Metrication in Sweden

Sweden adopted the metric system in 1878, using a ten-year transition period from 1879 to 1888.^[1]

History

The metric system was adopted by law on 22 November 1878.^[1] This law stated that the introduction should take place progressively from 1879 to 1888, and that the metric system should be used exclusively from the beginning of 1889.

Current exceptions

• Television sets and displays of any kind have their diagonal measured in inches.
• Lumber and pipes are sold in metric length, but their width, thickness and diameter are measured in both inches and in metres.
• Textile is normally sold in metres but the thread count is in threads per square inch.
• Tire pressure is measured in both bar and Pascal.
• The price of gold, is quoted in US dollars per ounce.
• McDonald's sells its Quarter Pounder with cheese as Quarter Pounder Cheese
• The number of teeth on a saw is measured in teeth per inch (TPI)
• Hammers are measured in millimetres but weighed in ounces.
• Watering hoses' length are measured in metres, but the diameter is measured in inches.
• Sailing yachts are measured in feet.
• Distances larger than 10 kilometres is informally given in mil (Swedish mile=10 km), however on road signs etc., km is used.
• World oil price is quoted in US dollars per Barrels
• The metric yardstick is called tumstock, instead of the recommended meterstock or måttstock
• The power of fuel powered engines is given in horse power instead of watt, but electrical engines in watt.

References

1. Metersystemet in Nordisk familjebok (1913) (Swedish)