Convert Barleycorn to Centimeter
Convert barleycorns to centimeters instantly. 1 barleycorn = 0.84666667 centimeter — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Centimeter to Barleycorn converter for the reverse conversion.
Units explained
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.
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.
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.
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.
Centimeter
A centimeter is a metric unit of length equal to one hundredth of a meter (1/100 m). It is one of the most commonly used SI sub-units in daily life, especially for measuring small objects, body dimensions, paper sizes, and short distances.
The centimeter emerged from the French metric system established by the French Academy of Sciences in 1793. The metric system introduced decimal-based prefixes (milli-, centi-, deci-, deca-, hecto-, kilo-) to create proportional sub-units of the meter.
Centimeters are the standard unit for everyday measurement in nearly every country outside the United States. They are used for body height, clothing sizes, rainfall, paper formats (A4 is 21 × 29.7 cm), screen dimensions, and most consumer product specifications.
Developed in France during the late 18th century as part of the metric system designed by the French Academy of Sciences. Formally adopted in France in 1795 and ratified internationally through the Metre Convention signed in Paris in 1875.
Barleycorn to Centimeter conversion formula
The relationship between barleycorns and centimeters:
To convert barleycorns to centimeters, multiply the value in barleycorns by 0.84666667. To reverse, multiply centimeters by 1.1811023576.
How to use this converter
Type a value into the calculator. The result in centimeters updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Centimeter to Barleycorn converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert barleycorns to centimeters
- Write down the value in barleycorns (barleycorn).
- Multiply that value by the factor 0.84666667.
- The product is the equivalent value in centimeters (cm).
- To reverse, multiply the centimeter value by 1.1811023576.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 barleycorn to cm:
1 × 0.84666667 = 0.84666667 cm
Example 2 — Convert 100 barleycorn to cm:
100 × 0.84666667 = 84.666667 cm
Real-world example — Postcard and small-object dimensions
A postcard is about 5 barleycorns wide. Converting to centimeters is essential for international postal addressing forms that ask for dimensions in different units across countries.
5 barleycorn × 0.84666667 = 4.23333335 cm
Real-world example — Ruler-scale measurements
A 30-barleycorn school ruler converts cleanly to centimeters — useful when buying a desk accessory from a retailer whose product specs use a different unit.
30 barleycorn × 0.84666667 = 25.4000001 cm
Real-world example — Hardware-scale dimensions
A 10-barleycorn fastener or component is about as long as a thumbnail. Mechanics and DIY enthusiasts convert between barleycorns and centimeters daily when mixing metric and imperial tools.
10 barleycorn × 0.84666667 = 8.4666667 cm
Barleycorn to Centimeter conversion table
Standard reference values for converting barleycorns to centimeters:
| Barleycorn [barleycorn] | Centimeter [cm] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 0.0084666667 |
| 0.1 | 0.084666667 |
| 1 | 0.84666667 |
| 2 | 1.69333334 |
| 3 | 2.54000001 |
| 4 | 3.38666668 |
| 5 | 4.23333335 |
| 10 | 8.4666667 |
| 20 | 16.9333334 |
| 30 | 25.4000001 |
| 40 | 33.8666668 |
| 50 | 42.3333335 |
| 100 | 84.666667 |
| 500 | 423.333335 |
| 1000 | 846.66667 |
Frequently asked questions
How many centimeters is 1 barleycorn?
How do I convert barleycorns to centimeters?
How do I convert centimeters back to barleycorns?
How many centimeters is 100 barleycorns?
Popular length unit conversions
Convert Barleycorn to other length units
Show all Barleycorn conversions
Metric / SI (4 units)
Imperial / US Customary (26 units)
Sources & references
Conversion factor (1 barleycorn = 0.84666667 cm) verified against the following authoritative sources:
- BIPM — The International System of Units (SI Brochure 9th ed.)
Official BIPM publication defining the seven SI base units (including the meter) and the rules for their use. The global authority on units of measurement.
- NIST — Guide to the SI
US National Institute of Standards and Technology reference covering the SI base and derived units with definitions and usage rules for US technical practice.
- NIST Special Publication 811 — Guide for the Use of the International System of Units
Detailed NIST guide covering exact conversion factors between SI and US customary units along with formatting and rounding conventions.
- NIST — Refinement of values for the yard and pound (Federal Register 1959)
The treaty (signed by US
- International Astronomical Union — System of Astronomical Constants
The IAU defines astronomical units including the AU (149597870700 m exactly) light-year and parsec used in astronomy and astrophysics.