057 qt.
Temperature
The Fahrenheit system is used to read temperature in the U.S. To convert Fahrenheit (F)
to Centigrade (C), subtract 32 from F and divide by 1.8. To convert Centigrade to
Fahrenheit, multiply C by 1.8 and add 32. Water boils at 100 C or 212 F. Water freezes at
0 C or 32 F.
Centigrade Fahrenheit
-30
-22
-20
-4
-10
14
0
32
10
50
20
68
30
86
38
100
Cooking Temperatures:
Very slow oven 107 C, 225 F
Hot oven
218 C, 425 F
Slow oven
149 C, 300 F
Very hot oven 232 C, 450-500 F
Moderate oven 177 C, 350 F
Body Temperature
Normal body temperature (by oral thermometer) is 98.6 F or 37.0 C. Normal body
temperature may vary between 97.6 and 99.6 F.
Centigrade Fahrenheit
low fever 37.8 - 38.3 100 - 101
high fever 38.9 - 40.6 102 - 104
Time Zones
The Continental U.S. is divided into four time zones: Eastern, Central, Mountain
and Pacific. Illinois is in the Central Time Zone. Traveling from the west coast to
the east coast, you should set your watch ahead one hour each time you enter a new
time zone.
From the first Sunday in April until the last Sunday in October, the U.S. uses
Daylight Savings Time. The newspapers and television will remind you tha tyou
should set your clocks forward one hour on the last Sunday in April and then set
them back again on the last Sunday in October. There is a saying that helps you to
remember: "Spring ahead, Fall back."
Clothing Sizes
Women's Sizes
Women's clothing is generally divided into two categories: "misses" sizes which are
even numbers (8, 10, 12, 14, 16) and junior sizes which are odd numbers (5, 7, 9, 11,
13). Junior sizes are made slightly smaller, slimmer, and shorter. "Petite" sizes are
designed for women under 5'4" in height; both misses and junior sizes may
sometimes be marked petite.
Misses Dresses, Suits and Coats
Continent 36 38 40 42 44 46
U.K.
30 32 34 36 38 40
U.S.
7-8 9-10 11-12 13-14 15-16 18
Women's Blouses and Sweaters
Continent 40 42 44 46 48 50 52
U.K.
34 36 38 40 42 44 46
U.S.
32(S) 34(M) 36(M) 38(L) 40(L) 42(XL) 44(XL)
Women's Shoes
Continent 36 37 38 39 40
U.S.
56789
Men's Sizes
Men's clothing is usually determined by body measurements, in inches. Suits are
usually determined by chest measurement; pants are determined by waist
measurement and length of the inseam of the leg; shirt sizes are determined by the
measurement around the neck and measurement from the middle fo the back of the
neck across the shoulder down the elbow with arm extended, to the wrist. Most
men's sweaters are marked "small," "medium," "large," and "extra large."
Men's Suits, Sweaters and Overcoats
Continent 44 46 48 50 52 54 56
U.K./U.S. 34 36 38 40 42 44 46
Men's Dress Shirts
Continent 36 37 38 39 41 42 43
U.K./U.S. 14 141/2 15 151/2 16 161/2 17
Men's Shoes
Continent 39 40 41 42 43 43 44 44 45
U.K.
61/2 7 71/2 8 81/2 9 91/2 10 101/2
U.S.
7 71/2 8 81/2 9 91/2 10 101/2 1
Children's Sizes
Children's clothing is sized according to age from infancy through approximately
six years. A child will wear a larger size than what his or her age indicates. Always
consider the child's height and weight and do not hesitate to ask salespeople for
advice or assistance.
Children's Dresses, Suits, Coats
Continent & U.K. 1 2 5 7 9 10 12
U.S.
2 4 6 8 10 13 15
from: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign website: www.uiuc.edu