Millimeter to Skein Converter
Convert millimeters to skeins with our free online length converter.
Quick Answer
1 Millimeter = 0.00000911 skeins
Formula: Millimeter × conversion factor = Skein
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.
Millimeter to Skein Calculator
How to Use the Millimeter to Skein Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Millimeter).
- The converted value in Skein 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 Millimeter to Skein: Step-by-Step Guide
Converting Millimeter to Skein involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Millimeter = 9.1134e-6 skeinsExample Calculation:
Convert 10 millimeters: 10 × 9.1134e-6 = 9.1134e-5 skeins
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 Millimeter and a Skein?
The millimeter (symbol: mm) is a unit of length in the metric system equal to one-thousandth of a meter (1/1,000 m) or one-tenth of a centimeter (1/10 cm). It is used for precise measurements in engineering, manufacturing, and everyday applications.
Key relationships:
- 1 millimeter = 0.001 meters (m)
- 1 millimeter = 0.1 centimeters (cm)
- 10 millimeters = 1 centimeter
- 1,000 millimeters = 1 meter
- 1 millimeter ≈ 0.03937 inches (about 1/25th inch)
- 25.4 millimeters = 1 inch (exactly)
The prefix "milli-":
- From Latin "mille" meaning "thousand"
- SI prefix denoting 10⁻³ (one-thousandth)
- Also used in: milligram (mg), milliliter (mL), millisecond (ms)
Visual perspective (how big is it?):
- 1 mm = Thickness of a credit card
- 2 mm = Thickness of a US dime
- 5 mm = Thickness of a pencil lead (mechanical)
- 10 mm = Width of an adult fingernail
- 25.4 mm = Exactly one inch
Convert between length units: mm converter
A Skein is a traditional unit of length primarily used for measuring yarn or thread. It represents a specific length of yarn coiled into a loop, often then twisted for packaging and sale.
The length of a skein is highly variable and depends significantly on the type of fiber (e.g., cotton, wool, linen), the region, and the specific yarn count system being used. There is no single universal standard.
Common historical or industry-specific standard lengths include:
- Cotton Skein (or Hank): 840 yards (≈ 768.1 meters)
- Worsted Wool Skein (or Hank): 560 yards (≈ 512.1 meters)
- Linen Skein (or Lea): 300 yards (≈ 274.3 meters)
For the purpose of this converter, a Skein is defined as:
- Exactly 120 yards (yd)
- Exactly 109.728 meters (m)
- Exactly 360 feet (ft)
This value (120 yards) corresponds to a Lea, a unit often associated with linen and sometimes used as a subdivision or specific standard in certain yarn count systems.
Note: The Millimeter is part of the metric (SI) system, primarily used globally in science and trade. The Skein belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Millimeter and Skein
-
Metric System Origins: The millimeter was defined as a subunit of the meter when the metric system was established in France during the late 18th century (1790s). As measurement standardization progressed, the need for decimal subdivisions of the meter became clear.
-
Industrial Revolution: The millimeter became essential during the 19th century Industrial Revolution as:
- Precision machining required fine tolerances
- Interchangeable parts manufacturing emerged
- Engineering drawings needed standard units
- Technical specifications became international
-
Engineering Adoption: By the mid-19th century, engineers and machinists worldwide adopted millimeters as the standard for:
- Machine tool specifications
- Tolerance requirements (±0.1 mm common)
- Technical drawing dimensions
- Quality control measurements
-
Scientific Standardization: The millimeter became standard in scientific research for:
- Laboratory equipment calibration
- Microscopy measurements
- Specimen documentation
- Experimental apparatus dimensions
-
SI Formalization: When the International System of Units (SI) was established in 1960, the millimeter was confirmed as an official subdivision of the meter, forming part of the coherent decimal system.
-
Modern Manufacturing: The 20th century saw millimeters become universal in:
- Automotive engineering specifications
- Electronics manufacturing (PCB design)
- Aerospace tolerances
- Medical device specifications
- Consumer product dimensions
-
Global Standard: Today, millimeters are the primary unit for precision measurements in virtually every country except the United States (which uses both mm and inches). Even in the US, many technical fields have adopted millimeters as standard.
The practice of winding yarn into standardized lengths like skeins or hanks dates back centuries. It originated as a practical way to manage, measure, dye, trade, and store yarn. Standardizing the length allowed spinners, weavers, and merchants to calculate material quantities and costs more reliably.
Different textile industries and regions developed their own specific standards for skein lengths. These standards became intrinsically linked to yarn count systems (e.g., Cotton Count (Ne), Worsted Count (Nw), Linen Count (NeL)), which define the fineness (thickness) of yarn based on the length per unit weight (e.g., the number of 840-yard hanks per pound for cotton).
While metric units (meters, kilograms) are now standard for trade, the historical skein lengths remain relevant for understanding yarn counts and for crafts like knitting and crochet where yarn is still often sold in skeins or hanks labeled with length and weight.
Common Uses and Applications: millimeters vs skeins
Explore the typical applications for both Millimeter (metric) and Skein (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for millimeters
The millimeter is the standard unit for precise measurements across multiple fields:
Engineering & Machining
Precise measurement requirements for manufacturing, quality control, and technical specifications. Essential for maintaining tolerances in mechanical parts.
Why millimeters in engineering:
- Decimal system (easy calculations)
- International standard (ISO)
- Suitable precision range
- Compatible with CNC machinery
- Standard drawing units
Applications:
- Machine tool specifications
- Part tolerances (±0.05 mm common)
- Technical drawing dimensions
- CAD/CAM software units
- Quality inspection reports
Convert for technical work: mm to inches | mm to cm
Technical Design & Drafting
Standard measurement unit for architectural, mechanical, and technical drawings worldwide.
Drawing Standards:
- ISO standards use millimeters
- Engineering drawings in mm
- Architecture plans (many countries)
- Product design specifications
- Patent drawings (international)
Why mm for drawings:
- Eliminates fractions (unlike inches)
- Scales easily (1:10, 1:100, etc.)
- International communication
- CAD software standard
Electronics & PCB Design
Measuring component sizes, trace widths, and circuit board dimensions in electronic manufacturing.
PCB Design:
- Trace width: 0.25-1 mm
- Component footprints: mm specifications
- Hole diameters: 0.6-1.2 mm
- Board thickness: 1.6 mm standard
- Component spacing: mm grid
Component Specs:
- All modern ICs specified in mm
- Resistor/capacitor sizes (mm codes)
- Connector dimensions
- Display module sizes
Meteorology & Climate
Measuring rainfall amounts with precision, essential for weather forecasting, agriculture, and climate research.
Rain Gauges:
- Standard measurement unit worldwide
- Collected in graduated cylinders (mm scale)
- Automated weather stations use mm
- Historical records in mm
- Climate data standardized
Importance:
- Drought assessment
- Flood prediction
- Agricultural planning
- Water resource management
- Climate change tracking
Use our mm converter for scientific calculations.
Manufacturing & Quality Control
Inspecting product dimensions and ensuring parts meet specifications within required tolerances.
QC Measurements:
- Caliper readings in mm
- Micrometer measurements
- Coordinate measuring machines (CMM)
- Surface profile measurements
- Dimensional inspection reports
Industries:
- Automotive parts
- Aerospace components
- Medical devices
- Consumer electronics
- Precision instruments
Jewelry & Watchmaking
Specifying sizes of gems, watch cases, and jewelry components with precision.
Why jewelers use mm:
- International gem standard
- Precise size communication
- Watch industry standard
- Setting specifications
- Customer communication
Measurements:
- Gemstone dimensions
- Ring widths and thicknesses
- Watch case diameters
- Bracelet link sizes
- Clasp dimensions
Medical Measurements
Documenting precise measurements in diagnostics, surgery planning, and treatment monitoring.
Clinical Uses:
- Imaging measurements (CT, MRI, X-ray)
- Tumor size tracking
- Surgical planning
- Needle specifications
- Medical device dimensions
Why mm in medicine:
- International standard
- Appropriate precision
- Imaging system default
- Research compatibility
- Treatment standardization
When to Use skeins
Historically and currently, the skein (or the concept of a standard yarn length) is used in:
- Textile Industry: Calculating yarn yield, planning weaving or knitting projects, and defining yarn counts.
- Yarn Sales: Yarn for handcrafts (knitting, crochet) is commonly sold in skeins or hanks, usually labeled with weight, length (in yards or meters), and fiber type.
- Dyeing: Skeins are a convenient form for dyeing batches of yarn evenly.
- Historical Context: Understanding older textile production methods, trade practices, and calculations.
Additional Unit Information
About Millimeter (mm)
How many millimeters are in a centimeter?
There are exactly 10 millimeters (mm) in 1 centimeter (cm).
Conversion:
- 1 cm = 10 mm
- To convert cm to mm: multiply by 10
- To convert mm to cm: divide by 10
Examples:
- 5 cm = 50 mm
- 2.5 cm = 25 mm
- 75 mm = 7.5 cm
Memory aid: "Centi-" means 1/100 meter, "milli-" means 1/1,000 meter, so 10 mm = 1 cm.
Use our cm to mm converter for instant conversions.
How many millimeters are in a meter?
There are exactly 1,000 millimeters (mm) in 1 meter (m).
Conversion:
- 1 m = 1,000 mm
- To convert m to mm: multiply by 1,000
- To convert mm to m: divide by 1,000
Examples:
- 0.5 m = 500 mm
- 1.5 m = 1,500 mm
- 2,750 mm = 2.75 m
Remember: "Milli-" means one-thousandth, so it takes 1,000 mm to make 1 meter.
Convert: mm to meters | meters to mm
What does 'milli' mean in millimeter?
The prefix 'milli-' denotes one-thousandth (1/1,000).
Meaning:
- Comes from Latin "mille" meaning "thousand"
- In metric system: milli- = 10⁻³ = 1/1,000
- 1 millimeter = 1/1,000 of a meter = 0.001 m
Other "milli-" units:
- Milligram (mg) = 1/1,000 gram
- Milliliter (mL) = 1/1,000 liter
- Millisecond (ms) = 1/1,000 second
- Milliamp (mA) = 1/1,000 ampere
Pattern: Always divide by 1,000 to get the base unit.
How thick is 1 millimeter?
1 millimeter is very thin - about the thickness of:
Common objects:
- Credit card: 0.76 mm (slightly thinner)
- US dime: 1.35 mm (slightly thicker)
- 10 sheets of paper: ~1 mm
- Paperclip wire: ~1 mm diameter
- Mechanical pencil lead (0.7mm): Slightly thinner
Visual comparison:
- Thinner than a US penny (1.55 mm)
- About 1/25th of an inch (0.04 inches)
- 10 millimeters = 1 cm = width of fingernail
To visualize: Look at the edge of a credit card - that's less than 1 mm.
How many mm in an inch?
1 inch = 25.4 millimeters exactly (by international agreement).
This is a defined conversion (not an approximation):
- 1 inch ≡ 25.4 mm (exact)
- 1 mm = 1/25.4 inch ≈ 0.03937 inches
Common conversions:
- 1 inch = 25.4 mm
- 2 inches = 50.8 mm
- 3 inches = 76.2 mm
- 4 inches = 101.6 mm
- 12 inches (1 foot) = 304.8 mm
Reverse examples:
- 10 mm ≈ 0.394 inches
- 25 mm ≈ 0.984 inches (almost 1 inch)
- 50 mm ≈ 1.969 inches (almost 2 inches)
Memory trick: 25 mm is almost 1 inch (close enough for quick estimates).
Use our inch to mm converter for precise conversions.
What is 10mm in real life?
10 millimeters = 1 centimeter - about the width of an adult fingernail.
Common 10mm objects:
- Fingernail width (adult index finger)
- AA battery diameter: 14 mm (close)
- Small marble: ~10-15 mm diameter
- M10 bolt diameter: 10 mm
- Thick cardboard: ~10 mm
Comparisons:
- Just under 0.4 inches (0.394 inches exactly)
- Thickness of 100 sheets of paper
- About 3/8 inch (slightly larger)
In measurements:
- Camera/phone thickness: Often 7-10 mm
- Watch case thickness: Often 10-12 mm
- Pencil diameter: ~7-8 mm (10mm would be thick)
How do you read a metric ruler?
Metric rulers are divided into centimeters (cm) and millimeters (mm):
Reading steps:
- Large numbers: Centimeters (0, 1, 2, 3...)
- Long lines: Each centimeter mark
- Short lines: Millimeters (10 per cm)
- Count: From zero to your measurement point
Example reading:
- Between 3 and 4 cm, at the 7th small line = 3.7 cm or 37 mm
- At the 15th cm mark = 15 cm or 150 mm
Tips:
- 10 small marks = 1 cm
- Each small mark = 1 mm
- Halfway between cm marks = 5 mm
- Read to nearest 0.5 mm for precision
Reporting:
- Small objects: Use mm (e.g., "15 mm")
- Larger objects: Use cm (e.g., "15.5 cm")
- Both are correct, choose clearer one
What tools measure millimeters?
Many tools measure in millimeters:
Hand Tools:
- Metric ruler: Basic measurement to 1 mm
- Metric tape measure: Construction/carpentry
- Caliper: Precision to 0.01 mm (digital/vernier)
- Micrometer: Very precise, to 0.001 mm
- Depth gauge: Measuring depths and heights
Digital Tools:
- Digital caliper: Easy reading, 0.01 mm precision
- Laser distance meter: Millimeter accuracy
- Height gauge: Vertical measurements
- Coordinate measuring machine (CMM): Industrial precision
Specialized Tools:
- Feeler gauge: Thin strips in mm thicknesses
- Thread gauge: Checking thread pitch (mm)
- Bore gauge: Internal diameter measurement
- Pin gauge: Precision hole measurement
Which to use:
- Ruler: General purpose (±0.5 mm)
- Caliper: Precision work (±0.01 mm)
- Micrometer: Very tight tolerances (±0.001 mm)
Is mm smaller than cm?
Yes, millimeters (mm) are smaller than centimeters (cm).
Relationship:
- 1 cm = 10 mm
- 1 mm = 0.1 cm
- Millimeter is 10 times smaller than centimeter
Scale comparison:
- Largest: meter (m)
- Middle: centimeter (cm) = 1/100 m
- Smallest: millimeter (mm) = 1/1,000 m
Visual:
- Width of fingernail: 1 cm = 10 mm
- Thickness of dime: 1.35 mm (can't easily express in cm)
When to use each:
- Use mm: Small, precise measurements (< 100 mm)
- Use cm: Medium measurements (1-100 cm)
- Use m: Large measurements (> 1 meter)
Example:
- Pencil length: 19 cm or 190 mm (19 cm clearer)
- Wire diameter: 2 mm (not 0.2 cm - awkward)
How much rain is 1mm?
1 millimeter of rain means 1 mm depth of water would cover a flat surface if none drained away.
What it means:
- 1 mm rain = 1 liter per square meter of water
- Light drizzle might produce 1-2 mm/hour
- Barely enough to wet the ground thoroughly
Rain intensity scale:
- Trace-1 mm: Very light drizzle
- 1-2 mm: Light rain
- 2-5 mm: Light to moderate rain
- 5-10 mm: Moderate rain
- 10-20 mm: Heavy rain
- 20-50 mm: Very heavy rain
- >50 mm: Extreme rainfall (per hour)
Practical impact:
- 1 mm: Barely wets surfaces
- 10 mm: Significant watering
- 25 mm: Heavy rain event
- 100 mm: Major storm (in 24 hours)
Measurement:
- Rain gauge collects water
- Depth measured in mm
- Standard worldwide for weather reporting
About Skein (skein)
How long is a skein?
The length varies greatly! There is no single universal value. Common standards include:
- Cotton: 840 yards (≈ 768 m)
- Worsted Wool: 560 yards (≈ 512 m)
- Linen (Lea): 300 yards (≈ 274 m)
- Value used in this converter: 120 yards (≈ 110 m), representing a specific standard sometimes called a Lea.
Always check the specific fiber type or context when dealing with skeins.
How is a skein different from a hank or a ball of yarn?
- Skein / Hank: These terms are often used interchangeably. They refer to yarn wound into a large loop, which is usually twisted for sale. This form is good for dyeing and storage but must be wound into a ball before use to prevent tangling.
- Ball: Yarn wound into a spherical or oval shape, ready for direct use in knitting or crocheting.
Sometimes "skein" is used informally to refer to any package of yarn.
What is yarn count and how does it relate to skeins?
Yarn count is a measure of the fineness (thickness) of yarn. Most systems define it based on length per unit weight. Standard skein/hank lengths are fundamental to these systems. For example:
- Cotton Count (Ne): The number of 840-yard hanks that weigh one pound. Higher Ne means finer yarn.
- Worsted Count (Nw): The number of 560-yard hanks that weigh one pound.
- Linen Count (NeL or Lea): The number of 300-yard leas that weigh one pound.
Is the Skein an SI unit?
No, the Skein is not an SI unit. It is a traditional, variable unit used in the textile industry. The SI base unit for length is the meter (m). Yarn length is typically measured in meters or yards in modern contexts.
Conversion Table: Millimeter to Skein
| Millimeter (mm) | Skein (skein) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 0 |
| 1 | 0 |
| 1.5 | 0 |
| 2 | 0 |
| 5 | 0 |
| 10 | 0 |
| 25 | 0 |
| 50 | 0.001 |
| 100 | 0.001 |
| 250 | 0.002 |
| 500 | 0.005 |
| 1,000 | 0.009 |
People Also Ask
How do I convert Millimeter to Skein?
To convert Millimeter to Skein, enter the value in Millimeter 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 Millimeter to Skein?
The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Millimeter and Skein. 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 Skein back to Millimeter?
Yes! You can easily convert Skein back to Millimeter by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Skein to Millimeter converter page. You can also explore other length conversions on our category page.
Learn more →What are common uses for Millimeter and Skein?
Millimeter and Skein 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) • Millimeter to Meter
- Kilometer (km) • Millimeter to Kilometer
- Hectometer (hm) • Millimeter to Hectometer
- Decimeter (dm) • Millimeter to Decimeter
- Centimeter (cm) • Millimeter to Centimeter
- Inch (in) • Millimeter to Inch
- Foot (ft) • Millimeter to Foot
- Yard (yd) • Millimeter to Yard
- Mile (mi) • Millimeter to Mile
- Nautical Mile (NM) • Millimeter 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