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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


Famn


A famn (also spelled fathom in English) is a traditional Scandinavian unit of length used primarily for measuring the depth of water or length of ropes and cables. It is roughly equivalent to 6 Swedish feet, which translates to about 1.828 meters (approximately 6 feet).


The famn is similar in concept to the English fathom, based on the span of outstretched arms.


While largely obsolete today, the famn was commonly used in maritime contexts in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark and remains part of historical measurements.


Summary:



  • 1 famn β‰ˆ 1.828 meters (6 feet)



  • Used to measure water depth and rope length



  • Traditional Scandinavian maritime unit



  • Equivalent to the English fathom





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