Convert astronomical unit to span (cloth) Online | Free Length Converter

Astronomical Unit

An astronomical unit (AU) is a unit of distance used in astronomy to describe the average distance between the Earth and the Sun. It equals about 149.6 million kilometers (or about 93 million miles). The AU is useful for measuring distances within our solar system, such as the distance from Earth to other planets. For example, Mars is about 1.5 AU from the Sun. Using the AU makes it easier to understand and compare distances between planets without dealing with very large numbers. The symbol for astronomical unit is "AU".

Span (Cloth)

A span is an old unit of length based on the distance between the tip of the thumb and the tip of the little finger of a fully extended hand. Traditionally, it measures about 9 inches or 22.86 centimeters.

In the context of cloth and textiles, the span was used as a convenient, informal measure to estimate small lengths of fabric before standardized rulers became widespread. It was helpful for tailors and traders to quickly gauge lengths during measuring and cutting.

While the span is largely obsolete as a formal unit today, it reflects historical measurement practices tied closely to the human body, similar to the cubit or hand.

Summary:

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  1 span ≈ 9 inches (22.86 cm)

  
  
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  Based on the hand’s spread

  
  
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  Used historically in cloth measurement and tailoring

  
  
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  Now mostly of historical and cultural interest