Span (unit)

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Hand Units of Measurement

Span is a traditional unit of measurement that has been used since ancient times. It is based on the distance measured by a human hand, from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger when the fingers are stretched out. This measurement is approximately 9 inches (22.86 centimeters), although this can vary from person to person and between different cultures and historical periods.

History

The span has been a common unit of length in many cultures and is one of the oldest forms of measurement. In ancient times, measurements were often based on body parts, as they were readily available and provided a quick reference for measuring lengths and distances. The span, along with other anthropic units such as the cubit, the foot, and the hand, was used for various purposes, including the construction of buildings, the making of cloth, and other everyday tasks.

In the Bible, the span is mentioned as a unit of measurement, indicating its use in the ancient Near East. Similarly, ancient Greek and Roman civilizations used the span for various measurements, demonstrating its widespread application across different cultures.

Usage

The span is not commonly used in modern times, having been largely replaced by standardized units of measurement such as the meter and the inch. However, it remains a part of historical studies and is sometimes referenced in literature and folklore. In some cultures, traditional crafts and constructions may still use the span as a unit of measurement, preserving the historical methods of measurement.

Conversion

The exact length of a span can vary, but it is generally accepted to be around 9 inches or 22.86 centimeters. This makes it roughly half a cubit, another ancient unit of length that was typically measured from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger.

Modern Relevance

While the span is not used in official measurements today, understanding this unit offers insight into historical measurement systems and the ways in which people in the past interacted with their physical world. It also highlights the human tendency to use the body as a reference point for measuring the world around us.

See Also

• Cubit
• Foot (unit)
• Hand (unit)
• Inch
• Meter