Wa to Klafter Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool

Convert wa to klafter with our free online length converter.

Wa to Klafter Calculator

Wa
Klafter

How to Use the Calculator:

  1. Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Wa).
  2. The converted value in Klafter 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 Wa to Klafter

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

Formula:

1 Wa = 1.054574 klafter

Example Calculation:

Convert 10 wa: 10 × 1.054574 = 10.54574 klafter

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 Wa and a Klafter?

The Wa (วา) is a traditional Thai unit of length. It is legally defined in relation to the metric system as exactly 2 meters.

The Wa serves as a fundamental unit within the traditional Thai system of measurement, particularly for land area. It is roughly equivalent to the distance between a person's outstretched fingertips when their arms are extended horizontally to the sides (similar to a fathom).

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.

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

History of the Wa and Klafter

The Wa has been used in Thailand (formerly Siam) for centuries, likely originating from anthropomorphic measurements like the arm span. It was a practical unit for everyday measurements, construction, and land surveying.

  • Traditional System: The Wa was part of a system that included smaller units like the khuep (span, ~25 cm), sok (cubit, ~50 cm, 1 Wa = 4 Sok), and larger units like the sen (rope, 1 Sen = 20 Wa).
  • Standardization: During the modernization reforms under King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Thailand began standardizing its weights and measures. The Weights and Measures Act of 1923 formally defined traditional units in terms of the metric system. The Wa was officially set at exactly 2 meters.
  • Metrication: While Thailand officially adopted the metric system as its primary standard, traditional units like the Wa remain legally defined and widely used, especially in specific contexts like land measurement.

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).

Common Uses for wa and klafter

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

Common Uses for wa

The Wa's most significant modern use is in land measurement, but it historically had broader applications:

  • Land Area: This is the most common contemporary use. Land area in Thailand is almost exclusively measured in Tarang Wa (ตารางวา - Square Wa).
    • 1 Tarang Wa = 4 square meters (2m x 2m)
    • 1 Ngan (งาน) = 100 Tarang Wa (400 sq m)
    • 1 Rai (ไร่) = 4 Ngan = 400 Tarang Wa (1600 sq m) Property deeds, real estate listings, and land surveys invariably use Rai, Ngan, and Tarang Wa.
  • Length Measurement: While meters are now standard for most length measurements (textiles, construction materials), the Wa might still be used informally or in traditional contexts. Historically, it was used for measuring distances, building dimensions, rope lengths, etc.
  • Construction & Architecture: Traditionally used for laying out building plots and determining dimensions in Thai architecture.
  • Cultural Context: Understanding the Wa and its related area units is essential for navigating real estate, agriculture, and historical contexts in Thailand.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About Wa (wa)

How long is a Wa?

A Wa is defined as exactly:

  • 2 meters (m)
  • 200 centimeters (cm)
  • Approximately 6.5617 feet (ft)
  • Approximately 78.74 inches (in)

What are the related traditional Thai length units?

The Wa fits into a system, often based on factors of 2 and 10:

  • Smaller Units:
    • 1 Wa = 4 Sok (ศอก - cubit, ~50 cm)
    • 1 Sok = 2 Khuep (คืบ - span, ~25 cm)
    • 1 Khuep = 12 Nio (นิ้ว - finger breadth, ~2.08 cm, not the English inch)
  • Larger Unit:
    • 1 Sen (เส้น - rope/chain) = 20 Wa (40 meters)
    • 1 Yot (โยชน์ - league) = 400 Sen (16 kilometers)

How is the Wa used for area measurement?

The primary unit for land area is the Tarang Wa (Square Wa):

  • 1 Tarang Wa = 1 Wa × 1 Wa = 2 m × 2 m = 4 square meters Larger area units are based on the Tarang Wa:
  • 1 Ngan = 100 Tarang Wa (400 m²)
  • 1 Rai = 4 Ngan = 400 Tarang Wa (1600 m²)
  • (For reference, 1 Acre ≈ 2.53 Rai, 1 Hectare = 6.25 Rai)

Is the Wa an SI unit?

No, the Wa is not an SI unit. It is a traditional Thai unit, although its legal definition is based on the SI unit, the meter (m).

Is the Wa still used today?

Yes, absolutely. While the metric system is the official standard for science, commerce, and industry, the Wa (especially as Tarang Wa for area) remains the standard unit for land measurement in Thailand. It is legally recognized and used in all official land documents and real estate transactions. Its use for linear measurement is less common but may still occur informally or in traditional settings.

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).

Conversion Table: Wa to Klafter

Wa (wa)Klafter (klafter)
11.055
55.273
1010.546
2526.364
5052.729
100105.457
500527.287
1,0001,054.574

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