Length · Unit Converter

Convert Barleycorn to Perch

Convert barleycorns to perches instantly. 1 barleycorn = 0.0016835017 perch — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Perch 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

Perch

What is a perch?

A perch is an Imperial unit of length identical to the rod — 16.5 feet (about 5.03 m). The names 'rod', 'perch', and 'pole' all refer to the same surveying unit and differ only by regional preference.

Origin of the perch

Like the rod, the perch derives from medieval English land-surveying. The name 'perch' was particularly common in legal land descriptions in Ireland and parts of the UK.

Where it is used

Perches appear in legacy land descriptions in Ireland, the UK, and historical US documents. Modern usage is rare.

When and where it was developed

Medieval English surveying origin; identical to the rod since 1620; became exact via the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement.

Barleycorn to Perch conversion formula

The relationship between barleycorns and perches:

1 barleycorn = 0.0016835017 perch
1 perch = 593.9999976614 barleycorn

To convert barleycorns to perches, multiply the value in barleycorns by 0.0016835017. To reverse, multiply perches by 593.9999976614.

How to use this converter

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

Step-by-step: convert barleycorns to perches

  1. Write down the value in barleycorns (barleycorn).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 0.0016835017.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in perches (perch).
  4. To reverse, multiply the perch value by 593.9999976614.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 barleycorn to perch:
1 × 0.0016835017 = 0.0016835017 perch

Example 2 — Convert 100 barleycorn to perch:
100 × 0.0016835017 = 0.168350169 perch

Real-world example — Children's height milestones

A 150-barleycorn-tall child measures a value in perches that's commonly used for theme-park ride height requirements when travelling between countries that use different measurement units.

150 barleycorn × 0.0016835017 = 0.2525252535 perch

Real-world example — Body height conversion

You enter your height as 180 barleycorns into an international job or visa application. The form then asks for the same value in perches — converting between these adjacent units is one of the most-used length conversions globally.

180 barleycorn × 0.0016835017 = 0.3030303042 perch

Real-world example — Furniture and large objects

A 72-barleycorn piece of furniture converts to a value in perches that's easier to mentally compare with room dimensions. This is the typical workflow when shopping internationally and product specs use a different unit than your room measurements.

72 barleycorn × 0.0016835017 = 0.1212121217 perch

Barleycorn to Perch conversion table

Standard reference values for converting barleycorns to perches:

Barleycorn [barleycorn]Perch [perch]
0.011.683502e-5
0.10.0001683502
10.0016835017
20.0033670034
30.0050505051
40.0067340068
50.0084175085
100.0168350169
200.0336700338
300.0505050507
400.0673400676
500.0841750845
1000.168350169
5000.8417508451
10001.6835016901

Frequently asked questions

How many perches is 1 barleycorn?
1 barleycorn equals 0.0016835017 perch.
How do I convert barleycorns to perches?
Multiply the value in barleycorns by 0.0016835017 to get perches.
How do I convert perches back to barleycorns?
Multiply the value in perches by 593.9999976614, or use the Perch to Barleycorn converter.
How many perches is 100 barleycorns?
100 barleycorns equals 0.168350169 perches, because 100 × 0.0016835017 = 0.168350169.

Convert Barleycorn to other length units

Show all Barleycorn conversions

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 barleycorn = 0.0016835017 perch) verified against the following authoritative sources:

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