Vara (vara) - Unit Information & Conversion

Definition

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.

History

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.

Common Uses

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.

Unit FAQs

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).