Ken
A ken is a traditional Japanese unit of length used mainly in architecture and construction. It measures the distance between two pillars in traditional Japanese buildings and is roughly equivalent to 6 Japanese feet (shaku) or about 1.82 meters (approximately 6 feet).
The ken was a standard module in Japanese design, influencing room sizes and proportions in temples, houses, and other structures. Its use helped maintain harmony and consistency in traditional building layouts.
Though largely replaced by the metric system today, the ken remains significant in studying traditional Japanese architecture and cultural heritage.
Summary:
1 ken ≈ 1.82 meters (6 feet)
Based on spacing between structural pillars
Used in traditional Japanese architecture
Important for historical and cultural studies
Pole
A pole is another traditional unit of length equivalent to a rod or perch. It measures exactly 16.5 feet, 5.5 yards, or about 5.0292 meters.
The pole has been used historically in land measurement and surveying, especially in England and the United States. Like the rod and perch, it helped standardize measurements of fields, plots, and boundaries before the adoption of metric units.
Key conversions:
1 pole = 16.5 feet
1 pole = 5.5 yards
1 pole ≈ 5.0292 meters
4 poles = 1 chain
40 poles = 1 furlong
Though largely replaced by modern units, the pole remains a notable term in historical surveying and land records.
No conversions available for length.