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Vara to Furlong Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool

Convert varas to furlongs with our free online length converter.

Vara to Furlong Calculator

Vara
Furlong

How to Use the Calculator:

  1. Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Vara).
  2. The converted value in Furlong 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 (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.

How to Convert Vara to Furlong

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

Formula:

1 Vara = 0.00416667 furlongs

Example Calculation:

Convert 10 varas: 10 × 0.00416667 = 0.0416667 furlongs

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 Vara and a Furlong?

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.

The Furlong (symbol fur) is a unit of length in the imperial and U.S. customary systems of measurement. It is defined as exactly one-eighth of a mile (1/8 mi). This is equivalent to 220 yards (yd), 660 feet (ft), or precisely 201.168 meters (m).

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

History of the Vara and Furlong

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.

The name "furlong" derives from the Old English words furh (furrow) and lang (long). It originally represented the approximate distance a team of oxen could plow without rest within a typical English open field system. It also related to the traditional size of an acre, which was conceived as an area of land one furlong long and one chain (66 feet) wide. The furlong was standardized as 40 rods (a rod being 5.5 yards) or 10 chains. While historically significant in agriculture and land surveying, its use has greatly diminished with the adoption of metric units and the decline of the imperial system for general measurements.

Common Uses for varas and furlongs

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

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.

Common Uses for furlongs

Although largely obsolete for general use, the furlong persists in specific contexts:

  • Horse Racing: Its most prominent modern use is in measuring race distances in countries like the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, and Canada. Race lengths are frequently given in furlongs (e.g., a 6-furlong sprint).
  • Historical Context: Encountered in historical documents, land deeds, and literature referring to land measurement or travel distances in imperial units.
  • Figurative Language: Occasionally used informally or figuratively to denote a distance, though this is rare.
  • Myanmar (Burma): The furlong remains in common use in Myanmar as a customary unit alongside the mile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions 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).

About Furlong (fur)

How many furlongs are in a mile?

There are exactly 8 furlongs in 1 mile.

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

One furlong is equal to:

  • 220 yards (yd)
  • 660 feet (ft)
  • 201.168 meters (m) (exactly)

Where is the furlong used most often today?

Its primary modern application is in horse racing in several English-speaking countries (UK, Ireland, USA, Canada), where it is the standard unit for race distances. It also sees some continued customary use in Myanmar.

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 systems. The corresponding SI unit for length is the meter (m).

Why is it called a furlong?

The name comes from Old English furlang, meaning "furrow long," reflecting its origin as the length of a furrow a team of oxen could plow in an acre strip before needing rest.

Conversion Table: Vara to Furlong

Vara (vara)Furlong (fur)
10.004
50.021
100.042
250.104
500.208
1000.417
5002.083
1,0004.167

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