Why don't Americans use celsius like the rest of the world?

Question

TrimmedTip · Accepted Answer

Good question. The short answer is: history and habit.

Here’s the simple breakdown:

The U. S. adopted the Fahrenheit system way back before the metric system became standard worldwide.
By the time Celsius (part of the metric system) became more common globally, America was already deeply invested in Fahrenheit—on thermometers, weather reports, ovens, schools, etc.
Changing would be expensive and confusing for a country that already has a whole system built around Fahrenheit.
Also, there's a cultural resistance to change—many Americans just feel more familiar with Fahrenheit and see no strong reason to switch.
So, it's not that they can't use Celsius—it’s just that they don’t really want to.

OneViewpoint · Accepted Answer

Same reason we're not using the painfully easy metric system and stuck with the pain in the ass British Imperial System. No, not a 1/2 inch wrench, I need a 9/16, no that's a 19/32, too big. For fuck's sake.

Tracy2025 · Accepted Answer

Americans just grew up with Fahrenheit, and it's what they're used to. It's like trying to switch from driving on the right side of the road to the left — technically possible, but why bother if everything around you already works one way?

Also, Fahrenheit actually gives more detail when it comes to everyday weather — like, there’s a bigger range between freezing and boiling, so you can feel the difference between 70°F and 75°F more than you would between 21°C and 24°C.

But yeah, most of it just comes down to tradition and not wanting to change what "ain’t broke," even if the rest of the world’s like, “Come on, guys!” 😄

NordicInScandinavia · Accepted Answer

That would require them having the ability to admit that their way isn't the best way. But we're speaking about the US here, that will collectively never happen - no matter what, then they always the best in all and should change in no ways. (And if they need change, then it is everything AROUND them, and everyone but themselves that need to make changes - take the prices of medicine as a great example here)

FreyaRed · Answer

Americans wanted to adopt metric system just after they separated from England. Metric unit examples were bought and got lost due pirates. Somehow their industry remained on imperial system due laziness.

exitseven · Answer

The real question is why can't the rest of the world use the Fahrenheit scale like civilized countries like the United States do. They need to scrap the metric system in favor of the standard way of measuring.

Shiprex · Answer

It's too conventional for them. Same with using the old British system for weight and length. Odd that they didn't want to be beholden to the British but kept a load of key British only systems of measurement.

RavVid · Answer

Farenheit is good in terms of human comfort indication. I think Canada still allows for human measures whilst still being metric. Seems a good compromise

dustybiker2 · Answer

There is a long list of insane thinking. Starting with them stealing the British theme. Awkward during the olympics only.

DryGermanGuy · Answer

‘Murricans only use freedom units, gnome sane? Besides, Fahrenheit shows bigger numbers and bigger numbers are always better!!! 🤪👍

purplepoppy · Answer

Ssssh if Trump hears he'll raise tariffs to force us to change.

contentious · Answer

Americans use a number of systems of measurements.

DrPepper12 · Answer

Cuz our arrogance matches our stupidity perfectly.

Dongie · Answer

It was talked about in the 1970s. I think a lot has to do with the older group that would have such a hard time converting.

zagor · Answer

Inertia. Also, 100 degrees sounds really hot but 45 doesn't

Anonymous · Answer

Changing would be a huge undertaking at this point, and the fact is there's no valid reason to change. The fact that other countries use Celsius is not a valid reason.

WonderingManII · Answer

We as a collective didn't want to change our system.

seeyounexttuesday · Answer

Fahrenheit is far superior to describe temperature for humans to live.

WindAtMyBack · Answer

No compelling reason to change.

beefcakebradybatson · Answer

They're YANKEES !!!

Dargil · Answer

Tradition.

TwoToTooTutu2 · Answer

Because it is dumb

Why don't Americans use celsius like the rest of the world?

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