Convert handbreadth to hand Online | Free Length Converter

Handbreadth

A handbreadth is a traditional unit of length based on the width of a human hand, typically measured from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger when the hand is fully extended. It was commonly used in ancient and medieval times for everyday measurements.

• 
  

  The handbreadth is generally about 3 to 4 inches (approximately 7.5 to 10 centimeters), though the exact length could vary by culture and era.

  
  
• 
  

  It served as a practical, easy-to-use measure in tailoring, construction, and daily life before standardized units were established.

  
  
• 
  

  The handbreadth is one of several body-based units, like the span and palm, reflecting how humans used their own bodies for measuring.

  
  

Summary:

• 
  

  About 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm)

  
  
• 
  

  Based on the width of an extended hand

  
  
• 
  

  Used historically in various cultures

  
  
• 
  

  Practical for informal, everyday measurement

Hand

A hand is a traditional unit of length primarily used to measure the height of horses. It is equal to 4 inches or 10.16 centimeters.

The origin of the hand as a measurement comes from using the width of a human hand, and it has been standardized at 4 inches for consistency in horse measurement. Horse height is expressed in "hands," measured from the ground to the highest point of the withers (the ridge between the shoulder blades).

Key points:

• 
  

  1 hand = 4 inches

  
  
• 
  

  1 hand = 10.16 centimeters

  
  
• 
  

  Used mainly for measuring horse height

  
  
• 
  

  Horse height is often given in hands and inches, e.g., 15.2 hands means 15 hands plus 2 inches

  
  

The hand remains the standard unit for horse height in many English-speaking countries.