Length · Unit Converter

Convert Perch to Cable

Convert perches to cables instantly. 1 perch = 0.0271555076 cable — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Cable to Perch 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

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.

Imperial / US Customary

Cable

What is a cable?

A cable is a nautical unit of length equal to one tenth of a nautical mile (exactly 185.2 m). It is used in maritime navigation for short-distance descriptions.

Origin of the cable

The cable derives from the historical length of a ship's anchor cable. Standardised at one tenth of an international nautical mile in 1929.

Where it is used

Cables are used in modern maritime navigation when describing short distances between vessels, anchoring depths, and harbor manoeuvres. Common in naval and yachting contexts.

When and where it was developed

Standardised at 1/10 nautical mile by the International Hydrographic Organization in 1929.

Perch to Cable conversion formula

The relationship between perches and cables:

1 perch = 0.0271555076 cable
1 cable = 36.8249423368 perch

To convert perches to cables, multiply the value in perches by 0.0271555076. To reverse, multiply cables by 36.8249423368.

How to use this converter

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

Step-by-step: convert perches to cables

  1. Write down the value in perches (perch).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 0.0271555076.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in cables (cable).
  4. To reverse, multiply the cable value by 36.8249423368.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 perch to cable:
1 × 0.0271555076 = 0.0271555076 cable

Example 2 — Convert 100 perch to cable:
100 × 0.0271555076 = 2.7155507559 cable

Real-world example — Adult height conversion

A 1.8-perch-tall person measures a value in cables that converts the height to the unit favoured by American forms, schools, or driver's licences. This is daily routine for anyone living between metric and imperial systems.

1.8 perch × 0.0271555076 = 0.0488799136 cable

Real-world example — Fabric purchase length

Two perches of fabric equals a value in cables essential for tailors and textile buyers sourcing material from international suppliers that quote in different units.

2 perch × 0.0271555076 = 0.0543110151 cable

Real-world example — Maritime depth conversion

A 10-perch sounding depth converts cleanly into cables. Recreational divers and sailors translate between the two units whenever they read legacy charts against modern depth-sounder displays.

10 perch × 0.0271555076 = 0.2715550756 cable

Perch to Cable conversion table

Standard reference values for converting perches to cables:

Perch [perch]Cable [cable]
0.010.0002715551
0.10.0027155508
10.0271555076
20.0543110151
30.0814665227
40.1086220302
50.1357775378
100.2715550756
200.5431101512
300.8146652268
401.0862203024
501.357775378
1002.7155507559
50013.5777537797
100027.1555075594

Frequently asked questions

How many cables is 1 perch?
1 perch equals 0.0271555076 cable.
How do I convert perches to cables?
Multiply the value in perches by 0.0271555076 to get cables.
How do I convert cables back to perches?
Multiply the value in cables by 36.8249423368, or use the Cable to Perch converter.
How many cables is 100 perches?
100 perches equals 2.7155507559 cables, because 100 × 0.0271555076 = 2.7155507559.

Convert Perch to other length units

Show all Perch conversions

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 perch = 0.0271555076 cable) verified against the following authoritative sources:

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