A ken is a traditional Japanese unit of length equal to six shaku, commonly standardized as about 1.818 meters. It is used in architecture to specify bay widths and room dimensions.

How large is a span (cloth)?

A span (cloth) is a traditional length based on the distance between the thumb and little finger of an outstretched hand, roughly 9 inches or 22.9 centimeters.

Why convert ken to span (cloth)?

Converting ken to span (cloth) helps translate architectural measurements into fabric-related units useful for textile crafts, tailoring, and historical restoration.

How to Convert from Ken to Span (cloth)?

Learn how to convert ken, a traditional Japanese length unit, into span (cloth), a textile-related measurement based on hand span. This guide covers the conversion formula, typical use cases, and practical tips.

Ken

Span (cloth)

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Ken to Span (cloth) Conversion Table

Ken	Span (cloth)

Custom Unit Conversion Table Generator – Instant Printable Conversion Tables

Start Value

Enter the starting number (positive decimal or integer ≥ 0). Example: 0.1, 1, 5.

End Value

Enter the ending number (positive decimal or integer > Start Value). Example: 10, 50, 100.

Interval

Enter the step size (positive decimal > 0 and < End Value – Start Value). Example: 1.0, 2.5.

Ken to Span (cloth) Conversion Table
Ken	Span (cloth)

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What Is This Tool?

This unit converter helps you transform lengths measured in ken, a traditional Japanese unit often used in architecture, into span (cloth), a small fabric width unit based on the hand's span. It supports applications in building restoration, textile crafting, and traditional measurements.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the length value measured in ken in the input field.
Select ken as the source unit and span (cloth) as the target unit.
Click the convert button to get the equivalent value in span (cloth).
Use the results for fabric measurements, tailoring, or architectural comparisons.

Key Features

Converts ken, a modular Japanese length unit, to span (cloth), a textile measurement.
Provides a precise conversion formula linking architectural and fabric lengths.
Useful for translating traditional building dimensions into fabric-related units.
Supports design, craft, and historical restoration projects involving both units.
Browser-based tool requiring no installation, easy to use.

Examples

1 Ken equals approximately 9.27 Span (cloth).
2 Ken converts to about 18.53 Span (cloth).

Common Use Cases

Interpreting traditional Japanese architectural bay widths as fabric measurements.
Translating room dimensions expressed in ken for textile crafting projects.
Supporting tailoring and handcraft measurements for straps or small patterns.
Assisting restoration work by converting building modular lengths into fabric spans.
Clarifying historical textile trade measurements involving narrow fabric widths.

Tips & Best Practices

Remember that both ken and span (cloth) are approximate and may vary slightly regionally or personally.
Use conversions for general guidance rather than precise engineering calculations.
Double-check measurements when applying to craft or restoration projects requiring accuracy.
Leverage this unit mapping to bridge architectural and textile disciplines effectively.
Understand the historical and practical contexts of each unit to improve interpretation.

Limitations

Span (cloth) is based on the human hand's span and can vary between individuals.
Ken values are standardized roughly but may have minor historical or regional differences.
Conversion results should be treated as approximate, not exact measures.
Precision may be insufficient for highly technical or engineering applications.
The tool does not accommodate units outside ken and span (cloth).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a ken?: A ken is a traditional Japanese unit of length equal to six shaku, commonly standardized as about 1.818 meters. It is used in architecture to specify bay widths and room dimensions.
How large is a span (cloth)?: A span (cloth) is a traditional length based on the distance between the thumb and little finger of an outstretched hand, roughly 9 inches or 22.9 centimeters.
Why convert ken to span (cloth)?: Converting ken to span (cloth) helps translate architectural measurements into fabric-related units useful for textile crafts, tailoring, and historical restoration.

Key Terminology

Ken: A traditional Japanese unit of length equal to six shaku, commonly about 1.818 meters, used mainly in architecture for bay widths and room sizes.
Span (cloth): A traditional unit of length based on the hand's span from thumb to little finger, approximately 9 inches, used in textile measurements.
Shaku: A traditional Japanese unit of length approximately equal to 0.30303 meters, forming the basis for measurements like ken.

Quick Knowledge Check

What is the ken primarily used to measure?

Fabric widths

Architectural bay spacing

Distance between fingers

What physical feature defines a span (cloth)?

Distance between thumb and little finger

Length of a shaku

Width of a tatami mat

Which is closest to 1 ken in span (cloth)?

About 5 spans

About 9 spans

About 15 spans

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