Size matters: When it’s time to convert

When you choose to get your metal supplies from us, it doesn’t matter whether you require non-standard or standard sizes, or whether you work in metric or imperial, because our stock accommodates all size requirements – in either system of measurement.

We realise that when collaborating on a manufacturing or engineering project internationally, reading metric measurements and converting to your preferred imperial, or vice versa, can leave you with a bit of a headache. But don’t worry – when you order from Metal Supplies, you can use our handy conversion tables to assist with such calculations.

The Difference

Back in the late 18^th century, manufacturers, engineers and scientists put their heads together to try and come up with one single unified standard system of measuring, but couldn’t come to a consensus. And so the two systems we know today were both embraced: the Imperial System, which uses yards, feet and inches to measure length, and the Metric System, which uses millimetres, centimetres and kilometres.

Fast forward to 1994: most countries in the world have adopted the metric system, with the exception of the US, Burma, Yemen and Brunei. But in Britain today, we’re well known for using a combination of the two.  That isn’t the only reason we use the two systems here at Metal Supplies. As we ship our metals internationally, we know  the importance of an inclusive system of stockholding, with both systems of measurement being embraced, allowing us to fulfill any order, from any country.

Length Formulae

Weight Formulae

Metal Formulae

The formula to work out the weight in KG’s of mild steel sheet or plate:

Example 2500x1250x5mm

Formula: 2.5 x1.25x5x7.856 (g/cm3) =122.75KG’s