What is a span (cloth)?

A span (cloth) is a traditional unit of length based on the distance between the thumb and little finger of an outstretched hand, used mainly in textiles to describe narrow fabric widths.

What does a ken measure?

The ken is a traditional Japanese length unit equal to six shaku, commonly standardized as about 1.818 meters, used in architecture to denote bay widths between pillars.

Why convert span (cloth) to ken?

Converting span (cloth) to ken helps relate textile measurements or informal hand-measured lengths to standardized Japanese architectural units, useful in cross-cultural studies and traditional design.

Convert Span (cloth) to Ken - Online Length Unit Converter

Easily convert length measurements from span (cloth), a traditional textile unit, to ken, a Japanese architectural unit, using our online converter tool.

Span (cloth)

Ken

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Span (cloth) to Ken Conversion Table

Span (cloth)	Ken

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.

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

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What Is This Tool?

This tool converts lengths measured in span (cloth), a traditional unit used in textiles, into ken, a traditional Japanese measurement commonly used in architecture. It helps relate hand-based fabric measurements to standardized modular building units.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the length value in span (cloth) units that you wish to convert
Select 'span (cloth)' as the from unit and 'ken' as the to unit
Click the convert button to see the equivalent measurement in ken
Use the result for textile measurements, architecture designs, or historical study purposes

Key Features

Converts span (cloth) units to ken accurately based on established conversion rates
Simple and user-friendly interface for quick unit conversion
Supports historical and cultural measurement units for textile and architectural contexts
Browser-based tool accessible without installation

Examples

5 span (cloth) converts to approximately 0.54 ken
10 span (cloth) converts to approximately 1.08 ken

Common Use Cases

Translating fabric widths in historical textile trade records to architectural dimensions
Tailoring and handcrafting involving small, informal measurements converted to modular building units
Designing or studying traditional Japanese rooms and buildings using ken-based layouts
Comparing traditional hand-measured textile lengths with standardized Japanese architectural scales

Tips & Best Practices

Ensure the span (cloth) measurement reflects approximate human hand size for practical relevance
Consider regional and historical variations in ken measurements when applying results
Use the conversion for approximate comparisons rather than precise engineering calculations
Combine this tool with historical context for accurate interpretation of measurement units

Limitations

Span (cloth) is an approximate, non-standard unit dependent on individual hand size and may vary
Ken has cultural and historical variations, so exact length may differ by source or location
Conversions between informal hand-based and formal architectural units can involve some loss of precision

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a span (cloth)?: A span (cloth) is a traditional unit of length based on the distance between the thumb and little finger of an outstretched hand, used mainly in textiles to describe narrow fabric widths.
What does a ken measure?: The ken is a traditional Japanese length unit equal to six shaku, commonly standardized as about 1.818 meters, used in architecture to denote bay widths between pillars.
Why convert span (cloth) to ken?: Converting span (cloth) to ken helps relate textile measurements or informal hand-measured lengths to standardized Japanese architectural units, useful in cross-cultural studies and traditional design.

Key Terminology

Span (cloth): A traditional non-SI length unit based on the hand span between thumb and little finger, used mainly to describe narrow fabric widths.
Ken: A traditional Japanese unit of length equal to six shaku, used in architecture to indicate bay spacing between structural pillars.
Conversion Rate: The numerical factor used to translate one unit of length into another, specifically 1 span (cloth) equals approximately 0.1079136691 ken.

Quick Knowledge Check

What is the span (cloth) measurement based on?

Distance between two pillars

Distance between thumb and little finger of an outstretched hand

Length of a traditional Japanese tatami mat

What is the approximate length of one ken?

About 9 inches

About 1.818 meters

Exactly 2 meters

In which field is the ken commonly used?

Textile trimming measurements

Japanese traditional architecture and building layouts

European textile trade

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