Convert perch to handbreadth Online | Free Length Converter

Perch

A perch is an old unit of length that is synonymous with the rod or pole, commonly used in land measurement and surveying. It measures 16.5 feet, 5.5 yards, or approximately 5.0292 meters.

The perch was widely used in England and later in the United States for measuring plots of land, especially before the widespread adoption of the metric system. It was also used to describe area when squared (square perch).

Key points:

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  1 perch = 16.5 feet

  
  
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  1 perch = 5.5 yards

  
  
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  1 perch ≈ 5.0292 meters

  
  
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  4 perches = 1 chain

  
  
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  40 perches = 1 furlong

  
  

While largely obsolete today, the term perch still appears in historical land deeds, legal documents, and some traditional surveying contexts.

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.

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  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.

  
  
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  It served as a practical, easy-to-use measure in tailoring, construction, and daily life before standardized units were established.

  
  
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  The handbreadth is one of several body-based units, like the span and palm, reflecting how humans used their own bodies for measuring.

  
  

Summary:

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  About 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm)

  
  
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  Based on the width of an extended hand

  
  
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  Used historically in various cultures

  
  
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  Practical for informal, everyday measurement