Convert Centimeter to Barleycorn
Convert centimeters to barleycorns instantly. 1 centimeter = 1.1811023576 barleycorn — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Barleycorn to Centimeter converter for the reverse conversion.
Units explained
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
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 to Barleycorn conversion formula
The relationship between centimeters and barleycorns:
To convert centimeters to barleycorns, multiply the value in centimeters by 1.1811023576. To reverse, multiply barleycorns by 0.84666667.
How to use this converter
Type a value into the calculator. The result in barleycorns updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Barleycorn to Centimeter converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert centimeters to barleycorns
- Write down the value in centimeters (cm).
- Multiply that value by the factor 1.1811023576.
- The product is the equivalent value in barleycorns (barleycorn).
- To reverse, multiply the barleycorn value by 0.84666667.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 cm to barleycorn:
1 × 1.1811023576 = 1.1811023576 barleycorn
Example 2 — Convert 100 cm to barleycorn:
100 × 1.1811023576 = 118.1102357555 barleycorn
Real-world example — Ruler-scale measurements
A 30-centimeter school ruler converts cleanly to barleycorns — useful when buying a desk accessory from a retailer whose product specs use a different unit.
30 cm × 1.1811023576 = 35.4330707266 barleycorn
Real-world example — Hardware-scale dimensions
A 10-centimeter fastener or component is about as long as a thumbnail. Mechanics and DIY enthusiasts convert between centimeters and barleycorns daily when mixing metric and imperial tools.
10 cm × 1.1811023576 = 11.8110235755 barleycorn
Real-world example — Postcard and small-object dimensions
A postcard is about 5 centimeters wide. Converting to barleycorns is essential for international postal addressing forms that ask for dimensions in different units across countries.
5 cm × 1.1811023576 = 5.9055117878 barleycorn
Centimeter to Barleycorn conversion table
Standard reference values for converting centimeters to barleycorns:
| Centimeter [cm] | Barleycorn [barleycorn] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 0.0118110236 |
| 0.1 | 0.1181102358 |
| 1 | 1.1811023576 |
| 2 | 2.3622047151 |
| 3 | 3.5433070727 |
| 4 | 4.7244094302 |
| 5 | 5.9055117878 |
| 10 | 11.8110235755 |
| 20 | 23.6220471511 |
| 30 | 35.4330707266 |
| 40 | 47.2440943022 |
| 50 | 59.0551178777 |
| 100 | 118.1102357555 |
| 500 | 590.5511787774 |
| 1000 | 1181.1023575547 |
Frequently asked questions
How many barleycorns is 1 centimeter?
How do I convert centimeters to barleycorns?
How do I convert barleycorns back to centimeters?
How many barleycorns is 100 centimeters?
Popular length unit conversions
Convert Centimeter to other length units
Show all Centimeter conversions
Metric / SI (17 units)
Imperial / US Customary (27 units)
Nautical (1 units)
Astronomical (9 units)
Atomic / Physics (6 units)
Typographic (3 units)
Sources & references
Conversion factor (1 cm = 1.1811023576 barleycorn) 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.