Convert nail (cloth) to fingerbreadth Online | Free Length Converter

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Nail (Cloth)


A nail is a traditional unit of length used in cloth measurement, equal to 2¼ inches or approximately 5.715 centimeters. It was commonly used by tailors and fabric merchants in England to measure small lengths of fabric.


The term “nail” likely originates from the practice of marking lengths on a measuring stick with notches or nails, making it easy to measure fabric quickly. The nail was a convenient subdivision of the yard, with 1 yard = 16 nails.


Though obsolete today, the nail remains an interesting part of historical textile measurement systems.


Summary:



  • 1 nail = 2¼ inches (5.715 cm)



  • 1 yard = 16 nails



  • Used historically in tailoring and fabric trade



  • Originates from notches or nails on measuring sticks





Fingerbreadth


A fingerbreadth is a traditional unit of length based on the width of a human finger, often used in historical and informal measurements. It typically measures about ¾ inch (approximately 19 millimeters), though it can vary depending on the person and context.


Fingerbreadths were commonly used in tailoring, medicine, and everyday life to estimate small lengths before standardized units became widespread.


Key points:



  • Approximately ¾ inch (19 mm)



  • Based on the width of a finger



  • Used in historical measurements and everyday approximations



  • Part of body-based units like handbreadth and span



Fingerbreadth remains a handy reference for rough estimates even today.



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