Metric Conversion in British Columbia

Canada officially adopted the metric system in the 1970s, and British Columbia follows these measurement standards in everyday life. 

While some older generations and specific industries may still reference imperial units, most aspects of daily activities, from road signs to grocery shopping, use the metric system. 

Understanding metric conversions can be helpful for visitors, newcomers, and anyone looking to navigate measurements efficiently in BC.

Common Metric Conversions in BC

Distance and Speed

British Columbia uses kilometers (km) for measuring distance and kilometers per hour (km/h) for speed limits. 

If you’re driving, expect all road signs to display distances in kilometers and speeds in km/h. To convert from miles to kilometers, multiply by 1.609 (e.g., 10 miles = 16.09 km).

1 mile = 1.609 kilometers
1 kilometer = 0.621 miles

Temperature

BC follows the Celsius (°C) scale for temperature readings, whether it’s weather forecasts, cooking, or indoor heating settings. If you’re used to Fahrenheit, the formula to convert is:

(°F − 32) × 5/9 = °C
(°C × 9/5) + 32 = °F

For reference:

0°C = 32°F (Freezing point of water)
20°C = 68°F (Comfortable room temperature)
30°C = 86°F (Hot summer day)

Weight and Volume

BC grocery stores and markets use grams (g), kilograms (kg), milliliters (mL), and liters (L) for weight and volume measurements. 

If you’re used to pounds and ounces, conversions are helpful:

1 kilogram (kg) = 2.205 pounds (lbs)
1 gram (g) = 0.035 ounces (oz)
1 liter (L) = 1.057 quarts (qt)
1 milliliter (mL) = 0.034 fluid ounces (fl oz)

Height and Length

Height and length measurements in BC follow the metric system, using meters (m) and centimeters (cm). Many Canadians still informally use feet and inches for height, but official documents list height in centimeters.

1 inch = 2.54 cm
1 foot = 30.48 cm
1 meter = 3.281 feet

For example, someone who is 5 feet 10 inches tall would be 178 cm.

Cooking and Baking

In BC, recipes and food packaging primarily use metric measurements. If you’re following a recipe from an American source, converting measurements may be necessary.

1 cup = 250 mL
1 tablespoon = 15 mL
1 teaspoon = 5 mL

Kitchen scales often provide both metric and imperial readings, making conversions easier.

Industries That Still Use Imperial Units

While the metric system is the standard, some industries continue to use imperial measurements, especially in trade and construction.

Real Estate and Construction: Square footage is commonly used for measuring property sizes, though metric measurements appear in official documents.
Plumbing and Carpentry: Inches and feet are still frequently used for tools, fittings, and materials.
Automotive Industry: Tire sizes and some car parts may still reference inches.

Why Metric Matters in BC

Using the metric system ensures consistency across Canada and aligns BC with international standards. 

It also makes travel easier within the country, as all provinces use the same system. Whether you’re measuring fuel at a gas station (liters instead of gallons) or tracking fitness (kilometers instead of miles), understanding metric conversions can simplify daily life in BC.

In Conclusion

If you’re visiting or moving to British Columbia, getting familiar with the metric system will make everyday tasks much easier. 

While you may still encounter imperial units in specific situations, most measurements in BC—from road signs to grocery stores—are in metric. Learning key conversions can help you adapt quickly and navigate BC more smoothly.