SmartSize AI Fit Recommender supports both metric (centimeters) and imperial (inches) measurement systems for size tables. Choose the system that best matches your market, customer base, and existing size charts.

Supported Measurement Systems

Metric System (Centimeters)

Best for:

  • International markets
  • European and Asian stores
  • Global brands
  • Scientific precision

Format:

  • Decimal numbers with up to 1 decimal place
  • Examples: 84, 84.5, 92.0, 101.5
  • Standard: Centimeters (cm)

Advantages:

  • Universal standard
  • Easier mathematical calculations
  • Precise decimal increments
  • Familiar to most global customers

Imperial System (Inches)

Best for:

  • United States market
  • Brands targeting US customers
  • Traditional US sizing systems
  • Stores with existing imperial size charts

Format:

  • Decimal inches, fractions, or mixed numbers
  • Examples: 34, 34.5, 34 1/2, 34¾
  • Standard: Inches (")

Advantages:

  • Familiar to US customers
  • Matches traditional US size charts
  • Flexible input formats
  • Natural fraction support

Choosing Your Measurement System

Consider Your Customer Base

Choose Metric When:

  • Primary customers are outside the United States
  • Selling in European or Asian markets
  • Customers expect international sizing
  • Using global size chart standards

Choose Imperial When:

  • Primary customers are in the United States
  • Existing size charts use imperial measurements
  • Customers expect US sizing conventions
  • Brand positioning is US-focused

Market-Specific Considerations

United States Market:

  • Imperial system expected by customers
  • Traditional US sizing uses inches
  • Fraction notation is common (34½", 36¼")
  • Customer measurement tools typically in inches

International Markets:

  • Metric system standard worldwide
  • Easier for customers to understand
  • Matches most international size charts
  • Consistent with global e-commerce

Global Brands:

  • Consider metric for consistency
  • Can provide unit conversion for customers
  • Easier to manage single measurement system
  • Future-proof for international expansion

Imperial Measurement Formats

Supported Input Formats

SmartSize AI Fit Recommender’s imperial system supports multiple input methods to accommodate different user preferences:

Decimal Inches:

  34        → 34"
34.5      → 34 1/2"
34.75     → 34 3/4"
34.25     → 34 1/4"
34.125    → 34 1/8"

Fraction Notation:

  34 1/2    → 34.5"
34 3/4    → 34.75"
35 1/8    → 35.125"
35 1/4    → 35.25"

Unicode Fractions:

  34½       → 34.5"
34¾       → 34.75"
35⅛       → 35.125"
35¼       → 35.25"

Common Imperial Fractions

Standard Clothing Fractions:

  • 1/2 (0.5") - Most common fraction
  • 1/4 (0.25") - Quarter inch increments
  • 3/4 (0.75") - Three-quarter increments
  • 1/8 (0.125") - Eighth inch increments

Fraction Usage Guidelines:

  • Use consistent fraction precision across your size table
  • Stick to common fractions (1/2, 1/4, 1/8)
  • Avoid complex fractions (5/16, 7/32)
  • Consider your measurement tool precision

Automatic Unit Conversion

How Conversion Works

SmartSize AI Fit Recommender automatically handles unit conversion behind the scenes:

  1. Input: You enter measurements in your chosen unit system
  2. Normalization: All measurements convert to centimeters for calculations
  3. Processing: Size recommendations computed using metric values
  4. Display: Results shown in your selected unit system

Conversion Accuracy

Imperial to Metric Conversion:

  Inch Input → Centimeter (Internal)
34"        → 86.36 cm
34.5"      → 87.63 cm
34.75"     → 88.27 cm
35"        → 88.90 cm
35.25"     → 89.54 cm

Precision Considerations:

  • Conversion maintains high precision internally
  • Display rounds to appropriate precision
  • Recommendation accuracy preserved
  • No precision loss in calculations

Setting Up Your Measurement Unit

Initial Configuration

During Quiz Creation:

  1. Navigate to the “Measurement Units” section in quiz editor
  2. Select your preferred unit system:
    • Metric: For centimeter measurements
    • Imperial: For inch measurements
  3. Save your selection

After Quiz Creation:

  • Unit system can be changed at any time
  • Existing measurements remain in original format
  • New measurements use the selected system
  • No data loss during unit system changes

Unit System Impact

On Size Table:

  • Input fields adjust to selected unit
  • Validation rules change accordingly
  • Placeholders show appropriate examples
  • Error messages reference correct units

On Customer Experience:

  • Quiz displays measurements in selected units
  • Recommendation results use chosen system
  • Customer instructions reference appropriate units

Best Practices by Unit System

Metric System Best Practices

Precision Guidelines:

  • Use 0.5 cm increments for most garments
  • 1.0 cm increments for loose-fitting items
  • Avoid excessive decimal precision
  • Keep consistency across all sizes

Size Range Examples:

  Women's Tops (Metric):
XS: Bust 80-84cm, Waist 60-64cm
S:  Bust 84-88cm, Waist 64-68cm
M:  Bust 88-92cm, Waist 68-72cm
L:  Bust 92-96cm, Waist 72-76cm

Entry Tips:

  • Round to practical precision
  • Use consistent decimal places
  • Validate against actual garments
  • Consider fabric stretch properties

Imperial System Best Practices

Precision Guidelines:

  • Use 1/2" increments for most applications
  • 1/4" increments for precise fitting
  • Avoid fractions smaller than 1/8"
  • Maintain consistent fraction usage

Size Range Examples:

  Women's Tops (Imperial):
XS: Bust 31.5-33", Waist 23.5-25"
S:  Bust 33-34.5", Waist 25-26.5"
M:  Bust 34.5-36", Waist 26.5-28"
L:  Bust 36-37.5", Waist 28-29.5"

Entry Tips:

  • Use common fractions (1/2, 1/4, 1/8)
  • Be consistent with fraction precision
  • Test with typical measurement tools
  • Consider customer measurement accuracy

Unit Conversion for Existing Data

Changing Unit Systems

From Metric to Imperial:

  • Existing centimeter values convert to inches
  • Precision may round to nearest common fraction
  • Review converted values for accuracy
  • Update size chart documentation

From Imperial to Metric:

  • Existing inch values convert to centimeters
  • Decimal precision maintained
  • May result in non-standard metric values
  • Consider rounding to standard increments

Migration Considerations

Before Changing Units:

  1. Export current size table as backup
  2. Review all measurement values
  3. Plan for any necessary adjustments
  4. Test converted values against actual garments

After Changing Units:

  1. Verify all measurements converted correctly
  2. Test size recommendations with known data
  3. Update any documentation or training materials
  4. Monitor recommendation accuracy

Customer Unit Preferences

Customer-Facing Considerations

Unit Display:

  • Measurements show in your selected unit system
  • Customer instructions reference appropriate units
  • Error messages use correct unit terminology
  • Help text provides unit-appropriate guidance

Customer Tools:

  • Ensure customers have appropriate measuring tools
  • Provide conversion charts if needed
  • Consider dual-unit instructions for global brands
  • Account for customer measurement precision

International Considerations

Global Brands:

  • Consider metric for international consistency
  • Provide conversion tools for US customers
  • Use clear unit labeling throughout interface
  • Test user experience in different markets

Regional Adaptation:

  • Match local market expectations
  • Use familiar unit systems
  • Consider localization for different regions
  • Maintain consistency within each market

Technical Considerations

Internal Processing

Data Storage:

  • All measurements stored in original input format
  • Conversion happens during calculation only
  • No data loss during unit changes
  • Historical data preserved

API Integration:

  • Measurements passed to recommendation engine in centimeters
  • External integrations receive data in your selected units
  • Conversion factors maintained consistently
  • Precision preserved throughout system

Validation and Error Handling

Unit-Specific Validation:

  • Metric: Decimal numbers, positive values only
  • Imperial: Fractions, decimals, mixed numbers supported
  • Range validation applies to all unit systems
  • Error messages reference appropriate units

Troubleshooting Unit Issues

Common Unit Problems

Issue: Measurements Won’t Accept Input

  • Cause: Invalid format for selected unit system
  • Solution: Use correct format (decimal for metric, fractions for imperial)

Issue: Converted Values Look Wrong

  • Cause: Rounding during conversion or display
  • Solution: Review conversion factors and precision settings

Issue: Customer Confusion About Units

  • Cause: Unit system doesn’t match customer expectations
  • Solution: Consider switching units or providing conversion tools

Issue: Inconsistent Measurements After Unit Change

  • Cause: Automatic conversion created non-standard values
  • Solution: Review and round converted values to standard increments

Optimization Tips

Improve Accuracy:

  1. Choose units that match your measurement source data
  2. Use appropriate precision for your garment type
  3. Test converted values against physical garments
  4. Maintain consistency across all size ranges

Enhance User Experience:

  1. Match customer expectations for your market
  2. Provide clear measurement instructions
  3. Use familiar unit terminology
  4. Consider providing unit conversion assistance

Next Steps

After configuring measurement units:

  1. Set Up Size Ordering - Arrange sizes and confirm order
  2. Complete Your Size Table - Finish entering all measurements
  3. Test Your Configuration - Verify unit system works correctly
  4. Configure Product Linking - Associate quiz with products

Need help choosing the right measurement unit system? Our best practices guide provides recommendations for different markets and customer bases.