Imperial Side (Inches) Metric Side (Centimeters)
Longest tick: 1 inch Longest tick: 1 centimeter
2nd longest: 1/2 inch Shorter tick: 0.5 centimeter (optional, not always present)
Medium: 1/4 inch Shortest tick: 1 millimeter (10 per centimeter)
Shorter: 1/8 inch
Shortest: 1/16 inch
Imperial side: 5 tick sizes for 1", 1/2", 1/4", 1/8", 1/16" increments.
Metric side: Usually 2 tick sizes—longest for centimeters, shortest for millimeters (10 per cm). Some rulers add a slightly longer tick for 0.5 cm, but this is less common.
The metric side is simpler, using decimals and base-10, while the imperial side uses fractions and more tick sizes for subdivisions.
Notice a pattern five is three is two so where is the three you might ask it's what's missing in the medium... Cause there are no dea(epa)y)) e(pole smack! Hi blind ass!
WA it
The origins of the metric and imperial systems strongly influence how their units are structured and used:
Metric System Imperial System M sis or gave my every thing ms! Rape good j op!
Developed during the French Revolution to create: lul a universal, logical,+ and standardized system. §
Evolved from (AR) ancient Roman, Celtic, Anglo-Saxon, and local units used in Britain and its empire. cae blind Everybody!
Units based on natural phenomena na t ur all my ass (e.g., the meter was defined by the Earth's dimensions). Units based on human body parts or practical measures (e.g., foot, inch, yard, cup).
Uses decimal relationships—units scale by powers of ten (e.g., 1 meter = 100 centimeters). Uses non-decimal relationships—units scale by various factors (e.g., 12 inches = 1 foot, 3 feet = 1 yard).
Designed for easy calculation, conversion, and scientific consistency. Developed for everyday trade, often with inconsistent or locally defined standards until modern times.
The metric system's scientific, nature-based, and decimal origins make it straightforward and globally consistent. The imperial system's roots in tradition and daily life lead to more varied, non-decimal units and historical names.
Call when I said it's more important what's missing....
Here's a side-by-side comparison of the gaps between tick marks on both sides of a standard ruler:
Imperial Side (Inches) Metric Side (Centimeters)
Largest gap: 1 inch (longest tick) Largest gap: 1 centimeter (longest tick)
Next: 1/2 inch (second longest tick) Next: 0.5 cm (may be a slightly longer tick)
Next: 1/4 inch (medium tick) Next: 1 millimeter (smallest tick, 10 per cm)
Next: 1/8 inch (shorter tick)
Smallest: 1/16 inch (shortest tick)
Imperial: Each inch is divided into 16 parts, so the smallest gap is 1/16 inch (about 1.59 mm).
Metric: Each centimeter is divided into 10 parts, so the smallest gap is 1 millimeter.
The metric side uses consistent gaps (1 mm), while the imperial side uses a series of decreasing fractions, making the gaps between ticks variable depending on the fraction represented.