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Cable Length to Vara Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool

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

Cable Length to Vara Calculator

Cable Length
Vara

How to Use the Calculator:

  1. Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Cable Length).
  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 Cable Length to Vara

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

Formula:

1 Cable Length = 220.9497 varas

Example Calculation:

Convert 10 cable lengths: 10 × 220.9497 = 2209.497 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 Cable Length and a Vara?

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 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 Cable Length 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 Cable Length and Vara

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 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 cable lengths and varas

Explore the typical applications for both Cable Length (imperial/US) and Vara (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 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 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 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: Cable Length to Vara

Cable Length (cb)Vara (vara)
1220.95
51,104.748
102,209.497
255,523.741
5011,047.483
10022,094.965
500110,474.827
1,000220,949.654

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