Measuring Cup

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February 7th, 2010 admin Leave a comment Go to comments

Measuring Cup
Why is an "Imperial Pint" 20 ounces, but when I use a measuring cup, it turns out to be 18 ounces?

An Imperial Pint is apparently 20 ounces, but I used a measuring cup and it only turned out to be 18 ounces from the cup. Also, I measured a US Pint, which is supposed to be 16 ounces, but it turned out to be 14 with the measuring cup. And if an Imperial Pint is truly 20 ounces, then why can I fill it up with 1 tall beer can, which is 16 ounces?

Aside from the metric system, there are two other main systems of measurement in use today: the Imperial system of measurement and the USA system of measurement. The two systems are often confused with each other and sometimes one or the other terms are used to collectively refer to both systems (in particular, Europeans often use the term Imperial system to refer to either systems). However, despite similarities between the two, they are different systems. To properly explain their relationship, one needs to consider the history behind them.

Both the Imperial system and the USA system of measurement are based on the older English units of measurement. Prior to 1066 the English units included Anglo-Saxon measures (likely of ancient Germanic origin). After the Norman conquest (Battle of Hastings in 1066), the Normans re-introduced Roman measures, resulting in a system including ancient Anglo-Saxon measures and Roman measures. These units were standardised by the Magna Carta of 1215 and were periodically reviewed and updated (notably in 1496, 1588 and 1758). The UK Weights and Measures Act of 1824 was one such review, which not only modified the types and sizes of the units, but renamed them from the English units of measurement to the Imperial System of Measurement. This new standard was then introduced throughout the UK and its colonies at this time.

However, the USA had become independent prior to this and consequently did not adopt the Imperial system of measurement. Instead, they had developed their own measurement standards, based on the English units system which was used throughout the States prior to independence. As a result, the older English units developed into the USA system of measurement in the USA and into the Imperial system of measurement in the UK and countries colonised by the UK. (http://www.france-property-and-information.com/imperial-system-and-history.htm)

I hope this helps.