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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 β‰ˆ 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


ChatGPT said:

Aln


An aln is an old Scandinavian unit of length traditionally used in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, mainly for measuring cloth and textiles. It is roughly equivalent to 59.4 centimeters (about 23.4 inches), though the exact length varied by region and time period.


The aln was based on the length of the forearm, similar to the cubit in other cultures, and was commonly used by tailors and merchants.


Though obsolete today, the aln reflects historical measurement practices tied to the human body and remains of interest in historical and cultural studies of Scandinavia.


Summary:



  • 1 aln β‰ˆ 59.4 cm (23.4 inches)



  • Used primarily for measuring textiles



  • Traditional Scandinavian unit based on the forearm length



  • Now mostly of historical interest



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