Arpent to Decimeter Converter
Convert arpents to decimeters with our free online length converter.
Quick Answer
1 Arpent = 584.71 decimeters
Formula: Arpent Γ conversion factor = Decimeter
Use the calculator below for instant, accurate conversions.
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All conversion formulas on UnitsConverter.io have been verified against NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) guidelines and international SI standards. Our calculations are accurate to 10 decimal places for standard conversions and use arbitrary precision arithmetic for astronomical units.
Arpent to Decimeter Calculator
How to Use the Arpent to Decimeter Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Arpent).
- The converted value in Decimeter will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Length category.
- Click the swap button (β) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Arpent to Decimeter: Step-by-Step Guide
Converting Arpent to Decimeter involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Arpent = 584.71 decimetersExample Calculation:
Convert 10 arpents: 10 Γ 584.71 = 5847.1 decimeters
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.
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View all Length conversions βWhat is a Arpent and a Decimeter?
The Arpent is a historical French unit used primarily for measuring land area, but also sometimes used as a unit of length. As a unit of length, the arpent typically referred to the side length of a square arpent of land.
Its precise length varied significantly by region and time period in France and its colonies. A commonly cited value, particularly associated with the arpent de Paris, is based on 180 French feet (pieds du Roi), which equates to approximately:
- 58.47 meters (m)
- 191.8 feet (ft)
Other variations existed, such as the arpent commun (based on 200 French feet, ~64.97 m) and the arpent d'ordonnance (based on 220 French feet, ~71.47 m).
The decimeter (symbol: dm) is a unit of length in the metric system. It is defined as exactly one-tenth (1/10) of a meter, which is the base unit of length in the International System of Units (SI). Therefore, 1 meter equals 10 decimeters.
Note: The Arpent is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Decimeter belongs to the metric (SI) system.
History of the Arpent and Decimeter
The term "arpent" likely derives from the Gaulish arepennis, meaning "end of a field," suggesting its origins relate to agricultural land measurement, possibly representing the amount of land that could be plowed in a day. It became a fundamental unit for land surveying in France during the medieval period and remained in use until the adoption of the metric system following the French Revolution.
- Regional Variations: Before standardization efforts, the length (and thus area) of the arpent varied considerably across different regions of France. Key variations included:
- Arpent de Paris: Based on a perche (rod) of 18 pieds du Roi (French feet), with the linear arpent (side of the square) being 10 perches, totaling 180 pieds (~58.47 m). The area was 32,400 square pieds.
- Arpent Commun: Based on a perche of 20 pieds, linear arpent of 200 pieds (~64.97 m). Area: 40,000 square pieds.
- Arpent d'Ordonnance (or Arpent des Eaux et ForΓͺts): Based on a perche of 22 pieds, linear arpent of 220 pieds (~71.47 m). Area: 48,400 square pieds. Used primarily for royal forests.
- Colonial Usage: The arpent was exported to French colonies, notably:
- New France (Quebec, Canada): The arpent de Paris became the standard for land grants along the St. Lawrence River, shaping the characteristic long, narrow farm plots (rangs).
- Louisiana (USA): The French arpent (usually the arpent de Paris) was used for land measurement before and sometimes after the Louisiana Purchase. Its legacy persists in land titles and some place names.
- Metrication: The metric system officially replaced the arpent and other traditional units in France in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, though its use lingered in practice and historical records.
The decimeter originates from the French Revolution era, when the metric system was developed and introduced in France in the 1790s. The system aimed to create a rational and universal standard of measurement based on decimal multiples and submultiples of base units. The prefix "deci-" signifies a factor of one-tenth (10β»ΒΉ). While the meter became the standard, the decimeter was defined as a convenient subdivision.
Common Uses and Applications: arpents vs decimeters
Explore the typical applications for both Arpent (imperial/US) and Decimeter (metric) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for arpents
The Arpent (both linear and area) is now largely obsolete for practical measurement but remains historically significant:
- Historical Land Surveys: Essential for interpreting old maps, deeds, and land grants in France, Quebec, Louisiana, and other areas formerly under French control (e.g., parts of the US Midwest like Missouri, Illinois, Indiana).
- Legal Context: Land descriptions in some regions may still reference original measurements in arpents, requiring conversion for modern understanding.
- Historical Research: Understanding the arpent is crucial for historians studying agriculture, settlement patterns, and land tenure systems in French history and its colonial contexts.
- Unit of Area: While this page focuses on the length, the arpent is more commonly known and encountered as a unit of area (the square arpent).
When to Use decimeters
Although less frequently used in everyday measurements compared to the meter, centimeter, or millimeter, the decimeter finds application in certain contexts:
- Education: Often used in schools to teach the metric system and decimal relationships (10 dm = 1 m, 1 dm = 10 cm).
- Crafts and Sewing: Sometimes used for measuring fabric or materials where increments of 10 centimeters are practical.
- Scientific Fields: Occasionally used in specific scientific measurements or contexts where this scale is convenient.
- Volume: The cubic decimeter (dmΒ³) is a very common unit of volume, as it is exactly equal to one liter (L). This link makes the decimeter conceptually important in understanding metric volume.
Additional Unit Information
About Arpent (arpent)
Is the Arpent a unit of length or area?
The Arpent is primarily known as a unit of area, representing a specific parcel of land. However, a linear arpent also exists, defined as the side length of a square whose area is one arpent. This page focuses on the linear arpent. The relationship is direct: Area Arpent = (Linear Arpent)Β². Because the linear arpent varied, the area also varied.
Where is the Arpent still relevant?
The Arpent is not used for everyday measurements today. Its relevance is almost entirely historical and legal:
- Quebec (Canada): Crucial for understanding historical land division and property lines, especially the seigneurial system.
- Louisiana (USA): Important for interpreting land titles dating back to the French colonial period.
- France: Relevant for historical studies and understanding old documents.
- Other former French territories: May appear in historical records (e.g., Mauritius, parts of the US Midwest).
How long is a linear Arpent?
There is no single value, as it varied regionally. Common historical values include:
- Arpent de Paris: ~180 French feet β 58.47 meters β 191.8 feet (Most common in Quebec & Louisiana)
- Arpent Commun: ~200 French feet β 64.97 meters β 213.2 feet
- Arpent d'Ordonnance: ~220 French feet β 71.47 meters β 234.5 feet (Note: The French foot, pied du Roi, was slightly longer than the English foot, approx. 32.48 cm or 12.79 inches).
How does the linear Arpent compare to a Meter or Foot?
- The most common linear arpent (~58.47 m) is significantly longer than a meter. (1 Arpent β 58.47 m)
- It is also much longer than a foot. (1 Arpent β 191.8 ft)
Is the Arpent an SI unit?
No, the Arpent is not an SI unit. It is a traditional unit from the French system of measurements. The SI base unit for length is the meter (m), and the SI unit for area is the square meter (mΒ²).
About Decimeter (dm)
How many decimeters are in a meter?
There are exactly 10 decimeters in 1 meter.
How many centimeters are in a decimeter?
There are exactly 10 centimeters in 1 decimeter.
How many millimeters are in a decimeter?
There are exactly 100 millimeters in 1 decimeter (since 1 dm = 10 cm and 1 cm = 10 mm).
How do you convert decimeters to inches?
To convert decimeters to inches, multiply the number of decimeters by approximately 3.93701. For example, 2 dm is about 2 * 3.93701 = 7.874 inches.
Is the decimeter commonly used?
The decimeter is not as commonly used in everyday language or general measurements as meters, centimeters, or even millimeters. However, it is a standard metric unit and is particularly important conceptually due to the cubic decimeter being equal to a liter.
What is a cubic decimeter?
A cubic decimeter (dmΒ³) is a unit of volume equal to the volume of a cube with sides one decimeter (10 cm) long. It is exactly equivalent to 1 liter (L).
Conversion Table: Arpent to Decimeter
| Arpent (arpent) | Decimeter (dm) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 292.355 |
| 1 | 584.71 |
| 1.5 | 877.065 |
| 2 | 1,169.42 |
| 5 | 2,923.55 |
| 10 | 5,847.1 |
| 25 | 14,617.75 |
| 50 | 29,235.5 |
| 100 | 58,471 |
| 250 | 146,177.5 |
| 500 | 292,355 |
| 1,000 | 584,710 |
People Also Ask
How do I convert Arpent to Decimeter?
To convert Arpent to Decimeter, enter the value in Arpent in the calculator above. The conversion will happen automatically. Use our free online converter for instant and accurate results. You can also visit our length converter page to convert between other units in this category.
Learn more βWhat is the conversion factor from Arpent to Decimeter?
The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Arpent and Decimeter. You can find the exact conversion formula and factor on this page. Our calculator handles all calculations automatically. See the conversion table above for common values.
Can I convert Decimeter back to Arpent?
Yes! You can easily convert Decimeter back to Arpent by using the swap button (β) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Decimeter to Arpent converter page. You can also explore other length conversions on our category page.
Learn more βWhat are common uses for Arpent and Decimeter?
Arpent and Decimeter are both standard units used in length measurements. They are commonly used in various applications including engineering, construction, cooking, and scientific research. Browse our length converter for more conversion options.
For more length conversion questions, visit our FAQ page or explore our conversion guides.
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Other Length Units and Conversions
Explore other length units and their conversion options:
- Meter (m) β’ Arpent to Meter
- Kilometer (km) β’ Arpent to Kilometer
- Hectometer (hm) β’ Arpent to Hectometer
- Centimeter (cm) β’ Arpent to Centimeter
- Millimeter (mm) β’ Arpent to Millimeter
- Inch (in) β’ Arpent to Inch
- Foot (ft) β’ Arpent to Foot
- Yard (yd) β’ Arpent to Yard
- Mile (mi) β’ Arpent to Mile
- Nautical Mile (NM) β’ Arpent to Nautical Mile
Verified Against Authority Standards
All conversion formulas have been verified against international standards and authoritative sources to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability.
National Institute of Standards and Technology β Official US standards for length measurements
Bureau International des Poids et Mesures β International System of Units official documentation
Last verified: February 19, 2026