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:
1 perch = 16.5 feet
1 perch = 5.5 yards
1 perch ≈ 5.0292 meters
4 perches = 1 chain
40 perches = 1 furlong
While largely obsolete today, the term perch still appears in historical land deeds, legal documents, and some traditional surveying contexts.
the Reed as a Unit of Measurement
The reed is an ancient unit of length that has historical significance in various cultures, especially in Mesopotamia and Egypt. Typically, one reed is equal to 3 cubits, which translates to approximately 1.5 meters or 5 feet in modern measurements. The reed was often used in surveying land, measuring building materials, or determining distances in early architectural and agricultural planning. In ancient Babylon, the reed was part of a well-organized system of measurements that helped support large-scale construction and irrigation projects. Similarly, in Biblical texts, the reed is mentioned as a standard tool for measuring sacred structures like temples. Despite its historical importance, the reed has fallen out of use in the modern metric and imperial systems. However, it remains a fascinating example of how early civilizations developed practical ways to standardize measurement for daily and ceremonial life. Understanding such units gives us insight into the technological and social sophistication of ancient societies. Although obsolete today, the reed is a reminder of humanity’s long-standing pursuit of order and precision in the physical world.
No conversions available for length.