this post was submitted on 24 Apr 2026
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But you don't switch in one go, so costs can be spread out over years. First you would do double labeling, roll that out slowly, and with time the customary units slowly fades out.
Sure, I get that, and we already have dual labeling on a lot of stuff, maybe even most of the stuff. The problem there is that nobody actually reads the other labeling, so they are also not learning.
They need to go back to what they were doing before: First decide that we're moving over so that mandates can be enforced.
Second, do what you were saying, and do dual labeling during the transition--but make metric most the prominent.
Third, educate kids in schools to use it (this already happens to a degree).
Fourth, launch massive informational campaigns to teach people how and why to use metric.
Fifth, step down the dual labeling gradually as more people are comfortable with the new units.
I expect there to be a long tail of non-metric units in use (see UK), but if we can switch more things over that is still an improvement. Heck, I'll even take them just decimalizing and removing some smaller units (like lbs/oz).
The history of metrication in the US is as frustrating as it is an interesting read. It can certainly be done and many countries have shown it can be done, but it takes commitment and support from the highest levels.