English measurement is not only Imperial (by royal edict), it is also empirical (evolved over time through continued use). I think in feet and inches, thus have to convert metric in my head, using several cognates ... 2.5 cm = 1", 3m = 10' , 30mm = 1 1/4 inches.

Land measurement is in rods (16.5 feet... chain, furlong, mile etc.), and has been since the Middle Ages (also used for buildings). There are some clever combinations of 3 and 11 in that progression.