What is a span (cloth)?

A span (cloth) is a traditional, approximate length based on the distance between the thumb and little finger of an outstretched hand, often used to describe small fabric widths.

What does one reed represent?

A reed is a historical unit of length that varied by region and period, usually based on the length of a reed plant or measuring rod.

Why convert span (cloth) to reed?

Converting these units helps interpret measurements found in historical textile records and land deeds for cultural, legal, or archaeological research.

How to Convert from Span (cloth) to Reed

Convert length measurements from the traditional span (cloth) unit to the historical reed using this easy-to-use online converter. Perfect for those studying historical textiles or land records.

Span (cloth)

Reed

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Span (cloth) to Reed Conversion Table

Span (cloth)	Reed

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 Reed Conversion Table
Span (cloth)	Reed

Explore More Length Units Converter

What Is This Tool?

This unit converter allows you to translate measurements from span (cloth), a traditional textile length, into reed, an obsolete regional length unit. It helps users interpret historical fabric widths and land records.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the length value measured in span (cloth)
Select the starting unit as span (cloth)
Choose the target unit as reed
Click convert to see the equivalent length in reed

Key Features

Converts from span (cloth) to reed using established conversion rate
Browser-based and user-friendly interface
Supports historical and scholarly measurement needs
Explains traditional units relevant to textiles and land records

Examples

10 span (cloth) equals 0.833333333 reed
12 span (cloth) equals 1 reed

Common Use Cases

Interpreting narrow fabric widths in historical textile trade records
Studying old land records, deeds, or maps using traditional units
Supporting ethnographic or archaeological research on traditional measurements
Assisting tailoring restoration and historical textile analysis

Tips & Best Practices

Use this converter primarily for historical or scholarly purposes
Cross-reference measurements due to variations in reed by region and time
Consider span (cloth) as an approximate value for informal lengths
Consult historical context for best interpretation of results

Limitations

Reed measurements vary by locality and historical period
Span (cloth) is an informal and approximate unit, not an exact standard
Both units are obsolete and not suitable for modern practical measurement
Conversion may not reflect precise equivalencies in every context

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a span (cloth)?: A span (cloth) is a traditional, approximate length based on the distance between the thumb and little finger of an outstretched hand, often used to describe small fabric widths.
What does one reed represent?: A reed is a historical unit of length that varied by region and period, usually based on the length of a reed plant or measuring rod.
Why convert span (cloth) to reed?: Converting these units helps interpret measurements found in historical textile records and land deeds for cultural, legal, or archaeological research.

Key Terminology

Span (cloth): A traditional length unit based on the outstretched hand's thumb-to-little finger distance, often about 9 inches.
Reed: A historical regional unit of length with varying values, commonly derived from a reed plant or measuring stick.

Quick Knowledge Check

What is the basis of the span (cloth) measurement?

Distance from elbow to wrist

Distance between thumb and little finger tips of an outstretched hand

Length of a standard ruler

What does the reed unit historically relate to?

Length of a measuring rod or reed plant

Length of a cotton thread

Length of a cloth roll

Why are these units considered obsolete?

They are no longer used outside specialized historical or cultural studies

They are officially outlawed for measurement

They were only used in modern industrial contexts

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