Convert nautical league (int.) to span (cloth) Online | Free Length Converter
International Nautical League
The international nautical league is a standardized version of the nautical league used in maritime navigation. It is defined as exactly 3 international nautical miles, which equals 5,556 meters or about 3.45 miles. This standardization helps avoid confusion caused by variations in historical definitions of the league. While the nautical mile remains the primary unit in modern navigation, the international nautical league provides a consistent way to measure longer distances at sea when needed.
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:
1 span ≈ 9 inches (22.86 cm)
Based on the hand’s spread
Used historically in cloth measurement and tailoring
Now mostly of historical and cultural interest
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