What is a Russian archin?

The Russian archin, also called arshin, is an old Russian length unit equal to 16 vershoks or 28 English inches, about 0.7112 metres, used before metrication.

What does a handbreadth represent?

A handbreadth is the breadth of an adult human hand, an informal and historical unit varying across cultures and eras rather than a standard scientific unit.

Why convert from Russian archin to handbreadth?

Conversion helps interpret historic Russian measurements in a more relatable, human-scale unit, useful for restoration, archaeology, and understanding cultural documents.

How to Convert from Russian archin to Handbreadth?

Learn how to convert length measurements from the historical Russian archin to the traditional handbreadth unit. This tool helps interpret old Russian measurements by translating them into a familiar human-scale size.

Russian archin

Handbreadth

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Russian archin to Handbreadth Conversion Table

Russian archin	Handbreadth

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.

Russian archin to Handbreadth Conversion Table
Russian archin	Handbreadth

Explore More Length Units Converter

What Is This Tool?

This converter transforms lengths measured in the Russian archin, an obsolete Russian unit, into handbreadths, a traditional measurement based on the width of a human hand. It assists in understanding and applying historic and cultural measurements.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the length value in Russian archin.
Choose the units to convert from Russian archin to handbreadth.
Click the convert button to see the result in handbreadths.

Key Features

Converts obsolete Russian archin lengths to traditional handbreadth units
Supports interpretation of historical documents, textiles, and artifacts
Browser-based and easy to use for informal or educational purposes
Provides examples of conversion for better understanding

Examples

2 Russian archin converts to 18.6666666666 handbreadths
0.5 Russian archin converts to 4.66666666665 handbreadths

Common Use Cases

Translating lengths on 18th–19th century Russian maps and property records
Restoring historic garments and buildings with dimensions in arshins
Interpreting traditional measurements in archaeological and museum research

Tips & Best Practices

Remember the handbreadth size varies culturally and historically, so use results as approximate values
Use this converter primarily for historical, cultural, or informal measurement needs
Verify original sources when possible due to the obsolete nature of arshin measurements

Limitations

Handbreadth is not standardized and differs by culture and era, so conversions are approximate
Russian archin is an obsolete unit with historical definitions that may not be exact
Neither unit is common in modern scientific measurement and suits mainly historical or informal contexts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Russian archin?: The Russian archin, also called arshin, is an old Russian length unit equal to 16 vershoks or 28 English inches, about 0.7112 metres, used before metrication.
What does a handbreadth represent?: A handbreadth is the breadth of an adult human hand, an informal and historical unit varying across cultures and eras rather than a standard scientific unit.
Why convert from Russian archin to handbreadth?: Conversion helps interpret historic Russian measurements in a more relatable, human-scale unit, useful for restoration, archaeology, and understanding cultural documents.

Key Terminology

Russian archin: An old Russian unit of length, about 0.7112 metres, formerly used in trade and everyday measurement before metrication.
Handbreadth: A traditional, informal unit of length based on the width of an adult human hand, varying across cultures and periods.

Quick Knowledge Check

Which unit is equivalent to about 28 English inches?

Handbreadth

Russian archin

Vershok

What is a handbreadth based on?

Width of a human hand

Length of a foot

Size of a textile

Why is the Russian archin considered obsolete?

It was replaced by the metric system

It measures weight, not length

It varies by region

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