Chi (Chinese) to Vara Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool
Convert chi to varas with our free online length converter.
Chi (Chinese) to Vara Calculator
How to Use the Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Chi (Chinese)).
- The converted value in Vara will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Length category.
- Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Chi (Chinese) to Vara
Converting Chi (Chinese) to Vara involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Chi (Chinese) = 0.397638 varasExample Calculation:
Convert 10 chi: 10 × 0.397638 = 3.976378 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 Chi (Chinese) and a Vara?
The Chi (尺) is a traditional Chinese unit of length, often translated as the "Chinese foot". It served as a fundamental base unit within the traditional Chinese system of weights and measures (度量衡, dùliànghéng).
The Chi is traditionally subdivided and multiplied as follows:
- 1 Zhang (丈) = 10 Chi
- 1 Chi (尺) = 10 Cun (寸 - Chinese inch)
- 1 Cun (寸) = 10 Fen (分 - Chinese line)
While sometimes called the "Chinese foot", its length has historically varied significantly and is generally longer than the imperial foot. The modern standardized value is exactly 1/3 of a meter.
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 Chi (Chinese) 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 Chi (Chinese) and Vara
The Chi has been used in China for millennia, with its length undergoing numerous changes across different dynasties and regions. Archaeological evidence suggests its use dates back to the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BC).
- Early Dynasties: Lengths varied, often based on standards set by the ruling government. For example, the Chi during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) was around 23.1 cm, while during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), it was closer to 30.7 cm.
- Later Dynasties: Variations continued. During the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), different standards existed for different trades, such as a gongchéng chi (工尺) for engineering (approx. 32 cm) and a cáiféng chi (裁縫尺) for tailoring (approx. 35.5 cm).
- 20th Century Standardization: In the Republic of China era (1912–1949), efforts were made to standardize traditional units with the metric system. In 1929, the Chi was officially defined as exactly 1/3 of a meter (33.33... cm). This standard was largely retained by the People's Republic of China after 1949.
Unlike some Western units (like the foot or digit), the Chi's connection to direct anthropomorphic measurement (like the length of a forearm or foot) is less clear and likely became conventionalized early in its history.
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 chi and varas
Explore the typical applications for both Chi (Chinese) (imperial/US) and Vara (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for chi
Historically, the Chi was ubiquitous in Chinese society. Its modern usage is less common but persists in specific areas:
- Historical Measurement: Essential for understanding dimensions in ancient and imperial Chinese architecture, engineering projects (like canals and walls), land surveying (often in conjunction with the Bu 步 and Li 里), and everyday objects.
- Textile Measurement: Used for measuring cloth lengths, similar to the Western ell or yard. The tailor's chi (裁縫尺) was specifically used for this.
- Traditional Crafts: Still used in some traditional arts and crafts, such as calligraphy, painting, furniture making, and seal carving, where traditional proportions are valued.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): The cun (1/10th of a chi) is used as a proportional body measurement unit (known as the body inch) to locate acupuncture points. The patient's own body proportions determine the length of their cun.
- Cultural Context: Appears frequently in historical texts, literature, idioms (e.g., 得寸進尺, dé cùn jìn chǐ - "gain an inch, advance a foot," meaning to become greedy), and cultural practices.
- Informal Measurement: In some contexts, particularly among older generations or in rural areas, informal measurements might still reference the chi or cun.
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 Chi (Chinese) (chi)
How long is a Chi?
The length of the Chi has varied significantly throughout history. Key values include:
- Han Dynasty: ~23.1 cm (~9.1 inches)
- Tang Dynasty: ~30.7 cm (~12.1 inches)
- Modern Standardized Value (since 1929): Exactly 1/3 of a meter.
- This equals 33.33... centimeters (cm).
- Approximately 13.12 inches (in).
- Approximately 1.094 feet (ft).
What are the subdivisions and multiples of the Chi?
The traditional system is decimal:
- Subdivisions: 1 Chi = 10 Cun (寸); 1 Cun = 10 Fen (分).
- Multiples: 1 Zhang (丈) = 10 Chi. Another important related unit is the Li (里), standardized as 150 Zhang or 1500 Chi (historically varied, now 500 meters).
How does the Chi relate to the Meter?
Since 1929, the Chi has been officially defined in relation to the meter:
- 1 Chi = 1/3 Meter
- 1 Meter = 3 Chi
Is Chi related to other East Asian units?
Yes, the Chi is the historical basis for similar traditional length units in neighboring countries, which evolved independently over time:
- Japan: Shaku (尺) - Modern standardized value is 10/33 meters (approx. 30.3 cm).
- Korea: Cheok (척) or Ja (자) - Modern standardized value is also 10/33 meters (approx. 30.3 cm).
- Vietnam: Thước - Various historical values, sometimes aligned with Chinese standards.
Is the Chi an SI unit?
No, the Chi is not an SI unit. It is a traditional Chinese unit. The SI base unit for length is the meter (m).
Is the Chi still used today?
Officially, China uses the metric system (SI units) for all legal, commercial, and scientific purposes. However, the Chi (and its subdivision, the Cun) still sees use in:
- Traditional crafts and arts.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for body measurements.
- Cultural and historical contexts.
- Informal measurements in some communities.
- The term "Chi" might sometimes be used colloquially to refer to 1/3 of a meter.
Where does the name 'Chi' and the character 尺 come from?
The character 尺 is a pictogram. Its earliest forms are thought to depict a hand stretching out or a measuring tool. Its exact etymological origin related to a specific body part is debated, but it has represented this fundamental unit of length for millennia.
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: Chi (Chinese) to Vara
| Chi (Chinese) (chi) | Vara (vara) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.398 |
| 5 | 1.988 |
| 10 | 3.976 |
| 25 | 9.941 |
| 50 | 19.882 |
| 100 | 39.764 |
| 500 | 198.819 |
| 1,000 | 397.638 |
All Length Conversions
Other Units from Length
- Meter (m)
- Kilometer (km)
- Hectometer (hm)
- Decimeter (dm)
- Centimeter (cm)
- Millimeter (mm)
- Inch (in)
- Foot (ft)
- Yard (yd)
- Mile (mi)
- Nautical Mile (NM)
- Micrometer (μm)
- Nanometer (nm)
- Light Year (ly)
- Astronomical Unit (AU)
- Parsec (pc)
- Angstrom (Å)
- Point (Typography) (pt)
- Mil/Thou (mil)
- Fathom (fath)
- Furlong (fur)
- Link (Gunter's) (li)
- Pace (pace)
- Span (span)
- Digit (digit)
- Cable Length (cb)
- Ell (ell)
- Finger (finger)
- Roman Mile (m.p.)
- Stadion (stadion)
- Shaku (Japanese) (shaku)
- Li (Chinese) (li)
- Toise (toise)
- Bolt (bolt)
- Rope (rope)
- Smoot (smoot)
- Sajene (sajene)
- Ken (ken)
- Wa (wa)
- Aln (aln)
- Cubit (Royal/Egyptian) (cubit)
- Versta (versta)
- Arpent (arpent)
- Ri (Japanese) (ri)
- Klafter (klafter)
- Yojana (yojana)
- Skein (skein)