When did Australia change from pounds to kilos?

Australia’s Transition to the Metric System

Australia underwent a gradual transition to the metric system, spanning nearly two decades from 1970 to 1988. This comprehensive change involved replacing imperial units of measurement, such as pounds and gallons, with their metric equivalents, primarily kilograms and liters.

The transition began in 1970 with the introduction of metric units in schools and selected industries. The government played a pivotal role in coordinating the change, providing guidelines and resources to facilitate the adoption of the new system.

Over the following years, the metric system was progressively implemented in various sectors, including health, trade, and manufacturing. By 1988, metric units became the exclusive legal units of measurement in Australia, effectively replacing imperial weights and measures.

This transition was accompanied by comprehensive public education campaigns to ensure widespread understanding and acceptance of the new system. Businesses and individuals gradually adapted to using metric units, with many recognizing the benefits of a standardized and globally recognized measurement system.

The adoption of the metric system in Australia was a significant milestone in modernizing the country’s measurement infrastructure and aligning it with international standards. It facilitated trade, commerce, and scientific collaboration, ultimately enhancing efficiency and reducing potential confusion due to multiple units of measurement.