Convert nautical mile (UK) to span (cloth) Online | Free Length Converter

Nautical Mile (UK)

The nautical mile (UK) is a unit of distance used primarily in maritime and aviation navigation in the United Kingdom. Traditionally, it was defined as 6,080 feet (about 1,853 meters), which is slightly longer than the modern international nautical mile of 1,852 meters. This UK definition was used before international standardization in 1929. Today, the international nautical mile is widely adopted, but the UK nautical mile historically played an important role in navigation and mapping.

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:

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  1 span ≈ 9 inches (22.86 cm)

  
  
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  Based on the hand’s spread

  
  
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  Used historically in cloth measurement and tailoring

  
  
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  Now mostly of historical and cultural interest