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Cable Length to Shaku (Japanese) Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool

Convert cable lengths to shaku with our free online length converter.

Cable Length to Shaku (Japanese) Calculator

Cable Length
Shaku (Japanese)

How to Use the Calculator:

  1. Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Cable Length).
  2. The converted value in Shaku (Japanese) 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 Cable Length to Shaku (Japanese)

Converting Cable Length to Shaku (Japanese) involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.

Formula:

1 Cable Length = 611.2211 shaku

Example Calculation:

Convert 10 cable lengths: 10 × 611.2211 = 6112.211 shaku

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 Cable Length and a Shaku (Japanese)?

A Cable Length (symbol cb), often shortened to cable, is a nautical unit of length, traditionally related to the length of a ship's anchor cable. While its exact length has varied historically and geographically, it is now most commonly defined internationally as one-tenth of a nautical mile (1/10 NM).

This standard definition equates to:

  • 185.2 meters (m)
  • Approximately 607.61 feet (ft)
  • Approximately 202.54 yards (yd)

Other historical definitions based on the fathom also exist.

The Shaku (尺) is a traditional Japanese unit of length, forming a fundamental part of the traditional Japanese system of weights and measures known as the Shakkanhō (尺貫法). It is roughly equivalent to the English foot, although slightly shorter in its modern standardized form.

The Shaku is traditionally subdivided and multiplied decimally:

  • 1 Jō (丈) = 10 Shaku
  • 1 Shaku (尺) = 10 Sun (寸 - Japanese inch)
  • 1 Sun (寸) = 10 Bu (分 - Japanese line)

There were historically different types of shaku, most notably the standard kanejaku (曲尺) used in carpentry and the longer kujirajaku (鯨尺) used for measuring cloth. Unless otherwise specified, "shaku" usually refers to the kanejaku.

Note: The Cable Length is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Shaku (Japanese) belongs to the imperial/US customary system.

History of the Cable Length and Shaku (Japanese)

The unit originated from the practical length of a ship's anchor cable (or "shot" of chain) used in the age of sail. Anchor cables were typically manufactured in standard lengths that could be shackled together. This length provided a convenient unit for measuring distances related to anchoring and maneuvering close to shore or other vessels.

However, the length was not universally standardized:

  • In the British Royal Navy, a cable was traditionally defined as 100 fathoms (equivalent to 600 feet or 182.88 meters).
  • In the U.S. Navy, it was often defined as 120 fathoms (equivalent to 720 feet or 219.456 meters).

With the international adoption of the nautical mile (defined as 1852 meters), defining the cable as exactly one-tenth of this value (185.2 m) created a convenient, decimal-based relationship and became the most common modern standard, sometimes referred to as the "international cable length".

The Shaku originated from the Chinese Chi (尺), introduced to Japan likely between the 3rd and 6th centuries AD. Like its Chinese counterpart, the length of the Shaku varied considerably across different historical periods and regions in Japan.

  • Early Adoption: Early Japanese measurements were heavily influenced by Chinese standards, but the length of the Shaku began to diverge over time.
  • Edo Period (1603–1868): Different standards coexisted, including the kanejaku (carpenter's shaku) and the kujirajaku (cloth shaku, literally "whale shaku," possibly referring to rulers made from whale baleen). The kanejaku became the more common standard for general measurement.
  • Meiji Restoration (1868 onwards): Japan began modernizing and standardizing its systems. In 1891, the Weights and Measures Act defined the standard Shaku (kanejaku) legally in relation to the metric system as exactly 10/33 of a meter. This aimed to provide a precise conversion factor while preserving the traditional unit. The kujirajaku was defined as 1.25 times the kanejaku (i.e., 12.5/33 of a meter).
  • Metrication: Japan officially adopted the metric system in 1951, and its use became mandatory for most official and commercial transactions by 1966. However, the Shaku and other Shakkanhō units remain in use in specific traditional fields.

Common Uses for cable lengths and shaku

Explore the typical applications for both Cable Length (imperial/US) and Shaku (Japanese) (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.

Common Uses for cable lengths

The cable length, particularly the 1/10 NM definition, remains in use in specific maritime contexts:

  • Nautical Navigation & Ship Handling: Measuring short distances at sea, such as the distance between ships in formation, distance off a navigational hazard, distance to a pier, estimating anchor drag, or describing the scope (length) of anchor cable paid out.
  • Hydrographic Surveying: Historically used on nautical charts, although meters are now the primary international standard for depth and short distances on modern charts.
  • Naval Terminology: Persists in naval traditions and communications for describing close ranges.
  • Historical Context: Encountered in older maritime texts, logs, charts, and naval records.

Common Uses for shaku

While the metric system is standard in Japan, the Shaku persists in several areas:

  • Traditional Japanese Architecture and Carpentry: The kanejaku is still widely used for measurements in building temples, shrines, traditional houses, and making furniture. Architectural modules like the ken (間) are often based on the Shaku. Japanese woodworking tools are often sized or marked in Shaku and Sun.
  • Kimono and Traditional Clothing: The kujirajaku is the standard unit for measuring cloth width (tanmono) and dimensions when making kimonos and yukatas.
  • Traditional Crafts: Used in making items like tatami mats, shōji screens, and other traditional crafts where historical dimensions are important.
  • Musical Instruments: The length of traditional Japanese instruments, notably the shakuhachi (尺八) flute, is measured in Shaku and Sun (its name literally means "1.8 shaku").
  • Martial Arts: Some traditional martial arts (koryū budō) may use Shaku-based measurements for weapon lengths (e.g., jō, bō) or stance dimensions.
  • Gardening and Landscaping: Traditional Japanese garden design sometimes employs Shaku-based proportions.
  • Historical and Cultural Context: Essential for understanding dimensions in historical texts, art, and artifacts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About Cable Length (cb)

What are the different values for a cable length?

The value depends on the definition being used:

  • International Standard: 1 cable = 1/10 nautical mile = 185.2 meters ≈ 607.61 feet. (Most common modern definition)
  • British Traditional: 1 cable = 100 fathoms = 182.88 meters = 600 feet.
  • US Traditional: 1 cable = 120 fathoms = 219.456 meters = 720 feet.

Always clarify which definition is intended if precision is critical, though the 1/10 NM version is generally assumed today unless otherwise specified.

How many meters are in a standard cable length?

The internationally recognized standard cable length is exactly 185.2 meters.

How many feet are in a standard cable length?

The internationally recognized standard cable length is approximately 607.61 feet. The traditional British cable was 600 ft, and the traditional US cable was 720 ft.

Is the cable length related to the nautical mile?

Yes, the most common modern definition establishes a direct relationship: 1 cable length = 1/10 nautical mile.

Is the cable length an SI unit?

No, the cable length is not an SI unit. It is a traditional nautical unit derived from maritime practice and later linked to the nautical mile. The corresponding SI unit for length is the meter (m).

Is the cable length still used today?

Yes, while meters and nautical miles are standard for most navigation, the cable length (especially the 1/10 NM definition) is still actively used in specific maritime applications like anchoring, close maneuvering, naval operations, and sometimes in recreational boating contexts. It serves as a convenient subdivision of the nautical mile.

About Shaku (Japanese) (shaku)

How long is a Shaku?

The length depends on the context (historical vs. modern, type of shaku):

  • Modern Standardized Kanejaku (since 1891):
    • Exactly 10/33 meters (m)
    • Approximately 0.30303 meters
    • Approximately 30.303 centimeters (cm)
    • Approximately 11.93 inches (in)
    • Approximately 0.994 feet (ft)
  • Modern Standardized Kujirajaku:
    • Exactly 12.5/33 meters (m) (1.25 times the kanejaku)
    • Approximately 0.37879 meters
    • Approximately 37.879 centimeters (cm)
    • Approximately 14.91 inches (in)
    • Approximately 1.243 feet (ft)
  • Historical Shaku: Varied significantly, often differing from the modern standard.

What are the subdivisions and multiples of the Shaku?

The system is decimal:

  • Subdivisions: 1 Shaku = 10 Sun (寸); 1 Sun = 10 Bu (分).
  • Multiples: 1 Jō (丈) = 10 Shaku. Another related unit is the Ken (間), traditionally 6 Shaku, though its length could vary.

Is it the same as the Chinese Chi?

No. Although the Japanese Shaku originated from the Chinese Chi (both written with the character 尺), they evolved independently and have different standardized lengths today.

  • Modern Japanese Shaku (kanejaku): 10/33 meters (≈ 0.303 m)
  • Modern Chinese Chi: 1/3 meter (≈ 0.333 m) The Shaku is noticeably shorter than the modern Chi.

What is the difference between kanejaku and kujirajaku?

They are two distinct traditional Shaku units:

  • Kanejaku (曲尺): The "carpenter's shaku," used for general measurement, architecture, and woodworking. Standardized at 10/33 meters. This is the default meaning of "Shaku."
  • Kujirajaku (鯨尺): The "cloth shaku" or "whale shaku," used primarily for measuring cloth, especially for kimonos. It is longer than the kanejaku, standardized at 12.5/33 meters (exactly 1.25 times the kanejaku).

Is the Shaku an SI unit?

No, the Shaku is not an SI unit. It is a traditional Japanese unit belonging to the Shakkanhō system. The SI base unit for length is the meter (m).

Is the Shaku still used today?

Yes, although Japan officially uses the metric system (SI units) for most purposes, the Shaku (both kanejaku and kujirajaku) continues to be used in specific traditional fields:

  • Traditional architecture and carpentry.
  • Kimono making and textile measurement.
  • Other traditional crafts.
  • Musical instrument making (e.g., shakuhachi).
  • Historical and cultural studies. It is generally not used in everyday commerce or scientific contexts.

Conversion Table: Cable Length to Shaku (Japanese)

Cable Length (cb)Shaku (Japanese) (shaku)
1611.221
53,056.106
106,112.211
2515,280.528
5030,561.056
10061,122.112
500305,610.561
1,000611,221.122

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