Convert handbreadth to rod (US survey) Online | Free Length Converter

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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


Rod (US Survey)


The US survey rod is a unit of length used in U.S. land surveying. It is defined as exactly 16.5 US survey feet, which is slightly longer than the international foot. Since one US survey foot equals approximately 0.3048006096 meters, the US survey rod measures about 5.0292 meters.


The survey rod, also called a pole or perch, is historically significant in the U.S. Public Land Survey System and is used to measure land boundaries and distances.


Key facts:



  • 1 US survey rod = 16.5 US survey feet



  • 1 US survey rod ≈ 5.0292 meters



  • 4 US survey rods = 1 US survey chain



  • 40 US survey rods = 1 US survey furlong



Though the US survey foot and related units are being phased out in favor of international units, the US survey rod still appears in legal land descriptions and older surveying documents.




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