Length · Unit Converter

Convert Meter to Barleycorn

Convert meters to barleycorns instantly. 1 meter = 118.1102357555 barleycorn — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Barleycorn to Meter 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

Meter

What is a meter?

The meter is the SI base unit of length. Since 2019, the meter has been defined by fixing the numerical value of the speed of light in vacuum to exactly 299,792,458 meters per second. Every other SI length unit derives from the meter.

Origin of the meter

The meter was originally defined in 1793 by the French Academy of Sciences as one ten-millionth of the distance from the equator to the North Pole along a meridian through Paris. It has been redefined multiple times — by physical prototype, then by atomic transitions, and finally in 2019 by fundamental physical constants.

Where it is used

The meter is the international standard for length in science, engineering, construction, athletics, and everyday measurement in metric countries. It underpins definitions of area (m²), volume (m³), and most derived SI units.

When and where it was developed

Established 1793 in France; ratified internationally via the Metre Convention 1875; redefined in 1960, 1983, and most recently 2019 when the SI redefinition fixed it to the speed of light.

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.

Meter to Barleycorn conversion formula

The relationship between meters and barleycorns:

1 m = 118.1102357555 barleycorn
1 barleycorn = 0.0084666667 m

To convert meters to barleycorns, multiply the value in meters by 118.1102357555. To reverse, multiply barleycorns by 0.0084666667.

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 Meter converter for the reverse direction.

Step-by-step: convert meters to barleycorns

  1. Write down the value in meters (m).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 118.1102357555.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in barleycorns (barleycorn).
  4. To reverse, multiply the barleycorn value by 0.0084666667.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 m to barleycorn:
1 × 118.1102357555 = 118.1102357555 barleycorn

Example 2 — Convert 100 m to barleycorn:
100 × 118.1102357555 = 11811.0235755472 barleycorn

Real-world example — Fabric and tailoring

One meter of fabric converts to a value in barleycorns commonly used for seam allowances. Garment patterns frequently switch between the two units on a single instruction sheet.

1 m × 118.1102357555 = 118.1102357555 barleycorn

Real-world example — Body height conversion (reverse direction)

You measure 1.75 meters tall and need to fill in a gym membership form or medical record that asks for height in barleycorns. This is the most-used everyday length conversion in metric-using countries.

1.75 m × 118.1102357555 = 206.6929125721 barleycorn

Real-world example — Pet and accessory dimensions

A 3-meter dog leash equals a tidy round value in barleycorns. Pet-supply shopping frequently mixes the two units across product specifications.

3 m × 118.1102357555 = 354.3307072664 barleycorn

Meter to Barleycorn conversion table

Standard reference values for converting meters to barleycorns:

Meter [m]Barleycorn [barleycorn]
0.011.1811023576
0.111.8110235755
1118.1102357555
2236.2204715109
3354.3307072664
4472.4409430219
5590.5511787774
101181.1023575547
202362.2047151094
303543.3070726641
404724.4094302189
505905.5117877736
10011811.0235755472
50059055.1178777358
1000118110.2357554715

Frequently asked questions

How many barleycorns is 1 meter?
1 meter equals 118.1102357555 barleycorn.
How do I convert meters to barleycorns?
Multiply the value in meters by 118.1102357555 to get barleycorns.
How do I convert barleycorns back to meters?
Multiply the value in barleycorns by 0.0084666667, or use the Barleycorn to Meter converter.
How many barleycorns is 100 meters?
100 meters equals 11811.0235755472 barleycorns, because 100 × 118.1102357555 = 11811.0235755472.

Convert Meter to other length units

Show all Meter 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 m = 118.1102357555 barleycorn) verified against the following authoritative sources:

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