Metrication in Chile explained

Chile adopted the metric system in 1848. Previously, the Spanish system of measures was used.^[1]

Since colonization, Chile had always used a unit system based on the Spanish customary units. In 1843, a law^[2] was passed formalizing it, and defining its fundamental unit, the vara, as a fraction of a metre.

Later, during the presidency of Manuel Bulnes, a law was passed on 29 January 1848,^[3] adopting the Metric System. Finally, Chile signed the Metre Convention in 1908.

Current exceptions

• Timber and pipes are sold in metres, but their width, thickness, and diameter are measured in inches.
• Nail mass is measured in grams, but length is measured in inches.
• Yarn is normally sold in yards.
• Tins of paint are usually sold in multiples of US gallons.
• Display sizes for the screens of televisions and computer monitors have their diagonals measured in inches.
• Tire pressure is measured in pounds per square inch.
• The most common paper size is letter (carta). A4 paper is rarely used.
• The price of copper, Chile's most exported material, is usually quoted in dollars per pound.
• In the Chiloé islands, the almud (a Spanish unit) is used as a volume measurement for "drys" (between six or eight litres).^[4]
• McDonald's sells its Quarter Pounder with cheese as "Cuarto de Libra con Queso", which translates from Spanish as "Quarter Pound with Cheese".
• Like in most countries, aviation (altitude and flight level) is measured in feet.

Notes and References

1. Ensayo sobre Chile, Prólogo
2. Ley de Medidas y peso de 15 de diciembre de 1843; published in the 1 January 1844 edition of the Boletín de Leyes y Decretos de Gobierno.
3. Gabriel Rodríguez, Sistema Internacional de Unidades. A tomar medidas, Bit Revista Técnica de la Construcción
4. Chiloe Island.com, Customs