What is a span (cloth)?

A span (cloth) is a traditional, non‑SI length unit based on the distance between the tip of the thumb and little finger of an outstretched hand, commonly about 9 inches, used for measuring narrow fabric widths.

What is a pica used for?

A pica is a typographic unit used in desktop publishing and typesetting to measure type, line length, and layout dimensions.

Why convert span (cloth) to pica?

Conversion helps translate traditional textile measurements into modern typographic units for design, documentation, and digital publishing applications.

How to Convert from Span (cloth) to Pica?

Easily convert measurements from span (cloth), a traditional textile length unit, to pica, a standard typographic unit, using our simple and convenient online converter.

Span (cloth)

Pica

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

Span (cloth) to Pica Conversion Table

Span (cloth)	Pica

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 Pica Conversion Table
Span (cloth)	Pica

Explore More Length Units Converter

What Is This Tool?

This online converter enables you to translate lengths measured in span (cloth), an old textile unit, into pica, a common typographic unit used in page layout and digital typesetting.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the value in span (cloth) units that you want to convert.
Select 'span (cloth)' as the input unit and 'pica' as the output unit.
Click the convert button to get the equivalent measurement in pica.
Use the results for design, documentation, or layout tasks involving textile and typographic measurements.

Key Features

Converts span (cloth) units to pica accurately according to established definitions.
Easy-to-use interface suitable for textile, graphic design, and digital typesetting needs.
Browser-based tool requiring no installation or additional software.
Supports conversions used in historical fabric measurements and modern publishing.

Examples

Converting 2 span (cloth) results in 108 pica.
Half a span (cloth), or 0.5, equals 27 pica.

Common Use Cases

Translating fabric widths in historical textile records into typographic units.
Informal measurement conversions in tailoring or handcrafts for small pattern pieces.
Determining column widths, margins, and gutters in newspaper or magazine layouts.
Applying layout dimensions accurately in digital typesetting and CSS design.

Tips & Best Practices

Use the tool to bridge traditional textile lengths with modern publishing unit standards.
Double-check conversions when working with precise page layouts or custom fabric measurements.
Remember that span (cloth) is approximate and may slightly vary between users.
Combine converted values with design tools to maintain consistent layout and spacing.

Limitations

Span (cloth) is a traditional, non-standard measure and can differ slightly depending on individual interpretation.
Conversion assumes fixed unit definitions; practical results may have minor inaccuracies due to rounding or unit variations.
Not intended for scientific or engineering contexts requiring high precision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a span (cloth)?: A span (cloth) is a traditional, non‑SI length unit based on the distance between the tip of the thumb and little finger of an outstretched hand, commonly about 9 inches, used for measuring narrow fabric widths.
What is a pica used for?: A pica is a typographic unit used in desktop publishing and typesetting to measure type, line length, and layout dimensions.
Why convert span (cloth) to pica?: Conversion helps translate traditional textile measurements into modern typographic units for design, documentation, and digital publishing applications.

Key Terminology

Span (cloth): A traditional unit of length based on the distance between the tip of the thumb and little finger of an outstretched hand, used historically for measuring narrow fabric widths.
Pica: A typographic unit of length equal to 12 points, commonly used in desktop publishing and digital typesetting to measure type and layout dimensions.
Conversion Rate: The fixed ratio used to convert one unit of measure into another; here, 1 span (cloth) equals 54 pica.

Quick Knowledge Check

What traditional measurement is the span (cloth) based on?

Length of a fabric roll

Distance between thumb and little finger tips of an outstretched hand

Width of a clothing pattern

How many pica equal one span (cloth)?

12 pica

54 pica

6 pica

In which field is the pica unit most commonly used?

Textile manufacturing

Typography and page layout

Carpentry

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