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Vara to Shaku (Japanese) Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool

Convert varas to shaku with our free online length converter.

Vara to Shaku (Japanese) Calculator

Vara
Shaku (Japanese)

How to Use the Calculator:

  1. Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Vara).
  2. The converted value in Shaku (Japanese) 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 Shaku (Japanese)

Converting Vara to Shaku (Japanese) involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.

Formula:

1 Vara = 2.766337 shaku

Example Calculation:

Convert 10 varas: 10 × 2.766337 = 27.66337 shaku

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 Shaku (Japanese)?

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 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.

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

History of the Vara and Shaku (Japanese)

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 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.

Common Uses for varas and shaku

Explore the typical applications for both Vara (imperial/US) and Shaku (Japanese) (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 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.

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 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.

Conversion Table: Vara to Shaku (Japanese)

Vara (vara)Shaku (Japanese) (shaku)
12.766
513.832
1027.663
2569.158
50138.317
100276.634
5001,383.168
1,0002,766.337

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