What’s with the inch?

There are twelve inches in a foot. There are three feet in a yard. That’s thirty-six inches in a yard. Twelve is the key, a number divisible by three.

So, why aren’t there twelve twelfths in an inch?

What’s with sixteenths? And eighths? They aren’t divisible by three.

A quarter of an inch? Why isn’t that three twelfths?

A half would then be six twelfths.

Okay, okay. I’ll give you that six twelfths doesn’t roll off the tongue the way eight sixteenths does. Say six twelfths three times, fast, and you’ll rupture your lips.

Or, for that matter, four sixteenths. But still, it would bring us closer to the numerical sense that the metric system makes.

I know, I know, we couldn’t swallow the metric system.

Look at it this way; they have their tenths. We’d have our twelfths. We’d be two better. And I’d have an easier time drawing the plans for our new pantry.

One inch could equal one foot and so one twelfth would equal one inch . . . and our contractor would be able to figure out my damn drawings.

He’ be happier . . . and so would I.