Shaku (Japanese) to Cubit (Royal/Egyptian) Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool
Convert shaku to cubits with our free online length converter.
Shaku (Japanese) to Cubit (Royal/Egyptian) Calculator
How to Use the Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Shaku (Japanese)).
- The converted value in Cubit (Royal/Egyptian) 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 Shaku (Japanese) to Cubit (Royal/Egyptian)
Converting Shaku (Japanese) to Cubit (Royal/Egyptian) involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Shaku (Japanese) = 0.57935 cubitsExample Calculation:
Convert 10 shaku: 10 × 0.57935 = 5.793499 cubits
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.
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What is a Shaku (Japanese) and a Cubit (Royal/Egyptian)?
The Shaku (尺) is a traditional Japanese unit of length, forming a fundamental part of the traditional Japanese system of weights and measures known as the Shakkanhō (尺貫法). It is roughly equivalent to the English foot, although slightly shorter in its modern standardized form.
The Shaku is traditionally subdivided and multiplied decimally:
- 1 Jō (丈) = 10 Shaku
- 1 Shaku (尺) = 10 Sun (寸 - Japanese inch)
- 1 Sun (寸) = 10 Bu (分 - Japanese line)
There were historically different types of shaku, most notably the standard kanejaku (曲尺) used in carpentry and the longer kujirajaku (鯨尺) used for measuring cloth. Unless otherwise specified, "shaku" usually refers to the kanejaku.
The Royal Cubit (Ancient Egyptian: meh nesut) was the primary ancient Egyptian standard unit of linear measure. It was based on the length of the forearm from the elbow to the tip of the extended middle finger, plus the width of the palm. It is considered one of the earliest attested standard units of measurement.
The Royal Cubit was typically divided into 7 palms (shesep), with each palm further divided into 4 digits or fingers (djeba), totaling 28 digits. Its length varied slightly over time and location but is generally accepted to be approximately 52.3 to 52.9 centimeters (about 20.6 to 20.8 inches). A common average value used is 0.524 meters.
A shorter Common Cubit or Short Cubit (Ancient Egyptian: meh sherer) also existed, measuring 6 palms (24 digits), approximately 45 cm.
Note: The Shaku (Japanese) is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Cubit (Royal/Egyptian) belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Shaku (Japanese) and Cubit (Royal/Egyptian)
The Shaku originated from the Chinese Chi (尺), introduced to Japan likely between the 3rd and 6th centuries AD. Like its Chinese counterpart, the length of the Shaku varied considerably across different historical periods and regions in Japan.
- Early Adoption: Early Japanese measurements were heavily influenced by Chinese standards, but the length of the Shaku began to diverge over time.
- Edo Period (1603–1868): Different standards coexisted, including the kanejaku (carpenter's shaku) and the kujirajaku (cloth shaku, literally "whale shaku," possibly referring to rulers made from whale baleen). The kanejaku became the more common standard for general measurement.
- Meiji Restoration (1868 onwards): Japan began modernizing and standardizing its systems. In 1891, the Weights and Measures Act defined the standard Shaku (kanejaku) legally in relation to the metric system as exactly 10/33 of a meter. This aimed to provide a precise conversion factor while preserving the traditional unit. The kujirajaku was defined as 1.25 times the kanejaku (i.e., 12.5/33 of a meter).
- Metrication: Japan officially adopted the metric system in 1951, and its use became mandatory for most official and commercial transactions by 1966. However, the Shaku and other Shakkanhō units remain in use in specific traditional fields.
The Royal Cubit emerged very early in Egyptian history, likely during the Predynastic or Early Dynastic Period (before 3000 BCE). Its standardization was crucial for the large-scale construction projects undertaken by the pharaohs.
- Early Standardization: It represents one of history's first successful attempts at creating and maintaining a standard unit of length, essential for architectural precision and administrative consistency.
- Cubit Rods: Physical standards, known as cubit rods, were created from durable materials like wood, slate, or granite. These rods were often inscribed with subdivisions (palms, digits, and sometimes fractions of digits) and sometimes bore dedications or official insignia. Examples have been found in tombs, such as that of Tutankhamun, and likely served as official benchmarks.
- Monumental Construction: The Royal Cubit was the fundamental unit used in the design and construction of temples, palaces, and most famously, the pyramids. The precise dimensions of structures like the Great Pyramid of Giza reflect careful measurement using this standard.
- Longevity: The Royal Cubit remained the standard measure in Egypt for millennia, from the Old Kingdom through the Ptolemaic period and into Roman times, demonstrating remarkable stability.
Common Uses for shaku and cubits
Explore the typical applications for both Shaku (Japanese) (imperial/US) and Cubit (Royal/Egyptian) (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for shaku
While the metric system is standard in Japan, the Shaku persists in several areas:
- Traditional Japanese Architecture and Carpentry: The kanejaku is still widely used for measurements in building temples, shrines, traditional houses, and making furniture. Architectural modules like the ken (間) are often based on the Shaku. Japanese woodworking tools are often sized or marked in Shaku and Sun.
- Kimono and Traditional Clothing: The kujirajaku is the standard unit for measuring cloth width (tanmono) and dimensions when making kimonos and yukatas.
- Traditional Crafts: Used in making items like tatami mats, shōji screens, and other traditional crafts where historical dimensions are important.
- Musical Instruments: The length of traditional Japanese instruments, notably the shakuhachi (尺八) flute, is measured in Shaku and Sun (its name literally means "1.8 shaku").
- Martial Arts: Some traditional martial arts (koryū budō) may use Shaku-based measurements for weapon lengths (e.g., jō, bō) or stance dimensions.
- Gardening and Landscaping: Traditional Japanese garden design sometimes employs Shaku-based proportions.
- Historical and Cultural Context: Essential for understanding dimensions in historical texts, art, and artifacts.
Common Uses for cubits
The Royal Cubit was integral to many aspects of ancient Egyptian society:
- Architecture and Construction: Defining building dimensions, column heights, room layouts, and overall structural proportions.
- Land Surveying: Measuring fields for agriculture, taxation, and property boundaries, especially after the annual Nile flood receded.
- Record Keeping: Used in administrative documents, inventories, and calculations.
- Craftsmanship: Measuring materials like stone blocks, timber, rope, and textiles.
- Art and Iconography: Used to establish proportions in statues and reliefs according to canonical rules.
- Religious and Funerary Contexts: Cubit rods were sometimes included in tomb equipment, possibly symbolizing order and correctness or serving a practical purpose in the afterlife.
- Historical Texts: The term "cubit" appears in various ancient texts, including the Bible, though the specific length intended (Egyptian Royal, common, Babylonian, etc.) can be context-dependent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Shaku (Japanese) (shaku)
How long is a Shaku?
The length depends on the context (historical vs. modern, type of shaku):
- Modern Standardized Kanejaku (since 1891):
- Exactly 10/33 meters (m)
- Approximately 0.30303 meters
- Approximately 30.303 centimeters (cm)
- Approximately 11.93 inches (in)
- Approximately 0.994 feet (ft)
- Modern Standardized Kujirajaku:
- Exactly 12.5/33 meters (m) (1.25 times the kanejaku)
- Approximately 0.37879 meters
- Approximately 37.879 centimeters (cm)
- Approximately 14.91 inches (in)
- Approximately 1.243 feet (ft)
- Historical Shaku: Varied significantly, often differing from the modern standard.
What are the subdivisions and multiples of the Shaku?
The system is decimal:
- Subdivisions: 1 Shaku = 10 Sun (寸); 1 Sun = 10 Bu (分).
- Multiples: 1 Jō (丈) = 10 Shaku. Another related unit is the Ken (間), traditionally 6 Shaku, though its length could vary.
Is it the same as the Chinese Chi?
No. Although the Japanese Shaku originated from the Chinese Chi (both written with the character 尺), they evolved independently and have different standardized lengths today.
- Modern Japanese Shaku (kanejaku): 10/33 meters (≈ 0.303 m)
- Modern Chinese Chi: 1/3 meter (≈ 0.333 m) The Shaku is noticeably shorter than the modern Chi.
What is the difference between kanejaku and kujirajaku?
They are two distinct traditional Shaku units:
- Kanejaku (曲尺): The "carpenter's shaku," used for general measurement, architecture, and woodworking. Standardized at 10/33 meters. This is the default meaning of "Shaku."
- Kujirajaku (鯨尺): The "cloth shaku" or "whale shaku," used primarily for measuring cloth, especially for kimonos. It is longer than the kanejaku, standardized at 12.5/33 meters (exactly 1.25 times the kanejaku).
Is the Shaku an SI unit?
No, the Shaku is not an SI unit. It is a traditional Japanese unit belonging to the Shakkanhō system. The SI base unit for length is the meter (m).
Is the Shaku still used today?
Yes, although Japan officially uses the metric system (SI units) for most purposes, the Shaku (both kanejaku and kujirajaku) continues to be used in specific traditional fields:
- Traditional architecture and carpentry.
- Kimono making and textile measurement.
- Other traditional crafts.
- Musical instrument making (e.g., shakuhachi).
- Historical and cultural studies. It is generally not used in everyday commerce or scientific contexts.
About Cubit (Royal/Egyptian) (cubit)
How was the Royal Cubit standardized?
Standardization was achieved through the creation and maintenance of master cubit rods. These physical exemplars, often made of durable stone like granite, were likely kept in major temples or administrative centers. Officials and craftsmen would use copies made from these masters for practical work. The rods themselves were meticulously marked with the primary divisions of 7 palms and 28 digits, often including finer subdivisions. This system ensured consistency across large projects and different regions of the kingdom.
What is the difference between a short cubit and a royal cubit?
The two main cubit measures in ancient Egypt were:
- Short Cubit (meh sherer): Measured 6 palms (24 digits), approximately 44.7 to 45 cm (around 17.6 inches). It represented the distance from the elbow to the tip of the thumb or closed fist. It was likely used for more common, everyday measurements of cloth, goods, or smaller objects.
- Royal Cubit (meh nesut): Measured 7 palms (28 digits), approximately 52.3 to 52.9 cm (around 20.6 inches). It was the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger plus one palm width. This was the official standard used for monumental architecture, land surveying, and significant state projects. It likely held a higher status and was associated with the pharaoh and divine order.
How long was the Royal Cubit?
The Royal Cubit was approximately:
- 0.523 to 0.529 meters (m)
- 52.3 to 52.9 centimeters (cm)
- 20.6 to 20.8 inches (in)
- Roughly 1.72 feet (ft)
A value of 0.524 m is often used as a representative average.
Is the Cubit still used today?
No, the ancient Egyptian Cubit (both Royal and short) is obsolete. It has not been in practical use for centuries, having been replaced by other measurement systems and ultimately by the metric system. Its relevance today is purely historical, archaeological, and academic.
Is the Cubit an SI unit?
No, the Cubit is not an SI unit. It is an ancient, traditional unit of measurement originating in Egypt. The SI base unit for length is the meter (m).
Conversion Table: Shaku (Japanese) to Cubit (Royal/Egyptian)
| Shaku (Japanese) (shaku) | Cubit (Royal/Egyptian) (cubit) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.579 |
| 5 | 2.897 |
| 10 | 5.794 |
| 25 | 14.484 |
| 50 | 28.968 |
| 100 | 57.935 |
| 500 | 289.675 |
| 1,000 | 579.35 |
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)
- Chi (Chinese) (chi)
- Li (Chinese) (li)
- Toise (toise)
- Bolt (bolt)
- Rope (rope)
- Smoot (smoot)
- Sajene (sajene)
- Ken (ken)
- Wa (wa)
- Vara (vara)
- Aln (aln)
- Versta (versta)
- Arpent (arpent)
- Ri (Japanese) (ri)
- Klafter (klafter)
- Yojana (yojana)
- Skein (skein)