A number of different

units of measurement A unit of measurement is a definite magnitude (mathematics), magnitude of a quantity, defined and adopted by convention or by law, that is used as a standard for measurement of the same kind of quantity. Any other quantity of that kind can ...

were used in Bolivia to measure, for example, mass. Older system was basically derived from Spain. In Bolivia, International Metric system was legally optional since 1871, and International Metric system has been compulsory since 1893 even though, even in 1890s also, metric system was recognised at the custom-houses and other units which were of Spanish origin was also used.

Pre-Metric Units

A number of units were used in Bolivia, and those units were of Spanish origin.

Mass

Different units were used to measure mass. One

quintal The quintal or centner is a historical unit of mass in many countries which is usually defined as 100 base units, such as pounds or kilograms. It is a traditional unit of weight in France, Portugal, and Spain and their former colonies. It is com ...

was equal to 46 kg (101.4179 lb). One quintal was also equal to 4

arroba ''Arroba'' is a Portuguese and Spanish custom unit of weight, mass or volume. Its symbol is @. History The word ''arroba'' has its origin in Arabic ''ar-rubʿ'' (الربع) or "quarter," specifically the fourth part (of a quintal), which defi ...

References

{{systems of measurement Bolivian culture

Bolivia , image_flag = Bandera de Bolivia (Estado).svg , flag_alt = Horizontal tricolor (red, yellow, and green from top to bottom) with the coat of arms of Bolivia in the center , flag_alt2 = 7 × 7 square p ...