It is often claimed that imperial is based on 12s (duodecimal) and that this has advantages over decimal. But is this truth or myth?
Of course it makes more sense to use the same number system for measurement, money and other practical uses. But let’s look at whether imperial is duodecimal.
Consider length:
One foot = 12 inches
One yard = 3 feet
One rod = 5.5 yards
One chain = 4 rods
One furlong = 10 chains
One mile = 8 furlongs
Only the foot uses a base of 12.
Consider volume:
One pint = 20 fluid ounces
One gallon = 8 pints
No duodecimal units
Consider avoirdupois weight:
One pound = 16 ounces
One stone = 14 pounds
One hundredweight = 8 stones
One imperial ton = 20 hundredweight
Again no duodecimal units
A disadvantage of imperial is that it does not have any consistent number system but uses a hodgepodge of bases.
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