Decimeter to Bolt Converter
Convert decimeters to bolts with our free online length converter.
Quick Answer
1 Decimeter = 0.003281 bolts
Formula: Decimeter × conversion factor = Bolt
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.
Decimeter to Bolt Calculator
How to Use the Decimeter to Bolt Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Decimeter).
- The converted value in Bolt 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 Decimeter to Bolt: Step-by-Step Guide
Converting Decimeter to Bolt involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Decimeter = 0.00328084 boltsExample Calculation:
Convert 10 decimeters: 10 × 0.00328084 = 0.0328084 bolts
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.
Need to convert to other length units?
View all Length conversions →What is a Decimeter and a Bolt?
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.
A Bolt is a commercial unit of length primarily used for measuring rolls of cloth or fabric. Unlike standardized units like the meter or yard, the length of a bolt is not fixed and can vary significantly depending on the type of material, the manufacturer, the country of origin, and trade customs.
Common lengths often associated with a bolt include:
- 40 yards (approximately 36.58 meters) - Frequently cited, especially for cottons and silks in the US.
- 100 yards (approximately 91.44 meters) - Often used for heavier fabrics like canvas.
- Other lengths such as 30, 50, 60, or 120 yards may also be encountered.
The bolt represents a quantity convenient for wholesale trade, manufacturing, and inventory management rather than a precise scientific measurement.
Note: The Decimeter is part of the metric (SI) system, primarily used globally in science and trade. The Bolt belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Decimeter and Bolt
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 (10⁻¹). While the meter became the standard, the decimeter was defined as a convenient subdivision.
The concept of the bolt emerged from the practical needs of the textile industry. As cloth production scaled up, manufacturers and merchants needed a standardized way to handle, store, and trade large quantities of fabric. Winding cloth onto a roll or board (the "bolt") provided a convenient package.
The length associated with a bolt likely developed through trade customs specific to different types of fabric and regions. There was never a universal legal standard defining its length, leading to the wide variations seen historically and currently. While retail sales shifted towards measurement by the yard or meter, the bolt remained a useful unit in wholesale and industrial contexts. Even with the global adoption of the metric system, the term "bolt" persists in the textile trade as a reference to a full roll of fabric, though the exact length is usually specified separately in yards or meters.
Common Uses and Applications: decimeters vs bolts
Explore the typical applications for both Decimeter (metric) and Bolt (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for 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 (dm³) 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.
When to Use bolts
The bolt is almost exclusively used within the textile industry:
- Wholesale Trade: Fabric manufacturers sell cloth to distributors or large buyers in bolts.
- Manufacturing: Clothing and upholstery manufacturers purchase fabric by the bolt for production runs.
- Inventory Management: Textile mills, warehouses, and large retailers manage stock using bolts as units.
- Industrial Fabrics: Suppliers of canvas, vinyl, and other industrial textiles often sell material by the bolt.
It is generally not used for retail sales to consumers, where fabric is typically measured and cut to specific lengths (yards or meters) from the bolt.
Additional Unit Information
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 (dm³) 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).
About Bolt (bolt)
How long is a bolt of cloth?
There is no single standard length. It depends heavily on the fabric type and manufacturer. Common lengths include:
- 40 yards (~36.58 m)
- 100 yards (~91.44 m)
- Other lengths like 30, 50, 60, or 120 yards are also possible. Always check the specific product information for the actual length of a particular bolt.
How many yards are in a bolt?
Commonly 40 yards or 100 yards, but this is highly variable.
How many meters are in a bolt?
Based on common yard lengths:
- A 40-yard bolt is approximately 36.58 meters.
- A 100-yard bolt is approximately 91.44 meters.
Is the bolt a standardized unit?
No, it is not a standardized unit of length like the yard or meter. It's a commercial trade unit whose length varies.
Is the bolt still used today?
Yes, the term "bolt" is still widely used in the wholesale textile industry and manufacturing contexts to refer to a full roll of fabric, although the precise length is usually specified in yards or meters.
Is this related to the fastener "bolt"?
No, the bolt unit for cloth is completely unrelated to the metal fastener known as a bolt. They share the same name but have entirely different meanings and origins.
Conversion Table: Decimeter to Bolt
| Decimeter (dm) | Bolt (bolt) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 0.002 |
| 1 | 0.003 |
| 1.5 | 0.005 |
| 2 | 0.007 |
| 5 | 0.016 |
| 10 | 0.033 |
| 25 | 0.082 |
| 50 | 0.164 |
| 100 | 0.328 |
| 250 | 0.82 |
| 500 | 1.64 |
| 1,000 | 3.281 |
People Also Ask
How do I convert Decimeter to Bolt?
To convert Decimeter to Bolt, enter the value in Decimeter 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 →What is the conversion factor from Decimeter to Bolt?
The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Decimeter and Bolt. 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 Bolt back to Decimeter?
Yes! You can easily convert Bolt back to Decimeter by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Bolt to Decimeter converter page. You can also explore other length conversions on our category page.
Learn more →What are common uses for Decimeter and Bolt?
Decimeter and Bolt 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.
Helpful Conversion Guides
Learn more about unit conversion with our comprehensive guides:
📚 How to Convert Units
Step-by-step guide to unit conversion with practical examples.
🔢 Conversion Formulas
Essential formulas for length and other conversions.
⚖️ Metric vs Imperial
Understand the differences between measurement systems.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Learn about frequent errors and how to avoid them.
All Length Conversions
Other Length Units and Conversions
Explore other length units and their conversion options:
- Meter (m) • Decimeter to Meter
- Kilometer (km) • Decimeter to Kilometer
- Hectometer (hm) • Decimeter to Hectometer
- Centimeter (cm) • Decimeter to Centimeter
- Millimeter (mm) • Decimeter to Millimeter
- Inch (in) • Decimeter to Inch
- Foot (ft) • Decimeter to Foot
- Yard (yd) • Decimeter to Yard
- Mile (mi) • Decimeter to Mile
- Nautical Mile (NM) • Decimeter 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 — Official US standards for length measurements
Bureau International des Poids et Mesures — International System of Units official documentation
Last verified: February 19, 2026