Furlong to Yard Converter

Convert furlongs to yards with our free online length converter.

Quick Answer

1 Furlong = 220 yards

Formula: Furlong Γ— conversion factor = Yard

Use the calculator below for instant, accurate conversions.

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Last verified: December 2025Reviewed by: Sam Mathew, Software Engineer

Furlong to Yard Calculator

How to Use the Furlong to Yard Calculator:

  1. Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Furlong).
  2. The converted value in Yard 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 (β‡Œ) to reverse the conversion direction.
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How to Convert Furlong to Yard: Step-by-Step Guide

Converting Furlong to Yard involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.

Formula:

1 Furlong = 220 yards

Example Calculation:

Convert 10 furlongs: 10 Γ— 220 = 2200 yards

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 Furlong and a Yard?

The Eighth of a Mile

The furlong is defined as exactly 1/8 of a statute mile.

Precise equivalents:

  • 220 yards (1/8 Γ— 1,760 yards)
  • 660 feet (220 yards Γ— 3 feet/yard)
  • 40 rods (traditional surveying unit; 1 rod = 16.5 feet)
  • 10 chains (1 chain = 66 feet = 4 rods)
  • 201.168 meters (exactly, using 1 yard = 0.9144 m)

Old English Etymology

"Furlang" = "furrow-long"

  • Furh (Old English) = furrow (a trench cut by a plow)
  • Lang (Old English) = long

Agricultural origin: In medieval open-field farming, peasants plowed long, narrow strips. The furlong represented the standard length of these stripsβ€”the distance a team of oxen could pull a heavy plow before needing to rest and turn around.

Why this specific distance?

  • Oxen stamina: Approximately 220 yards before fatigue
  • Practical turn-around: Long enough to be efficient, short enough to manage
  • Acre relationship: 1 furlong Γ— 1 chain (66 ft) = 1 acre (historical definition)

The Chain-Furlong-Mile System

Edmund Gunter's surveyor's chain (1620):

  • 1 chain = 66 feet = 4 rods = 100 links
  • 10 chains = 1 furlong
  • 80 chains = 1 mile

Why 66 feet? Gunter designed the chain so that:

  • 10 square chains = 1 acre (exactly)
  • Easy conversion between area and distance
  • Practical length for field surveying (two surveyors could carry it)

This system dominated English-speaking land surveys for 300+ years.

The yard is a unit of length in the British imperial and United States customary systems of measurement. It is defined as exactly 3 feet or 36 inches, which equals 0.9144 meters.

Precise definition:

  • 1 yard = 3 feet (exactly)
  • 1 yard = 36 inches (exactly)
  • 1 yard = 0.9144 meters (exactly, since 1959)
  • 1 yard = 91.44 centimeters
  • 1 yard = 914.4 millimeters

Relationship to other units:

  • 1 meter = 1.09361 yards (about 9.4% longer)
  • 1 mile = 1,760 yards
  • 1 furlong = 220 yards
  • 1 rod = 5.5 yards

Yard vs. Meter: Key Comparison

This is important for international understanding:

Yard:

  • 0.9144 meters (about 91 cm)
  • Slightly shorter than a meter
  • Used primarily in US, UK, Canada
  • Based on foot (3 feet = 1 yard)

Meter:

  • 1.09361 yards (about 9% longer)
  • Slightly longer than a yard
  • Global SI standard
  • Based on metric system (100 cm = 1 meter)

Visual comparison:

  • A meter stick is about 3.37 inches longer than a yardstick
  • 100 yards = 91.44 meters (football field)
  • 100 meters = 109.36 yards (Olympic track straightaway)

Mental approximation: For quick estimates, consider 1 yard β‰ˆ 1 meter (about 9% difference is often negligible for casual use).

Note: The Furlong is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Yard belongs to the imperial/US customary system.

History of the Furlong and Yard

Anglo-Saxon Origins (5th-11th Centuries)

Open-field strip farming: Medieval English villages practiced communal agriculture, with fields divided into long, narrow strips assigned to different families.

Strip dimensions:

  • Length: 1 furlong (~220 yards)
  • Width: 1 chain (~22 yards, later standardized to 1 chain = 66 feet / 4 rods)
  • Area: Approximately 1 acre

Plowing practice: Farmers plowed the length of the strip (1 furlong), then turned the ox team at the headland (the unplowed area at each end). The furlong emerged as the natural unit for this plowing distance.

Norman and Plantagenet Standardization (11th-14th Centuries)

Domesday Book (1086): William the Conqueror's land survey used furlongs and acres to catalog English landholdings, cementing these units in law.

Statute of 1305 (Edward I): Formalized the furlong as:

  • 40 rods (1 rod = 16.5 feet = 5.5 yards)
  • 1/8 mile
  • Standard for all land measurement in England

Acre definition: Legally defined as 1 furlong Γ— 4 rods (1 furlong Γ— 66 feet), creating the enduring acre-furlong relationship.

Edmund Gunter and the Surveyor's Chain (1620)

Revolutionary tool: English mathematician Edmund Gunter invented the surveyor's chain, a 66-foot measuring chain with 100 links.

Advantages:

  • Durability: Metal chain resisted wear better than ropes
  • Accuracy: Standardized links prevented stretching errors
  • Calculation ease: 100 links made decimal-like subdivision simple
  • Furlong integration: 10 chains = 1 furlong (exact)

Global spread: Gunter's chain became the standard surveying tool throughout the British Empire, spreading the furlong to:

  • North America (colonial land surveys)
  • Australia (1788 onwards)
  • India (British Raj)
  • Africa (colonial territories)

Horse Racing Adoption (18th Century)

The Jockey Club (founded 1750): British horse racing's governing body standardized race distances in furlongs and miles.

Common race distances established:

  • 5 furlongs: Sprint races
  • 1 mile (8 furlongs): Classic middle distance
  • 1.5 miles (12 furlongs): St. Leger Stakes (established 1776)
  • 2.5 miles (20 furlongs): Royal Ascot Gold Cup

Why furlongs?

  • Traditional British measurement
  • Convenient divisions of the mile
  • Allowed precise race distance specifications
  • Established in racecourse infrastructure (distance poles)

American Horse Racing (19th Century)

Kentucky Derby (1875): Established at 1.5 miles (12 furlongs), later shortened to 1.25 miles (10 furlongs) in 1896. The furlong became America's standard racing measurement.

Belmont Stakes (1867): Originally 1.625 miles, standardized to 1.5 miles (12 furlongs)β€”the "Test of the Champion."

Preakness Stakes (1873): Run at 9.5 furlongs (1.1875 miles).

All three Triple Crown races use furlong-based distances.

Metrication and Decline (20th Century)

UK Weights and Measures Act (1985): Officially transitioned Britain to metric system for most purposes. The furlong became obsolete for:

  • Road distances (now kilometers)
  • Land surveying (now meters)
  • General measurement (meters standard)

Exception: Horse racing Racing authorities worldwide retained furlongs, grandfathered as a traditional sporting measure.

Modern Persistence (21st Century)

Countries still using furlongs in horse racing:

  • United Kingdom: All thoroughbred racing
  • Ireland: All thoroughbred racing
  • United States: All thoroughbred and quarter horse racing
  • Canada: Thoroughbred racing
  • Australia: Some racing uses furlongs alongside meters
  • Myanmar (Burma): Road signs and general distance measurement

Global standard: Despite metrication, international horse racing maintains furlong terminology for consistency with historical records and tradition.

The origin of the yard is uncertain, with historical links possibly related to the length of a stride or the distance from the nose to the fingertip of an outstretched arm (associated with King Henry I of England, though likely apocryphal). It became a standard unit in England for measuring cloth and land, and was later precisely defined relative to the meter.

Early Origins (Pre-1000s)

Ancient roots:

The yard likely evolved from multiple ancient measurement systems:

Saxon "gerd" or "gyrd":

  • Old English word meaning "stick," "rod," or "measure"
  • Wooden measuring rods used by Anglo-Saxon merchants
  • Roughly similar to modern yard but not standardized

Double cubit theory:

  • Ancient cubit = elbow to fingertip (~18 inches)
  • "Double cubit" = 36 inches = 1 yard
  • Used by Romans, Egyptians, Babylonians

Body measurement origins:

  • Stride length: Average adult pace (~1 yard)
  • Arm span: Nose to fingertip of outstretched arm (apocryphal King Henry I story)
  • These varied by individual, creating measurement inconsistency

Medieval Standardization (1100s-1500s)

When the yard became official:

1101: King Henry I "body measurement" legend:

  • Popular story: Henry I decreed yard = distance from royal nose to extended thumb
  • Likely apocryphal but reflects need for standardization
  • Real achievement: Establishing royal standards to replace local variations

1266: Statute of Westminster under Henry III:

  • First legal definition of the yard in English law
  • Established: 1 yard = 3 feet (official relationship)
  • Created iron "yard standards" kept at Westminster Palace
  • Cloth merchants required to use standardized yards

1305: Edward I measurement reforms:

  • Continued standardization efforts
  • "Ell" (45 inches) used for some cloth, but yard became dominant
  • Penalties for merchants using incorrect measures

1400s-1500s: Physical yard standards:

  • Bronze and brass "yard bars" created as references
  • Kept at London's Guildhall and markets
  • Regional variations persisted despite standards

Tudor Era Refinement (1500s)

More precise definitions:

1588: Elizabethan Yard Standard:

  • Queen Elizabeth I commissioned official "Imperial Standard Yard"
  • Made of bronze with precise markings
  • Stored at Westminster Palace (lost in 1834 fire)
  • Used to verify merchant yardsticks

Textile trade importance:

  • England's wool and cloth trade drove standardization
  • Fabric sold "by the yard" required consistent measurement
  • Export trade demanded international recognition

British Imperial Standardization (1800s)

Scientific precision era:

1824: Weights and Measures Act:

  • Standardized imperial units across British Empire
  • Yard officially defined in relation to physical prototype
  • "Imperial Standard Yard" bar created

1834: Westminster Fire disaster:

  • Fire destroyed Houses of Parliament
  • Lost original yard standards, including Elizabethan bar
  • Created measurement crisis requiring new standards

1855: New Imperial Standard Yard:

  • Parliament commissioned replacement yard standard
  • Defined as 36/39.370113 meters (based on contemporary meter definition)
  • Bronze bar kept at constant temperature (62Β°F)
  • Multiple copies distributed across British Empire

American Divergence (1800s-1950s)

US develops separate standard:

1790s-1830s: Early US measurements:

  • United States inherited British yard from colonial era
  • No official US standard until 1830s
  • State and local variations common

1832: US Office of Weights and Measures:

  • Created to standardize American measurements
  • Obtained copies of British yard standards
  • But slight differences existed between US and UK prototypes

1866: US Metric Act:

  • Congress authorized metric system use
  • Defined meter-to-yard relationship: 1 meter = 39.37 inches
  • Still preserved traditional yard for common use

1893: Mendenhall Order:

  • US officially defined yard in terms of meter
  • 1 yard = 3,600/3,937 meters = 0.914401829 meters
  • Slightly different from British yard (0.9144 m)
  • Created UK-US measurement discrepancy

International Unification (1959)

Finally, one global yard:

July 1, 1959: International Yard and Pound Agreement:

  • Signed by US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa
  • Defined: 1 yard = exactly 0.9144 meters
  • 1 inch = exactly 25.4 millimeters (derived)
  • Unified measurements across English-speaking world

Why this mattered:

  • Eliminated UK-US discrepancy (0.914401829 vs 0.9144 m)
  • Simplified international trade and engineering
  • Difference was tiny (2 parts per million) but critical for precision work

Survey yard exception:

  • US land surveys continued using old definition until 2023
  • "US Survey Yard" = 0.91440183 meters (pre-1959 standard)
  • Created confusion in mapping/GIS
  • January 1, 2023: US officially retired survey yard, adopted international yard

Modern Era (1960s-Present)

Metric pressure and yard persistence:

1960s-1970s: Global metrication:

  • Most British Commonwealth nations adopted metric system
  • Australia (1970s), Canada (1970s), UK (partially 1960s-80s)
  • Yard usage declined in favor of meters

United States resistance:

  • Rejected metric conversion despite 1975 Metric Conversion Act
  • Yard remains standard for fabric, sports, construction
  • Coexists with metric in science, medicine, military

Current status:

  • Primary use: United States (everyday measurement)
  • Limited use: UK (road distances in miles/yards, sports fields)
  • Legacy use: Canada (construction, real estate alongside meters)
  • Declining: Elsewhere, replaced by meters

Common Uses and Applications: furlongs vs yards

Explore the typical applications for both Furlong (imperial/US) and Yard (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.

Common Uses for furlongs

1. Thoroughbred Horse Racing

Race distance specification: Nearly all English-language racing nations specify race lengths in furlongs.

Examples:

  • "A 6-furlong sprint on turf"
  • "The colt won at distances from 8 to 12 furlongs"
  • "She specializes in 5-furlong races"

Racecourse markers: Distance poles along the track show remaining furlongs to the finish (e.g., "4F" pole = 4 furlongs to go).

2. Breeding and Training

Horse pedigrees: Thoroughbred bloodlines are analyzed by optimal racing distances measured in furlongs.

Example: "This stallion's progeny excel at 8-10 furlongs, inheriting his stamina."

Training distances: Trainers describe workout distances in furlongs: "We gave him a strong 6-furlong breeze this morning."

3. Myanmar (Burma)

Road distances: Myanmar road signs often show distances in furlongs and miles rather than kilometers.

Example: "Yangon 12 furlongs" (1.5 miles ahead)

Why? British colonial legacy; Myanmar has resisted full metrication.

4. Historical Documents

Land deeds: Property descriptions in English-speaking countries often reference furlongs:

"Beginning at the oak tree, thence north 3 furlongs, thence east 2 furlongs..."

Literary references: Classic literature mentions furlongs for travel distances.

When to Use yards

Textiles and Fabric Industry

Measuring fabric length (often sold by the yard).

Why yards persist in fabric:

  • Historical: English wool trade established "yard goods" standard
  • Bolt widths designed around yard fractions
  • Cutting tables marked in yards
  • Pattern instructions written in yards

Standard practices:

  • Minimum purchase: Often 0.25 yard (9 inches)
  • Common increments: Sold in 1/8 yard (4.5 in), 1/4 yard, 1/2 yard, 1 yard
  • Remnants: Odd lengths sold at discount
  • Wholesale: Fabric bolts typically 10-20 yards

International comparison:

  • Metric countries: Fabric sold by meter
  • Pattern conversion: 1 yard β‰ˆ 0.91 meters (patterns provide both)

Sports Field Dimensions

Dimensions of sports fields (e.g., American football, soccer pitch lengths can be expressed in yards).

American football:

  • Standard 100-yard Γ— 53β…“-yard field
  • Universal across high school, college, NFL
  • Goal posts width: 18.5 feet (6.17 yards)

Soccer/association football:

  • US youth fields: Often expressed in yards (e.g., "60 yards Γ— 40 yards")
  • International: Meters (100-110m Γ— 64-75m)
  • Conversion needed: FIFA-sized field ~120 yards Γ— 80 yards

Cricket:

  • Pitch length: 22 yards (20.12 meters) between wickets
  • Boundary: Varies, typically 65-90 yards radius

Lacrosse:

  • Men's field: 110 yards Γ— 60 yards
  • Women's field: Varies, typically 120 yards Γ— 70 yards

Landscaping and Gardening

Landscaping and gardening measurements (e.g., yards of mulch).

Bulk materials:

  • Mulch: "$35 per cubic yard delivered"
  • Topsoil: Cubic yards for garden beds
  • Gravel/crushed stone: Driveway base in cubic yards
  • Compost: Bulk delivery by cubic yard

Coverage calculations:

  • 1 cubic yard of mulch: Covers ~100 sq ft at 3-inch depth
  • 1 cubic yard of topsoil: Covers ~100 sq ft at 3-inch depth
  • Landscape fabric: Sold by linear yard (typically 3-4 feet wide)

Garden planning:

  • Raised bed dimensions: "4 yards long Γ— 1 yard wide"
  • Irrigation: Pipe and hose measured in yards
  • Hedge spacing: "Plant every 1 yard for privacy"

Short to Medium Distance Measurement

Shorter road distances or property dimensions in the US and UK.

Road signage (UK):

  • Warning signs: "200 yards ahead"
  • Distance markers: "Services 300 yards"
  • US: Mostly uses feet for short road distances

Property and real estate:

  • Lot frontage: "100 yards of waterfront"
  • Setbacks: Building code requirements in yards
  • Fencing: "Install 200 yards of fencing"

Navigation:

  • GPS directions: "In 50 yards, turn right" (some devices)
  • Marine navigation: Prefer nautical miles, but yards for close quarters
  • Aviation: Use feet for altitude, nautical miles for distance

Military and Defense

Historically significant:

Rifle ranges:

  • 100-yard zero: Common rifle sight-in distance
  • 200/300/500 yards: Marksmanship qualification distances
  • Long-range shooting: Expressed in yards (e.g., "1,000-yard shot")

Military exercises:

  • Formations: Squad spacing in yards
  • Radio calls: "Enemy position 300 yards north"
  • Artillery: Modern systems use meters, but yards persist in US training

Additional Unit Information

About Furlong (fur)

How many furlongs are in a mile?

Exactly 8 furlongs = 1 statute mile.

This is the defining relationship:

  • 1 furlong = 1/8 mile = 0.125 miles
  • 1 mile = 8 furlongs = 1,760 yards = 5,280 feet

How many yards/feet/meters are in a furlong?

1 furlong equals:

  • 220 yards (exactly)
  • 660 feet (220 Γ— 3)
  • 201.168 meters (exactly, using international yard definition)

Derivation: 1 mile = 1,760 yards 1/8 mile = 1,760 Γ· 8 = 220 yards

Where is the furlong used most often today?

Primary use: Horse racing

Countries:

  • United Kingdom: All thoroughbred flat and jump racing
  • Ireland: All racing
  • United States: Thoroughbred and quarter horse racing standard
  • Canada: Thoroughbred racing
  • Australia: Some racing (alongside meters)

Secondary use:

  • Myanmar (Burma): Road distances, general measurement

Historical references:

  • Land deeds and property surveys (historical documents)
  • Classic literature

Is the furlong an SI unit?

No, the furlong is not part of the International System of Units (SI).

It belongs to the imperial and U.S. customary measurement systems. The SI unit for length is the meter.

Legal status:

  • UK: Permitted for specific uses (horse racing, historical contexts)
  • US: Legal, but not commonly used outside racing
  • Myanmar: Customary unit

Why is it called a furlong?

Etymology: Old English "furlang" = "furrow-long"

Origin:

  • Furh = furrow (trench cut by plow)
  • Lang = long

Agricultural meaning: The distance a team of oxen could plow a furrow before needing to restβ€”approximately 220 yards.

Historical context: Medieval open-field strip farming created long, narrow fields. The furlong defined the standard strip length, while the chain (66 feet) defined the width, producing a 1-acre plot.

Why does horse racing still use furlongs?

Historical tradition: British horse racing standardized on furlongs in the 18th century (Jockey Club, 1750). Racing infrastructure, records, and terminology built around furlongs over 270+ years.

Practical advantages:

  • Convenient divisions: 1 mile divides evenly into 8 furlongs, creating simple race distances (5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12 furlongs)
  • Global consistency: Using furlongs allows comparison across centuries of racing records
  • Infrastructure: Historic racecourses designed with furlong markers and measurements

Resistance to change: Metrication efforts in the 1970s-1990s met strong resistance from racing traditionalists. The sport successfully lobbied to preserve furlongs as a cultural heritage measure.

How long is the Kentucky Derby in furlongs?

10 furlongs = 1.25 miles = 2,012 meters

History:

  • 1875-1895: 1.5 miles (12 furlongs)
  • 1896-present: 1.25 miles (10 furlongs)

The distance was shortened to 10 furlongs in 1896 and has remained unchanged since, becoming known as "The most exciting two minutes in sports" (approximate finishing time for winners).

What's the difference between a furlong and a chain?

Both are imperial length units, but different sizes:

Furlong:

  • 220 yards = 660 feet = 201.168 m
  • Used for longer distances (racing, field lengths)

Chain (Gunter's chain):

  • 66 feet = 22 yards = 20.1168 m
  • 1 furlong = 10 chains
  • Used for detailed land surveying

Historical relationship: Edmund Gunter designed the chain so that 10 chains = 1 furlong, creating an integrated surveying system.

Can I convert racecourse distances from furlongs to meters?

Yes, multiply by 201.168.

Common conversions:

  • 5 furlongs Γ— 201.168 = 1,006 m (~1 km)
  • 6 furlongs Γ— 201.168 = 1,207 m
  • 8 furlongs Γ— 201.168 = 1,609 m (~1 mile)
  • 10 furlongs Γ— 201.168 = 2,012 m
  • 12 furlongs Γ— 201.168 = 2,414 m

Note: Many international racing jurisdictions use round meter distances (1200m, 1600m, 2000m) rather than exact furlong equivalents.

Is a furlong longer than a kilometer?

No, a furlong is shorter than a kilometer.

Comparison:

  • 1 furlong = 201.168 meters = 0.201 km
  • 1 kilometer = 1,000 meters β‰ˆ 4.97 furlongs (~5 furlongs)

Memory aid: 5 furlongs β‰ˆ 1 kilometer

About Yard (yd)

How many feet are in a yard?

There are exactly 3 feet (ft) in 1 yard (yd). This is the fundamental relationship defining the yard. For example: 5 yards = 15 feet, 10 yards = 30 feet, and 100 yards (a football field) = 300 feet.

How many inches are in a yard?

There are exactly 36 inches (in) in 1 yard (yd). Since 1 yard = 3 feet and 1 foot = 12 inches, multiply: 3 Γ— 12 = 36 inches. This is useful for fabric cutting and precise measurements.

Is a yard longer or shorter than a meter?

A yard (0.9144 m) is slightly shorter than a meter (1 m) by approximately 9.4% or about 3.37 inches. Think of it this way: 100 yards = 91.44 meters, or conversely, 100 meters = 109.36 yards. A yardstick is visibly shorter than a meter stick when placed side by side.

How many yards are in a mile?

There are 1,760 yards in 1 mile (statute mile). This means a half-mile = 880 yards, and a quarter-mile = 440 yards. For reference, a standard running track is 440 yards (or 400 meters in modern tracks), representing one-quarter of a mile.

Why is fabric sold by the yard?

Fabric is sold by the yard in the US due to historical English textile trade practices from the medieval period when the yard became the standard cloth measurement. Fabric bolts are manufactured in yard-friendly widths (typically 36, 45, 54, or 60 inches), and cutting tables are marked in yards. Sewing patterns specify fabric requirements in yards, making it the standard for the American crafting and fashion industries. Internationally, fabric is sold by the meter in metric countries.

How do I measure a yard without a ruler?

Body-based approximations:

  • Adult stride: Average adult walking pace is approximately 1 yard (may vary by height)
  • Arm span approximation: Nose to fingertip of outstretched arm is roughly 1 yard (the apocryphal King Henry I method)
  • 3 shoe lengths: Average adult shoe is about 12 inches, so 3 shoes β‰ˆ 36 inches = 1 yard

Household objects:

  • Door height: Standard door is 80 inches (2.22 yards)
  • Floor tiles: 12-inch square tiles β†’ 3 tiles in a row = 1 yard
  • Credit card: 3.37 inches wide β†’ 10.7 cards = 1 yard (not practical, but mathematically interesting)

Best method: Mark a stick or string at 36 inches using a ruler once, then use it as a reusable yard measure.

What is a "square yard"?

A square yard (ydΒ²) is a unit of area equal to a square measuring 1 yard on each side. Since 1 yard = 3 feet, 1 square yard = 9 square feet (3 ft Γ— 3 ft). This is used for measuring carpet, flooring, landscaping coverage, and room areas. For example, a 10 ft Γ— 12 ft room = 120 square feet = 13.33 square yards.

What is a "cubic yard"?

A cubic yard (ydΒ³) is a unit of volume equal to a cube measuring 1 yard on each side. Since 1 yard = 3 feet, 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet (3 ft Γ— 3 ft Γ— 3 ft). This is the standard unit for ordering concrete, mulch, soil, gravel, and other bulk materials in the US. For example, a concrete truck typically carries 10 cubic yards, and 1 cubic yard of mulch covers approximately 100 square feet at 3-inch depth.

Why do American football fields use yards?

American football fields use yards because the sport originated in the United States in the late 1800s when imperial units were the standard measurement system. The 100-yard field length provides convenient divisions: 4 quarters of 25 yards each, 10-yard first-down increments, and easy mental arithmetic for players and fans. Changing to meters (100m = 109.36 yards) would create awkward field dimensions and disrupt the sport's traditional structure. The yard remains deeply embedded in football culture and rule books.

Are yards still used in the UK?

Yes, but usage is mixed and declining. The UK officially adopted the metric system in the 1960s-1990s, but yards persist in certain contexts:

  • Road signs: Distances under 1 mile often shown in yards ("Services 200 yards")
  • Sports: Cricket (22-yard pitch), some golf courses
  • Informal speech: Older generations may say "a few yards away"
  • Fabric shops: Some still sell by the yard, but meters increasingly common

Not used: Most construction, engineering, education now use meters. Younger generations primarily think in metric.

Can I use yards and meters interchangeably?

For rough estimates: Yes (about 10% difference often negligible) For precision work: No (9.4% difference accumulates)

When interchangeable works:

  • Casual conversation ("it's about 50 yards/meters away")
  • Rough project planning
  • Approximate sports distances

When you need exact conversion:

  • Fabric orders (5 yards β‰  5 meters - you'd be short 43 cm)
  • Construction blueprints
  • Athletic competition (100-yard dash β‰  100-meter dash)
  • International trade

Best practice: Convert explicitly using 1 yard = 0.9144 meters for any situation requiring accuracy.

Conversion Table: Furlong to Yard

Furlong (fur)Yard (yd)
0.5110
1220
1.5330
2440
51,100
102,200
255,500
5011,000
10022,000
25055,000
500110,000
1,000220,000

People Also Ask

How do I convert Furlong to Yard?

To convert Furlong to Yard, enter the value in Furlong 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 β†’

What is the conversion factor from Furlong to Yard?

The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Furlong and Yard. 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 Yard back to Furlong?

Yes! You can easily convert Yard back to Furlong by using the swap button (β‡Œ) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Yard to Furlong converter page. You can also explore other length conversions on our category page.

Learn more β†’

What are common uses for Furlong and Yard?

Furlong and Yard 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.

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All Length Conversions

Meter to KilometerMeter to HectometerMeter to DecimeterMeter to CentimeterMeter to MillimeterMeter to InchMeter to FootMeter to YardMeter to MileMeter to Nautical MileMeter to MicrometerMeter to NanometerMeter to Light YearMeter to Astronomical UnitMeter to ParsecMeter to AngstromMeter to Point (Typography)Meter to Mil/ThouMeter to FathomMeter to FurlongMeter to Link (Gunter's)Meter to PaceMeter to SpanMeter to DigitMeter to Cable LengthMeter to EllMeter to FingerMeter to Roman MileMeter to StadionMeter to Chi (Chinese)Meter to Shaku (Japanese)Meter to Li (Chinese)Meter to ToiseMeter to BoltMeter to RopeMeter to SmootMeter to SajeneMeter to KenMeter to WaMeter to VaraMeter to AlnMeter to Cubit (Royal/Egyptian)Meter to VerstaMeter to ArpentMeter to Ri (Japanese)Meter to KlafterMeter to YojanaMeter to SkeinKilometer to MeterKilometer to HectometerKilometer to DecimeterKilometer to CentimeterKilometer to MillimeterKilometer to InchKilometer to FootKilometer to YardKilometer to MileKilometer to Nautical MileKilometer to MicrometerKilometer to NanometerKilometer to Light YearKilometer to Astronomical UnitKilometer to ParsecKilometer to AngstromKilometer to Point (Typography)Kilometer to Mil/ThouKilometer to FathomKilometer to FurlongKilometer to Link (Gunter's)Kilometer to PaceKilometer to SpanKilometer to DigitKilometer to Cable LengthKilometer to EllKilometer to FingerKilometer to Roman MileKilometer to StadionKilometer to Chi (Chinese)Kilometer to Shaku (Japanese)Kilometer to Li (Chinese)Kilometer to ToiseKilometer to BoltKilometer to RopeKilometer to SmootKilometer to SajeneKilometer to KenKilometer to WaKilometer to VaraKilometer to AlnKilometer to Cubit (Royal/Egyptian)Kilometer to VerstaKilometer to ArpentKilometer to Ri (Japanese)Kilometer to KlafterKilometer to YojanaKilometer to SkeinHectometer to MeterHectometer to KilometerHectometer to DecimeterHectometer to CentimeterHectometer to MillimeterHectometer to InchHectometer to FootHectometer to YardHectometer to MileHectometer to Nautical MileHectometer to MicrometerHectometer to NanometerHectometer to Light YearHectometer to Astronomical UnitHectometer to ParsecHectometer to AngstromHectometer to Point (Typography)Hectometer to Mil/ThouHectometer to FathomHectometer to FurlongHectometer to Link (Gunter's)Hectometer to PaceHectometer to SpanHectometer to Digit

Verified Against Authority Standards

All conversion formulas have been verified against international standards and authoritative sources to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability.

NIST Guide for the Use of SI

National Institute of Standards and Technology β€” Official US standards for length measurements

SI Brochure

Bureau International des Poids et Mesures β€” International System of Units official documentation

Last verified: December 3, 2025