Length · Unit Converter

Convert Barleycorn to Centiinch

Convert barleycorns to centiinches instantly. 1 barleycorn = 33.3333334646 centiinch — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Centiinch to Barleycorn converter for the reverse conversion.

Written by Sunith Babu L, Ph.D., Lead Engineer Reviewed by Girish V Kulkarni Ph.D.
Length category 2 min read Published Last reviewed Updated

Units explained

Imperial / US Customary

Barleycorn

What is a barleycorn?

A barleycorn is an Imperial unit of length equal to one third of an inch (about 8.47 mm). It is the basis of UK shoe sizing and is one of the oldest English length units still in use.

Origin of the barleycorn

The barleycorn derives from the average length of a grain of barley as a natural reference. Standardised at exactly 1/3 inch by the Statute of Edward II in 1324, which used three barleycorns to define an inch.

Where it is used

Barleycorns are the foundation of UK and US children's shoe sizing — each whole size differs by one barleycorn. Also occasionally referenced in horse-handling and historical English literature.

When and where it was developed

Standardised in 1324 by the Statute of Edward II at 1/3 inch; the value became exact in 1959 when the inch was fixed at 25.4 mm.

Imperial / US Customary

Centiinch

What is a centiinch?

A centiinch is an Imperial unit of length equal to one hundredth of an inch (2.54×10⁻⁴ m). It is functionally identical to the caliber as a length unit but appears in different industrial contexts.

Origin of the centiinch

Derived from the inch via the metric-style prefix centi- (Latin centum, hundred). Standardised through the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement.

Where it is used

Centiinches occasionally appear in older engineering specifications and US-localised metric-pseudo notation. Most contemporary use prefers thousandths (mils) for sub-inch precision.

When and where it was developed

Standardised through the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement; rarely used in modern practice.

Barleycorn to Centiinch conversion formula

The relationship between barleycorns and centiinches:

1 barleycorn = 33.3333334646 cin
1 cin = 0.0299999999 barleycorn

To convert barleycorns to centiinches, multiply the value in barleycorns by 33.3333334646. To reverse, multiply centiinches by 0.0299999999.

How to use this converter

Type a value into the calculator. The result in centiinches updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Centiinch to Barleycorn converter for the reverse direction.

Step-by-step: convert barleycorns to centiinches

  1. Write down the value in barleycorns (barleycorn).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 33.3333334646.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in centiinches (cin).
  4. To reverse, multiply the centiinch value by 0.0299999999.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 barleycorn to cin:
1 × 33.3333334646 = 33.3333334646 cin

Example 2 — Convert 100 barleycorn to cin:
100 × 33.3333334646 = 3333.3333464567 cin

Real-world example — Adjacent small-scale precision

One barleycorn equals 1,000 centiinches — the standard sub-millimeter precision conversion that materials engineers use whenever they switch between bulk material thickness specs (larger unit) and surface-finish characteristics (smaller unit).

1 barleycorn × 33.3333334646 = 33.3333334646 cin

Real-world example — Adjacent metric sub-units

One barleycorn equals 1,000 centiinches. Engineers move between these scales constantly: PCB feature sizes in the larger unit, wire-bond diameters in the smaller.

1 barleycorn × 33.3333334646 = 33.3333334646 cin

Barleycorn to Centiinch conversion table

Standard reference values for converting barleycorns to centiinches:

Barleycorn [barleycorn]Centiinch [cin]
0.010.3333333346
0.13.3333333465
133.3333334646
266.6666669291
3100.0000003937
4133.3333338583
5166.6666673228
10333.3333346457
20666.6666692913
301000.000003937
401333.3333385827
501666.6666732283
1003333.3333464567
50016666.6667322835
100033333.3334645669

Frequently asked questions

How many centiinches is 1 barleycorn?
1 barleycorn equals 33.3333334646 centiinch.
How do I convert barleycorns to centiinches?
Multiply the value in barleycorns by 33.3333334646 to get centiinches.
How do I convert centiinches back to barleycorns?
Multiply the value in centiinches by 0.0299999999, or use the Centiinch to Barleycorn converter.
How many centiinches is 100 barleycorns?
100 barleycorns equals 3333.3333464567 centiinches, because 100 × 33.3333334646 = 3333.3333464567.

Convert Barleycorn to other length units

Show all Barleycorn conversions

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 barleycorn = 33.3333334646 cin) verified against the following authoritative sources:

Results are provided for general reference. Verify critical measurements against an authoritative standard.