Length · Unit Converter

Convert Kilometer to Barleycorn

Convert kilometers to barleycorns instantly. 1 kilometer = 118110.2357554715 barleycorn — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Barleycorn to Kilometer 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

Metric / SI

Kilometer

What is a kilometer?

A kilometer is a metric unit of length equal to one thousand meters. It is the standard unit for measuring road distances, geographic distances, and other large-scale measurements in metric countries.

Origin of the kilometer

The kilometer was defined alongside the meter in 1795 using the standard SI prefix kilo- (from Greek chilioi, "thousand"), denoting one thousand units.

Where it is used

Kilometers are used worldwide (except the United States and a few others) for road signage, geographic distance, athletic events, and scientific distances at planetary scale. Speed limits in most countries are given in km/h.

When and where it was developed

Adopted 1795 in France as part of the original metric system; the kilometer became the global standard for road and geographic distance through the 19th and 20th century metric adoption.

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.

Kilometer to Barleycorn conversion formula

The relationship between kilometers and barleycorns:

1 km = 118110.2357554715 barleycorn
1 barleycorn = 8.466667e-6 km

To convert kilometers to barleycorns, multiply the value in kilometers by 118110.2357554715. To reverse, multiply barleycorns by 8.466667e-6.

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 Kilometer converter for the reverse direction.

Step-by-step: convert kilometers to barleycorns

  1. Write down the value in kilometers (km).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 118110.2357554715.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in barleycorns (barleycorn).
  4. To reverse, multiply the barleycorn value by 8.466667e-6.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 km to barleycorn:
1 × 118110.2357554715 = 118110.2357554715 barleycorn

Example 2 — Convert 100 km to barleycorn:
100 × 118110.2357554715 = 1.181102e+7 barleycorn

Real-world example — Geographic to architectural scale

One kilometer equals 100,000 barleycorns. Map scales use this when an architectural site plan (in the smaller unit) must be related to road-network plans (in the larger unit) on the same drawing.

1 km × 118110.2357554715 = 118110.2357554715 barleycorn

Real-world example — Geographic to architectural conversion

One kilometer equals 100,000 barleycorns. The conversion bridges geographic-scale survey work and architectural-scale building plans on the same drawing.

1 km × 118110.2357554715 = 118110.2357554715 barleycorn

Kilometer to Barleycorn conversion table

Standard reference values for converting kilometers to barleycorns:

Kilometer [km]Barleycorn [barleycorn]
0.011181.1023575547
0.111811.0235755472
1118110.2357554715
2236220.471510943
3354330.7072664145
4472440.9430218861
5590551.1787773576
101181102.3575547151
202362204.7151094303
303543307.0726641454
404724409.4302188605
505905511.7877735756
1001.181102e+7
5005.905512e+7
10001.181102e+8

Frequently asked questions

How many barleycorns is 1 kilometer?
1 kilometer equals 118110.2357554715 barleycorn.
How do I convert kilometers to barleycorns?
Multiply the value in kilometers by 118110.2357554715 to get barleycorns.
How do I convert barleycorns back to kilometers?
Multiply the value in barleycorns by 8.466667e-6, or use the Barleycorn to Kilometer converter.
How many barleycorns is 100 kilometers?
100 kilometers equals 1.181102e+7 barleycorns, because 100 × 118110.2357554715 = 1.181102e+7.

Convert Kilometer to other length units

Show all Kilometer 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 km = 118110.2357554715 barleycorn) verified against the following authoritative sources:

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