Klafter to Vara Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool
Convert klafter to varas with our free online length converter.
Klafter to Vara Calculator
How to Use the Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Klafter).
- 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 Klafter to Vara
Converting Klafter to Vara involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Klafter = 2.262586 varasExample Calculation:
Convert 10 klafter: 10 × 2.262586 = 22.62586 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 Klafter and a Vara?
The Klafter is a historical unit of length originating from Central Europe, particularly prominent in German-speaking regions like Austria, Bavaria, Prussia, and Switzerland. It is conceptually similar to the fathom, often defined by the span of a person's outstretched arms.
While its exact length varied significantly by region and time, a widely recognized standard, especially from the Austrian Empire, defines the Klafter as 6 Vienna feet (Wiener Fuß). This equates to approximately:
- 1.8965 meters (m)
- 6.222 feet (ft) (using the Vienna foot of ~0.31608 m)
The Klafter was also used as a unit of area (Quadratklafter or square Klafter) and volume (Kubikklafter or cubic Klafter), especially for measuring firewood (often called a Raummeter or Ster in this context, though volumes could vary). This page focuses on the linear Klafter.
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 Klafter 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 Klafter and Vara
The term "Klafter" likely derives from Old High German klāftra, related to the act of embracing or grasping, reflecting its origin as an anthropometric unit based on arm span.
- Regional Variations: Before widespread standardization and metrication, the length of the Klafter differed across various German states and Swiss cantons. For example, the Prussian Klafter was slightly different from the Austrian one.
- Standardization Efforts: Attempts were made to standardize measures, with the Austrian system (based on the Wiener Fuß) becoming influential. The definition of 1 Klafter = 6 Fuß (feet) = 72 Zoll (inches) was common, but the length of the Fuß itself varied.
- Dual Use (Length & Volume): The Klafter was notably used for measuring stacked firewood. A Klafter Holz typically referred to a stack of wood 1 Klafter high, 1 Klafter wide, and a specific log length (often 3 or 4 feet), representing a volume unit.
- Metrication: The Klafter became obsolete following the adoption of the metric system across Central Europe, primarily during the latter half of the 19th century (e.g., Germany 1872, Austria 1876).
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 klafter and varas
Explore the typical applications for both Klafter (imperial/US) and Vara (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for klafter
Historically, the Klafter served various measurement needs:
- Forestry: Measuring timber lengths and, crucially, the volume of stacked firewood.
- Mining: Measuring the depth of shafts and the length of tunnels.
- Construction: Measuring building dimensions, rope lengths, and materials.
- Surveying: Measuring land distances and areas (Quadratklafter), although units like the Ruthe (rod) were also common for land.
- Nautical: Sometimes used similarly to a fathom for measuring water depth or rope lengths, though less common than the English fathom in maritime contexts.
Today, its use is confined to historical records, architectural studies, forestry history, and understanding old land deeds or documents.
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 Klafter (klafter)
How long is a Klafter?
The length varied, but the most common standard, based on the Austrian system, is:
- Exactly 6 Vienna Feet (Wiener Fuß)
- Approximately 1.8965 meters
- Approximately 6.222 feet
Other historical values might range roughly from 1.7 to 1.95 meters depending on the specific regional "foot" standard used.
Is a Klafter the same as a fathom?
Conceptually, they are very similar, both derived from the span of outstretched arms. Numerically, they are close but distinct.
- Klafter (Austrian): ~1.8965 meters / ~6.222 feet
- Fathom (International): Exactly 1.8288 meters / 6 feet
So, the common Austrian Klafter was slightly longer than the standard fathom.
What were the main related units in the Austrian system?
The Klafter was part of a system:
- 1 Klafter = 6 Fuß (Vienna Foot or Wiener Schuh)
- 1 Fuß = 12 Zoll (Vienna Inch or Wiener Zoll)
- 1 Zoll ≈ 2.634 cm / 1.037 inches
- 1 Fuß ≈ 31.608 cm / 12.444 inches / 1.037 feet
Where was the Klafter primarily used?
It was used across Central Europe, notably in:
- Austria-Hungary
- Southern German states (Bavaria, Württemberg)
- Prussia (with a slightly different length)
- Switzerland
- Other parts of the Holy Roman Empire and subsequent German Confederation.
Is the Klafter still used today?
No, the Klafter is obsolete for practical measurements. It was replaced by the meter during metrication in the 19th century. Its relevance is purely historical.
How does a Klafter compare to a meter or foot?
- A Klafter (~1.9 m) is almost twice as long as a meter. (1 Klafter ≈ 1.9 m)
- A Klafter (~6.2 ft) is significantly longer than a standard foot. (1 Klafter ≈ 6.2 ft)
Is the Klafter an SI unit?
No, the Klafter is not an SI unit. It is a traditional unit from historical Central European measurement systems. The SI base unit for length is the meter (m).
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: Klafter to Vara
| Klafter (klafter) | Vara (vara) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2.263 |
| 5 | 11.313 |
| 10 | 22.626 |
| 25 | 56.565 |
| 50 | 113.129 |
| 100 | 226.259 |
| 500 | 1,131.293 |
| 1,000 | 2,262.587 |
All Length Conversions
Other Units from Length
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- Light Year (ly)
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- Point (Typography) (pt)
- Mil/Thou (mil)
- Fathom (fath)
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- Link (Gunter's) (li)
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