science

Singaporean units of measurement

Singaporean units of measurement is a science topic covered in the lgStudy science library. This page brings together a partial reference excerpt, illustrations, worked examples, real-world applications and a short study plan, so you can understand Singaporean units of measurement rather than just read about it. In short: Several units of measurement were historically used in Singapore to measure length, mass, and volume. During 1968–1970, the metric system was adopted in Singapore.

Key takeaways

Singaporean units of measurement belongs to science; place it in that map before memorising details.
Learn the definition first, then one example that makes the definition concrete.
Connect Singaporean units of measurement to a quantity you can measure, compute or draw — that is where exam questions come from.
Reproduce the core statement of Singaporean units of measurement from memory before moving on to harder problems.

Reference excerpt

Several units of measurement were historically used in Singapore to measure length, mass, and volume. During 1968–1970, the metric system was adopted in Singapore. The metric system is used for most official purposes and only metric measures are permitted for trade. Despite these restrictions, fabric is still commonly sold by the square yard.

Historic units

Colonial Singapore Numerous traditional Chinese- and Malay-derived units were used in Singapore under Straits Settlements (1826–1946).

Length units 1 cubit (aka. hasta) = 18 inches which is equal to 45.72 cm.

Mass units 1 mace (aka. miam) = 52 grain equal to 3.36954 grams. 1 buncal (for gold) = 822 grain equal to 53.2647 grams.

Independent Singapore While Singapore is officially metric for trade purposes, the Third Schedule of the Weights and Measures Act 1975 provides official conversions for certain customary weights and measures. The Minister for Trade and Industry may prescribe customary measures for specific purposes and amend the Third Schedule as needed. The units are mostly derived from traditional Chinese units of measurement, though with names derived from Hokkien (e.g. "hoon" for candareen, "chhek" for chi) or Malay ("tahil" for tael, "kati" for catty).

Length units The following units of length were legally defined by the Weights and Measures Act, but were removed in the Weights and Measures (Amendment) Act 2005.

1 chhun = 1 19⁄40 inches = 37.4650 millimetres 10 chhuns = 1 chhek = 14 3⁄4 inches = 37.4650 centimetres

Mass units The following units of length were legally defined by the Weights and Measures Act before 2005.

1 tahil = 11⁄3 ounces = 37.7994 grams 16 tahils = 1 kati = 11⁄3 pounds = 0.6048 kilogram 1600 tahils = 100 katis = 1 pikul = 1331⁄3 pounds = 60.4790 kilograms 64,000 tahils = 4,000 katis = 40 pikuls = 1 koyan = 5,3331⁄3 pounds = 2419.1593 kilograms The list was amended in 2005 to the following.

1 hoon = 1⁄10 chee = 0.377994 grams 1 chee = 1⁄10 tahil = 3.77994 grams 1 tahil = 11⁄3 ounces = 37.7994 grams 16 tahils = 1 kati = 11⁄3 pounds = 0.6048 kilogram

References

Worked examples

Example 1 — a first encounter with Singaporean units of measurement

Start with the simplest possible case. Write down what Singaporean units of measurement claims or describes in one sentence, then invent the smallest concrete situation in which that sentence is true. In science, the smallest case is usually a single object, a single equation or a single measurement. Check that every symbol or term in your sentence has a meaning in that case.

Example 2 — changing one variable

Take the situation from Example 1 and change exactly one quantity: double it, halve it, or set it to zero. Predict what should happen to Singaporean units of measurement before you calculate. Comparing your prediction with the result is the fastest way to find out whether you understand the idea or only the words.

Example 3 — an exam-style question

Typical questions about Singaporean units of measurement ask you to (a) state it precisely, (b) apply it to given data, and (c) explain a limitation. Practise writing all three answers in under five minutes; the third part is what separates a full-mark answer from an average one.

Applications of Singaporean units of measurement

In research: Singaporean units of measurement appears in science research whenever the underlying quantities have to be modelled precisely. Papers usually cite it as a starting assumption and then explore where it breaks down.
In technology and industry: Engineering practice reuses Singaporean units of measurement in design rules, simulations and safety margins. Knowing the idea lets you read a specification sheet and understand why the numbers look the way they do.
In the classroom: Singaporean units of measurement is common in secondary-school and first-year university syllabi. It links to neighbouring topics Culture of Singapore, Units of measurement by country, so understanding it makes those chapters shorter.
In everyday life: Look for Singaporean units of measurement outside the textbook — in sport, cooking, traffic, electronics or the sky above you. An example you found yourself is remembered far longer than one you were given.

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How to study Singaporean units of measurement in 20 minutes

Read the reference excerpt below once, without taking notes.
Close the page and write down what Singaporean units of measurement means in your own words.
Compare your version with the excerpt and mark what you missed.
Work through the three examples above with pen and paper.
Explain Singaporean units of measurement out loud to somebody else — or to Teacher Smith in the lgStudy chat.

Frequently asked questions

What is Singaporean units of measurement in simple terms?

Several units of measurement were historically used in Singapore to measure length, mass, and volume. During 1968–1970, the metric system was adopted in Singapore.

Why does Singaporean units of measurement matter?

Because it connects several science ideas at once: it gives you a definition you can apply, a quantity you can calculate, and a way to check whether a result is plausible.

How should I study Singaporean units of measurement?

Read the excerpt, restate it from memory, then work through the examples and applications listed on this page. The five-step study plan above takes about twenty minutes.

What does this page cover?

It gives you a compact reference excerpt plus original lgStudy explanations, examples, applications and study material on Singaporean units of measurement.