Convert Barleycorn to Rope
Convert barleycorns to ropes instantly. 1 barleycorn = 0.0013888889 rope — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Rope 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.
Rope
A rope is an Imperial unit of length equal to 20 feet (6.096 m). It was historically used in English customary measurement, particularly in masonry and some land contexts.
The rope derives from English customary practice and represents 20 feet. Less commonly used than the rod-perch-pole family.
Ropes appear in historical English construction and surveying records but are rare in modern practice. Some legacy specifications and contracts may still reference the unit.
Medieval English customary origin; standardised at 20 feet; became exact via the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement.
Barleycorn to Rope conversion formula
The relationship between barleycorns and ropes:
To convert barleycorns to ropes, multiply the value in barleycorns by 0.0013888889. To reverse, multiply ropes by 719.9999971654.
How to use this converter
Type a value into the calculator. The result in ropes updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Rope to Barleycorn converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert barleycorns to ropes
- Write down the value in barleycorns (barleycorn).
- Multiply that value by the factor 0.0013888889.
- The product is the equivalent value in ropes (rope).
- To reverse, multiply the rope value by 719.9999971654.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 barleycorn to rope:
1 × 0.0013888889 = 0.0013888889 rope
Example 2 — Convert 100 barleycorn to rope:
100 × 0.0013888889 = 0.1388888894 rope
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 ropes — converting between these adjacent units is one of the most-used length conversions globally.
180 barleycorn × 0.0013888889 = 0.250000001 rope
Real-world example — Furniture and large objects
A 72-barleycorn piece of furniture converts to a value in ropes 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 × 0.0013888889 = 0.1000000004 rope
Real-world example — Children's height milestones
A 150-barleycorn-tall child measures a value in ropes that's commonly used for theme-park ride height requirements when travelling between countries that use different measurement units.
150 barleycorn × 0.0013888889 = 0.2083333342 rope
Barleycorn to Rope conversion table
Standard reference values for converting barleycorns to ropes:
| Barleycorn [barleycorn] | Rope [rope] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 1.388889e-5 |
| 0.1 | 0.0001388889 |
| 1 | 0.0013888889 |
| 2 | 0.0027777778 |
| 3 | 0.0041666667 |
| 4 | 0.0055555556 |
| 5 | 0.0069444445 |
| 10 | 0.0138888889 |
| 20 | 0.0277777779 |
| 30 | 0.0416666668 |
| 40 | 0.0555555558 |
| 50 | 0.0694444447 |
| 100 | 0.1388888894 |
| 500 | 0.6944444472 |
| 1000 | 1.3888888944 |
Frequently asked questions
How many ropes is 1 barleycorn?
How do I convert barleycorns to ropes?
How do I convert ropes back to barleycorns?
How many ropes is 100 barleycorns?
Popular length unit conversions
Convert Barleycorn to other length units
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Metric / SI (4 units)
Imperial / US Customary (26 units)
Sources & references
Conversion factor (1 barleycorn = 0.0013888889 rope) 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.