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Angstrom to Vara Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool

Convert angstroms to varas with our free online length converter.

Angstrom to Vara Calculator

Angstrom
Vara

How to Use the Calculator:

  1. Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Angstrom).
  2. The converted value in Vara will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
  3. Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Length category.
  4. Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.

How to Convert Angstrom to Vara

Converting Angstrom to Vara involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.

Formula:

1 Angstrom = 1.1930e-10 varas

Example Calculation:

Convert 10 angstroms: 10 × 1.1930e-10 = 1.1930e-9 varas

Disclaimer: For Reference Only

These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.

Not for professional use. Results should be verified before use in any critical application. View our Terms of Service for more information.

What is a Angstrom and a Vara?

The Angstrom (symbol Å) is a non-SI unit of length equal to exactly 10⁻¹⁰ meters (one ten-billionth of a meter) or 0.1 nanometers (nm). While not part of the modern International System of Units (SI), it remains widely used in various scientific fields due to its convenient scale for atomic and molecular dimensions. It provides a direct way to express sizes at the sub-nanometer level without resorting to fractions or powers of ten for nanometers.

The Vara (Spanish and Portuguese for "rod" or "pole") is a traditional Iberian unit of length, roughly comparable to the English yard. Its precise length varied significantly depending on the region and historical period, reflecting local customs and lack of centralized standardization before the metric era.

Commonly cited values include:

  • Castilian Vara (Vara de Castilla): Approximately 83.59 centimeters (cm) or 32.91 inches (in). This was arguably the most influential standard in Spain and many of its colonies.
  • Portuguese Vara: Typically longer, around 110 cm or 43.3 inches.
  • Texas Vara: Legally defined in Texas as exactly 33 1/3 inches (approximately 84.67 cm).

Other regional variations existed throughout Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and other territories under their influence.

Note: The Angstrom is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Vara belongs to the imperial/US customary system.

History of the Angstrom and Vara

The Angstrom unit is named after the Swedish physicist Anders Jonas Ångström (1814–1874), one of the founders of the science of spectroscopy. Ångström used this unit in 1868 to create a chart of the wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation in sunlight, expressing them as multiples of 10⁻¹⁰ meters. This scale proved extremely convenient for expressing atomic radii, chemical bond lengths, and the wavelengths of X-rays. Although the nanometer (nm) and picometer (pm) are the preferred SI units for these scales today, the Angstrom's historical prevalence means it persists in many scientific disciplines, particularly in crystallography, atomic physics, and chemistry literature.

The Vara likely originated from Roman units like the virga and became a fundamental measure in Spain and Portugal during the Middle Ages. Its use spread extensively through colonization from the 15th century onwards, becoming the standard for land measurement and trade in vast territories across the Americas (including areas now part of the US like Texas, California, Florida), Africa, and Asia.

Despite attempts to standardize, such as establishing the Vara de Castilla (sometimes associated with Burgos), enforcement across diverse and distant colonies was inconsistent. This led to the development and persistence of numerous local Varas, often differing slightly based on regional decrees or customary usage. For example:

  • The Mexican Vara was later standardized at approximately 83.8 cm, very close to the Castilian.
  • The Texas Vara was given its specific legal definition (33 1/3 inches) which remains crucial for interpreting historical land grants in the state.

The adoption of the metric system, beginning in the 19th century, gradually led to the official obsolescence of the Vara in most countries. However, its historical importance, particularly in land records, ensures its continued relevance.

Common Uses for angstroms and varas

Explore the typical applications for both Angstrom (imperial/US) and Vara (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.

Common Uses for angstroms

The Angstrom is frequently used to measure dimensions at the atomic scale:

  • Atomic Radii: Expressing the size of atoms (e.g., the covalent radius of a carbon atom is about 0.77 Å).
  • Chemical Bond Lengths: Measuring the distance between nuclei in molecules (e.g., the O-H bond length in water is about 0.96 Å).
  • Crystallography: Describing the dimensions of crystal lattices and the spacing between atomic planes, often determined using X-ray diffraction.
  • Spectroscopy: Specifying the wavelengths of X-rays and some ultraviolet light.
  • Microscopy: Measuring features in electron microscopy images.
  • Integrated Circuits: Sometimes used historically or informally to describe feature sizes in semiconductor manufacturing, although nanometers are now standard.

Common Uses for varas

Historically, the Vara was a primary unit for:

  • Land Surveying: Measuring property boundaries, town lots, roads, and vast land grants. It is frequently encountered in historical deeds and surveys throughout Latin America and the Southwestern United States.
  • Trade and Commerce: Measuring textiles (cloth), rope, lumber, and other goods sold by length.
  • Architecture and Construction: Laying out building foundations, measuring walls, and quantifying construction materials.
  • Agriculture: Measuring field dimensions or distances for planting.

Its use today is almost entirely historical or related to the interpretation of old documents and land titles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About Angstrom (Å)

How many Angstroms are in a meter?

There are 10,000,000,000 (ten billion) Angstroms in one meter (1 m = 10¹⁰ Å). Conversely, 1 Angstrom = 10⁻¹⁰ meters.

How many Angstroms are in a nanometer?

There are exactly 10 Angstroms (Å) in one nanometer (nm). Therefore, 1 Å = 0.1 nm.

Is the Angstrom an SI unit?

No, the Angstrom is not part of the International System of Units (SI). The official SI unit for length at this scale is the nanometer (nm) (10⁻⁹ m) or the picometer (pm) (10⁻¹² m). 1 Å = 100 pm.

Why is the Angstrom still used if it's not an SI unit?

The Angstrom persists due to historical convention and its convenient size for atomic-scale measurements. Many scientific fields, like crystallography and atomic physics, developed using the Angstrom, and much historical data and literature use it. Its scale (0.1 nm) often allows for expressing atomic dimensions as numbers close to unity without decimals or exponents, which can be convenient.

What fields commonly use Angstroms?

The Angstrom remains common in:

  • Crystallography: Describing crystal structures and diffraction patterns.
  • Atomic Physics: Measuring atomic radii and energy level transitions.
  • Chemistry: Specifying molecular bond lengths and structures.
  • Spectroscopy: Particularly for X-ray wavelengths.
  • Materials Science: Characterizing thin films and nanostructures.
  • Structural Biology: Describing protein and nucleic acid structures.

About Vara (vara)

Why does the length of a Vara vary so much?

The variation stems from several factors:

  • Long History: The unit was used for centuries before rigorous international standards like the metric system existed.
  • Decentralized Standards: Measurement standards were often set locally or regionally (by kingdom, province, or even city) rather than being effectively enforced across entire empires.
  • Physical Standards: Early standards were often based on physical rods, which could vary slightly or degrade over time.
  • Customary Usage: Local trade practices and customs often solidified specific lengths for the Vara in different areas. While influential standards like the Castilian Vara existed, practical enforcement across vast colonial territories was difficult, allowing regional variations to flourish and persist.

Is the Vara still used today?

Officially, the Vara has been superseded by the metric system in Spain, Portugal, and all Latin American countries. However, it remains highly relevant in specific contexts:

  • Historical Land Records: It is essential for interpreting historical land surveys, deeds, and grants, particularly in Texas, California, New Mexico, Florida, and throughout Latin America. Legal property descriptions may still reference original measurements in Varas.
  • Historical Research: Understanding the Vara is crucial for historians studying architecture, urban planning, trade, or agriculture in regions formerly under Spanish or Portuguese rule.
  • Cultural Context: While not used for practical measurement, the term might appear in historical literature, place names, or cultural discussions. In very rare, localized instances, informal references might persist among older generations.

How long is a Vara?

There is no single universal length. You must consider the specific regional and historical context. Key values include:

  • Castilian Vara (Spain): ~83.59 cm / ~32.91 inches
  • Portuguese Vara: ~110 cm / ~43.3 inches
  • Mexican Vara: ~83.8 cm / ~33.0 inches
  • Texas Vara (USA): Exactly 33 1/3 inches / ~84.67 cm

How does the Vara compare to a Yard or Meter?

  • Most common Varas (Castilian, Mexican, Texas) are shorter than both a meter (100 cm) and an English yard (91.44 cm / 36 inches).
    • 1 Meter ≈ 1.18 to 1.20 Varas (Castilian/Texas)
    • 1 Yard ≈ 1.09 to 1.10 Varas (Castilian/Texas)
  • The Portuguese Vara (~1.1 m) is longer than both a meter and a yard.
    • 1 Meter ≈ 0.91 Portuguese Varas
    • 1 Yard ≈ 0.83 Portuguese Varas

Is the Vara an SI unit?

No, the Vara is not an SI unit. It is a traditional unit belonging to the historical Spanish and Portuguese systems of measurement. The SI base unit for length is the meter (m).

Conversion Table: Angstrom to Vara

Angstrom (Å)Vara (vara)
10
50
100
250
500
1000
5000
1,0000

All Length Conversions

Meter to KilometerMeter to HectometerMeter to DecimeterMeter to CentimeterMeter to MillimeterMeter to InchMeter to FootMeter to YardMeter to MileMeter to Nautical MileMeter to MicrometerMeter to NanometerMeter to Light YearMeter to Astronomical UnitMeter to ParsecMeter to AngstromMeter to Point (Typography)Meter to Mil/ThouMeter to FathomMeter to FurlongMeter to Link (Gunter's)Meter to PaceMeter to SpanMeter to DigitMeter to Cable LengthMeter to EllMeter to FingerMeter to Roman MileMeter to StadionMeter to Chi (Chinese)Meter to Shaku (Japanese)Meter to Li (Chinese)Meter to ToiseMeter to BoltMeter to RopeMeter to SmootMeter to SajeneMeter to KenMeter to WaMeter to VaraMeter to AlnMeter to Cubit (Royal/Egyptian)Meter to VerstaMeter to ArpentMeter to Ri (Japanese)Meter to KlafterMeter to YojanaMeter to SkeinKilometer to MeterKilometer to HectometerKilometer to DecimeterKilometer to CentimeterKilometer to MillimeterKilometer to InchKilometer to FootKilometer to YardKilometer to MileKilometer to Nautical MileKilometer to MicrometerKilometer to NanometerKilometer to Light YearKilometer to Astronomical UnitKilometer to ParsecKilometer to AngstromKilometer to Point (Typography)Kilometer to Mil/ThouKilometer to FathomKilometer to FurlongKilometer to Link (Gunter's)Kilometer to PaceKilometer to SpanKilometer to DigitKilometer to Cable LengthKilometer to EllKilometer to FingerKilometer to Roman MileKilometer to StadionKilometer to Chi (Chinese)Kilometer to Shaku (Japanese)Kilometer to Li (Chinese)Kilometer to ToiseKilometer to BoltKilometer to RopeKilometer to SmootKilometer to SajeneKilometer to KenKilometer to WaKilometer to VaraKilometer to AlnKilometer to Cubit (Royal/Egyptian)Kilometer to VerstaKilometer to ArpentKilometer to Ri (Japanese)Kilometer to KlafterKilometer to YojanaKilometer to SkeinHectometer to MeterHectometer to KilometerHectometer to DecimeterHectometer to CentimeterHectometer to MillimeterHectometer to InchHectometer to FootHectometer to YardHectometer to MileHectometer to Nautical MileHectometer to MicrometerHectometer to NanometerHectometer to Light YearHectometer to Astronomical UnitHectometer to ParsecHectometer to AngstromHectometer to Point (Typography)Hectometer to Mil/ThouHectometer to FathomHectometer to FurlongHectometer to Link (Gunter's)Hectometer to PaceHectometer to SpanHectometer to Digit

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