Convert perch to span (cloth) 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.

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