What is a pica unit used for?

A pica is a typographic unit of length used for measuring type, line length, and layout dimensions in desktop publishing and typesetting.

What does span (cloth) measure?

Span (cloth) is a traditional unit based on the distance between the thumb and little finger of an outstretched hand, typically used for fabric widths and small textile measurements.

Is the conversion between pica and span (cloth) exact?

No, the conversion is approximate due to span (cloth) being a traditional unit that can vary, whereas pica is a precise typographic measure.

How to Convert from Pica to Span (cloth)

Learn how to convert measurements from pica, a typographic length unit, to span (cloth), a traditional fabric measurement unit. This guide explains key features, uses, and conversion steps.

Pica

Span (cloth)

Please check your input. It must be a valid numeric value.

Pica to Span (cloth) Conversion Table

Pica	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.

Pica to Span (cloth) Conversion Table
Pica	Span (cloth)

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What Is This Tool?

This unit converter transforms length measurements from pica, widely used in typography and digital layout, to span (cloth), a traditional unit commonly used in textile and tailoring contexts.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the numeric value in picas that you want to convert.
Select pica as the starting unit and span (cloth) as the target unit.
Click convert to see the equivalent measurement expressed in span (cloth).

Key Features

Converts length values from pica to span (cloth).
Uses a fixed conversion rate based on standard definitions.
Supports cross-industry applications including desktop publishing and textile measurements.

Examples

10 picas convert to 0.185185185 span (cloth).
50 picas convert to 0.925925925 span (cloth).

Common Use Cases

Translating typographic layout sizes to fabric measurements in tailoring.
Converting digital typesetting units into traditional textile units for crafts.
Analyzing historical textile trade documents with traditional length units.

Tips & Best Practices

Use this tool for rough conversions when working between publishing and textile contexts.
Be aware that span (cloth) is an approximate measure as it varies by hand size.
Confirm measurements using standard tools when precise fabric dimensions are needed.

Limitations

Span (cloth) is a non-standard unit and length can vary based on individual hand size.
Conversion results may be approximate due to the traditional nature of span (cloth).
Pica is a precise typographic unit, so exact equivalence is contextual and sometimes approximate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pica unit used for?: A pica is a typographic unit of length used for measuring type, line length, and layout dimensions in desktop publishing and typesetting.
What does span (cloth) measure?: Span (cloth) is a traditional unit based on the distance between the thumb and little finger of an outstretched hand, typically used for fabric widths and small textile measurements.
Is the conversion between pica and span (cloth) exact?: No, the conversion is approximate due to span (cloth) being a traditional unit that can vary, whereas pica is a precise typographic measure.

Key Terminology

Pica: A typographic length unit equal to 12 points and commonly defined as 1/6 inch, used in typesetting and digital layout.
Span (cloth): A traditional non-SI length unit based on the distance between the thumb and little finger of an outstretched hand, used for fabric widths.

Quick Knowledge Check

What industry commonly uses the pica unit?

Textile manufacturing

Desktop publishing and typography

Tailoring

What does the span (cloth) unit traditionally represent?

Distance between fingertips on an outstretched hand

Length of a magazine page

Width of a printed line

Why might the pica to span (cloth) conversion be approximate?

Because pica values change depending on font

Because span (cloth) is a non-standardized traditional unit

Because pica is not a length measurement

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