Length Unit

The S I unit of length is the metre. To change any of these other units of length into their equivalent values in metres use the operation and conversion factor given. Those marked with # are exact. Other values are given to an appropriate degree of accuracy. Where some uncertainty is indicated it means that a good idea of the size of the unit can be given but that a better value would depend upon knowing the period and/or culture in which the unit was being used.

Note than in matters concerned with land measurements, for the most accurate work, it is necessary to establish whether the US survey measures are being used or not.

angstroms divide by 10 000 000 000 #

astronomical units x 149 598 550 000

barleycorns x 0.008 467

centimeters x 0.01 #

chains (surveyors') x 20.1168 #

cubits x (0.45 to 0.5)

ells (UK) x 0.875 (but many variations)

ems (pica) x 0.004 233 3

fathoms x 1.8288 #

feet (UK and US) x 0.3048 #

feet (US survey) x 0.304 800 609 6

furlongs x 201.168 #