Metrication UK
LightNews LightNews
banner
metrication.uk
Metrication UK
@metrication.uk
36 followers 16 following 61 posts
Going Metric in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 metrication.uk 📏 ⚖️ 🌡️ 🚗

All things related to the UK's still-to-be-completed metrication programme
Posts Replies Media Videos
metrication.uk
The musical film "Half a Sixpence" was released in 1967 - the same year in which the last pre-decimal coins 🪙 were minted.

"Half of Two and a Half new pence" didn't have quite the same ring to it, but that didn't stop #decimalisation 55 years ago today.

#OTD #OnThisDay #DecimalDay
2 decimal coins from 1971: A 2 NEW PENCE coin, and a ½ NEW PENNY coin.
February 15, 2026 at 12:23 PM
Reposted by Metrication UK
abc-news.bsky.social
Australia marks 60 years since switching to decimal currency: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-14/australia-marks-60-years-since-switching-to-decimal-currency/106328652
Australia marks 60 years since switching to decimal currency
Six decades ago, Australia swapped its old currency for dollars and cents. A catchy jingle sung by a cartoon character named Dollar Bill helped the country adapt.
www.abc.net.au
February 13, 2026 at 10:00 PM
Reposted by Metrication UK
oldukprintads.bsky.social
Feb 1971: Groceries ad from Tesco

(+Wincarnis "Red Label" TONIC WINE; Emva Cream Cyprus Sherry; Home Grown Cox's Apples; Our own cooked GAMMON HAM; Robinsons Barley Water; Gales Honey; Blue Band Margarine; Fray Bentos Steak & Kidney Pies; Cadbury's MINI ROLLS; Heinz Sponge Puddings, and more)
This is an advertisement for a Tesco supermarket in the UK from 1971. It features a range of groceries, including tinned goods, meat, and toiletries, as well as the option to purchase Green Shield Stamps. It is a promotional advertisement during the change over to decimal currency. Trust Tesco to see you through the “Change-over”! All Tesco.Stores will be closed on Monday February 15th to prepare for Decimalisation. All Tesco Stores will open on Tuesday February 16th at the normal time and will stay open each day for the remainder of the week. From Tuesday February 16th all Tesco Stores will be Decimal Shops, All your present money will be accepted, but change will be given in Decimal Coinage only. Conversion of all £ s. d. prices to £p prices are strictly in accordance with the official shoppers table (a copy of which will be prominently displayed in every store.) All Tesco staff have received training to give advice and assistance to our customers. Green Shield Stamps:- Your entitlement to these will remain the same. One stamp for every 21p (6d) spent. Therefore you still get 40 stamps for each £1 spent, and of course, twice that number on Double Stamp Days (except on Wines, Spirits & Cigarettes). Home'n'Wear CLOTHING FOR ALL THE FAMILY HOUSEHOLD TEXTILES * HOUSEWARES QUALITY + VARIETY + VALUE GOODS EXCHANGED OR MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE
February 13, 2026 at 7:55 AM
Reposted by Metrication UK
oldukprintads7890s.bsky.social
Feb 1971: Bank Statement ad from Lloyds Bank

«Computers. Decimals. The postal strike.»
This Lloyds Bank advert highlights the efficient processing of decimalised bank statements by computers. However, a postal strike means statements cannot be delivered. Customers are invited to collect their statement from their local branch. Computers. Decimals. The postal strike. A topical statement from Lloyds Bank On D-Day (Feb. 15th) Lloyds Bank computers finished printing out over 700 miles of decimalised bank statements right on schedule. But while the postal strike lasts we're unable to deliver them. If you're a Lloyds Bank customer and you'd like to see your D-Day balance, then please call at your branch. You'll find your statement ready for collection. Lloyds Bank looks after people like you
February 10, 2026 at 5:50 PM
Reposted by Metrication UK
ukma.org.uk
Today marks the 200th anniversary of the end of the traditional ale pint 🍺.

Imperial measures led to a reduction in the size of a #pint of #beer, from about 578 ml to about 568 ml.

#metric #metrication #OTD

Our latest blog article:

The end of the traditional pint
metricviews.uk/2026/01/01/t...
A traditional glass mug of beer
January 1, 2026 at 6:45 AM
metrication.uk
56 years ago today was the last chance to use the HALF CROWN coin, before the switch to #decimal currency.

There were four crowns to the pound, but crown coins weren't in general use.

When learning about money, any child asking what it was worth would be told, "TWO AND SIX".

#OTD #decimalisation
A 1967 half-crown coin
December 31, 2025 at 12:59 PM
metrication.uk
🎄 🎅 Merry Christmas 🎁 🎄

A metric-size Robertson's Christmas Pudding 🥳

400 g METRIC PACK - circa 1980

#ChristmasPudding #metricpack #metrication #metric #metricsystem #Christmas
A Robertson's Christmas Pudding in its box 400 g METRIC PACK circa 1980
December 25, 2025 at 9:21 AM
Reposted by Metrication UK
oldukprintads7890s.bsky.social
Top 30 posts of 2025, #30...
oldukprintads7890s.bsky.social Old UK Print Ads 70s/80s/90s @oldukprintads7890s.bsky.social · Aug 17
Aug 1976: Sugar ad from The Metrication Board

«...AND A KILOGRAM OF SUGAR, PLEASE”.»
This advert explains that sugar is now being sold by metric weight, with the old 2lb pack now replaced by the kilogram (kg) size. A kilogram pack contains 10% more sugar than a 2lb pack, and metric packs are clearly marked. ...AND A KILOGRAM OF SUGAR, PLEASE”. The kilogram pack contains about 10 per cent more sugar than the 2-lb pack.* Sugar is starting to be sold by metric weight. This means that, more and more, you will find the old 2-lb pack replaced by the kilogram (kg) size. *1 kg is approximately 2-2 lb. Metric packs are clearly marked like this: Kilogram packs contain about 10 per cent more sugar (a little over 3 oz) than 2-lb packs; so you would expect to pay that much more for them. The Metrication Board 22 Kingsway, London WC2B 6LE.
December 18, 2025 at 8:16 AM
Reposted by Metrication UK
metrication.uk
Here's a 1973 edition of the leaflet ...
#GoingMetric
GOING METRIC Check List for Managers MM1 August 1973 Metrication Board
December 10, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Reposted by Metrication UK
oldukprintads7890s.bsky.social
Dec 1972: Metrication Check List for Managers ad from The Metrication Board

(+Regular publications related to metrication)

«Business is simpler in metric.»
This advertisement encourages managers to adopt the metric system in their businesses, highlighting the increasing metrication in Britain by 1975. It offers a checklist for managers to arrange their metrication programme to get the maximum benefit at the minimum cost. Business is simpler in metric. By 1975 Britain will be substantially metric. This Government has endorsed the target set in 1965. Already by 1973 the construction industry will have completed their changeover. By 1975 the engineering industry will be 75% metric. Most industrial materials are already available in metric. Examples are steel, non-ferrous metals, timber, building materials. If you're responsible for your firm's future you need to know about metrication. To help your changeover the Metrication Board has published a ten-point Check List for Managers. A step-by-step leaflet advising you how to arrange your metrication programme to get the maximum benefit at the minimum cost. Send for the Check List today. Please place my company on your mailing list for regular publications and send me “Going Metric-Check List for Managers.” Type of Business Name Position Company Address SD 1 Send to: Information Office, Metrication Board, 22 Kingsway, London WC2B 6LE
December 10, 2025 at 5:50 PM
metrication.uk
Setting speed limits in km/h is so difficult that only 98 of the world's 100 largest countries have managed to do it.
December 9, 2025 at 3:35 PM
metrication.uk
On this day 60 years ago, the British standard for screw threads 🔩 went #metric.

On 23 November 1965, major sectors of British industry approved a BSI policy statement urging British firms to make ISO metric threads their first choice for all future designs.

#OTD #metricsystem #metrication #ISO
a cross section diagram of an ISO metric screw thread
November 23, 2025 at 10:30 AM
metrication.uk
On this day 50 years ago, breakfast cereals went #metric.

On 1 November 1975, METRIC PACK sizes ⚖️ were introduced for flaked breakfast cereals 🌽❄️. Imperial pack sizes were withdrawn on 30 June 1978.

#OTD #metricsystem #metrication
A 1975 METRIC PACK of Kellogg's Corn Flakes. The back of the pack includes information about the switch to metric pack sizes: "Kellogg's and Metrication You will probably have noticed from the front of this packet that it has a new metric weight. It now contains 500 grammes (1.10 lb) of Corn Flakes in place of the previous 16 oz. Since the Weights and Measures Act, 1963, we have had to pack our flaked breakfast cereals in multiples of 4 ounces. This was the main reason why Corn Flakes were packed in 8 oz, 12 oz and 16 oz packet sizes. But now that Britain is changing to the metric weight system the Law has been amended to permit flaked cereals to be packed and sold in set metric quantities. This Giant pack, which previously held 16 ounces, will now contain 500 grammes (one of the new set quantities). So there are now 10% more Corn Flakes in the packet."
November 1, 2025 at 9:40 AM
Reposted by Metrication UK
ukma.org.uk
The cost can be reduced if the speed limit reduction takes place at the same time as a switch to metric speed limits.

“30” signs could be retained, but perhaps with the addition of a temporary “km/h” plate.

Metric also provides a more flexible range of speed limits.

metricviews.uk/2023/09/01/o...
Opportunity missed to save £ millions on new speed limit signs in Wales
An opportunity to save millions of pounds on new speed limit signs in Wales has been missed by the failure to synchronise the lowering of the default speed limit on roads in built-up areas in Wales…
metricviews.uk
October 4, 2025 at 8:11 AM
metrication.uk
For 50 years now, the familiarity of the 1 kg bag of sugar has made it easy to visualise body weight ⚖️ changes in kilograms

To visualise weight changes in stones 🪨, we have ... oh!

The sale of #METRIC PACKs of sugar was first permitted 50 years ago today, on 1 October 1975

#thinkmetric #OTD #KISS
A 1976 Silver Spoon 1 kilogram METRIC PACK of sugar
October 1, 2025 at 5:51 AM
metrication.uk
#OTD On this day, 50 years ago, the Post Office 🏤 went #metric 📏.

On 29 September 1975, all ⚖️ weight-based 📮📦 postal tariffs switched to the #metric system.

POSTER: "Mail goes metric from 29 Sept"
metrication.uk/post-office/
A 1975 Post Office poster titled, "Mail goes metric from 29 Sept". Some examples of the new weight steps INLAND letters 60g 100g 150g 200g 250g 300g 350g 400g 450g 500g 750g parcels 1kg 2kg 3kg 4kg 5kg 6kg 7kg 8kg 9kg 10kg OVERSEAS air-letters - Europe 20g 50g 100g air-letters - Outside Europe 15g 30g 40g Imperial equivalents for the new weight values are given in brackets.
September 29, 2025 at 6:08 AM
Reposted by Metrication UK
oldukprintads7890s.bsky.social
Sep 1974: Metric System ad from The Metrication Board

(+Cement; Plaster; Linseed Oil Putty; Deodorants; Cosmetics; Shaving Creams; Hair Sprays; Pharmaceutical Products; Dog Meat; and After Shave)

«Weighing up the kilogram.»
An old advert for the metric system of measurement. It is saying that 1 kilogram weighs 2 1/4lbs. Many goods are sold in quantities of 250 grams, 500 grams, etc. Weighing up the kilogram. Virtually every country in the world is metric, or, like Britain, is changing to metric now. Under the metric system the kilogram is used for measuring weight. It is pronounced 'killo-gram.' When you buy in metric weights, it may help to remember that 500 grams (half a kilogram) is just over 1 lb. Many goods are sold in quantities of 250 grams (1 kilogram), 500 grams (kilogram), etc. Already examples of goods sold by the kilogram are in the shops, for example-putty, plaster, and cement. Deodorants, cosmetics, shaving creams, hair sprays and many pharmaceutical products have been sold in metric sizes for some time, and most of the bathroom scales you can buy show dual marking. Where to get more information. More information is available from your local Trading Standards Officer or Consumer Protection Officer (Inspector of Weights and Measures), from your Citizens' Advice Bureau or your local Women's Institute or Rural Community Council. The Metrication Board 22 Kingsway, London WC2B 6LE Britain in the Metric World.
September 18, 2025 at 5:50 AM
metrication.uk
2025 is the 50th anniversary of Rugby's switch to the #metric system for all measurements.

In 1975, the 25-yard line became the 22-metre line, and the crossbar height was set at 3.0 metres.

passport.world.rugby/laws-of-the-...
A diagram of a Rugby Union pitch showing all dimensions in round metric values. It includes the 22-metre and 10-metre lines.
September 6, 2025 at 3:59 PM
metrication.uk
METRIC PACKS of Homepride flour in the "Homepride Selection" catalogue leaflet, 1979

bsky.app/profile/oldu...
METRIC PACKS of Homepride flour in the "Homepride Selection" catalogue leaflet, 1979
August 17, 2025 at 10:58 PM
metrication.uk
Sugar in 1 kg METRIC PACKS first appeared in the shops 49 years ago, in the summer of 1976:

bsky.app/profile/oldu...
A 1 kilogram METRIC PACK of sugar - 1976
August 17, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Reposted by Metrication UK
oldukprintads7890s.bsky.social
Aug 1979: Butter ad from The Metrication Board

«And now butter goes metric too. The new metric packs weigh 10% more than the old sizes.»
This advertisement from The Metrication Board is designed to inform the public that butter is going metric. It states that new metric packs will weigh just over 10% more than the old sizes. And now butter goes metric too. The new metric packs weigh 10% more than the old sizes. Butter is going metric in the shops now. After 26 August all prepacked butter will be sold in metric quantities. On the right is the half pound pack of butter you're used to. The new 250 gram metric pack is below. A new 500 gram pack replaces the old 1 lb pack too. These new metric packs weigh just over 10% more. So they will go further - but they may cost you more for the extra butter. When it comes to cooking, for metric recipes measure only in metric. Or you can still use your old recipe books if you just weigh out ounces from the metric packs. Whatever you do, don't confuse yourself by mixing grams and ounces. Our 'Shopping in Metric 1979' leaflet helps you to compare weight and prices between the new packs and the old. Ask your retailer for one or write direct to us.
August 11, 2025 at 7:50 PM
metrication.uk
#OTD 44 years ago, #metric restriction signs 🚗 were introduced on 🇬🇧 UK roads.

From 13 August 1981, metric units 📏 could be used for the first time to indicate height, width and length restrictions on 🇬🇧 UK road signs.

Weight restriction signs went metric on the same day.

#metrication #roadsigns
An imperial width restriction sign indicating a width restriction of 6 feet 6 inches, together with an equivalent metric sign from 1981 showing a width restriction of 2.0 metres. #metrication #metricsystem #metric
August 13, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Reposted by Metrication UK
metrication.uk
For fun, here's an expanded version of the diagram, with a few more imperial units added, like cubic inches.

How many people know all the imperial conversion factors?

For anyone daunted by learning the metric system 📏, the equivalent #metric chart is included alongside.
A diagram comparing imperial and metric units of volume. 1 quart = 8 gills 1 firkin = 4.5 pecks 1 pint = 34.677 cubic inches 1 litre = 1000 millilitres @metrication.uk
July 26, 2025 at 3:13 PM
metrication.uk
#OTD 57 years ago, the Government confirmed that 1975 would be the end date for the UK's #metrication programme.

Speed limits were to go #metric in 1973, but that date was postponed.

50 years after the 1975 target date, we are still waiting for the Government to complete its metrication programme.
The Government agree that programmes for the different sectors of the economy can be properly co-ordinated only if there is some general guidance on the timing. They therefore accept the end of 1975 as the target date for all provisional programmes, with the qualification that if this date proves to be unreasonable for any particular sector, the programme may aim at an earlier or later date. Anthony Wedgwood Benn, Minister of Technology 26 July 1968 METRICATION HC Deb 26 July 1968 vol 769 cc1167-711167
July 26, 2025 at 4:11 PM
metrication.uk
55 years ago this month, the Commonwealth Games went #metric.

In July 1970, athletics and swimming events switched to the metric system.

In track events 🏃, metres replaced yards.
In field events, metres (to 2 decimal places) 📏 replaced feet and inches.

In swimming 🏊, metres replaced yards.
Four athletics programmes for the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh.
July 19, 2025 at 7:38 PM