Length · Unit Converter

Convert Pole to Barleycorn

Convert poles to barleycorns instantly. 1 pole = 593.9999976614 barleycorn — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Barleycorn to Pole 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

Pole

What is a pole?

A pole is an Imperial unit of length identical to the rod and perch — 16.5 feet (about 5.03 m). The names are regional and historical variants for the same measurement.

Origin of the pole

The pole derives from medieval English land-surveying. The name comes from the physical wooden pole used by surveyors to lay out the unit on the ground.

Where it is used

Poles appear in historical land records, particularly older US public-land surveys. Functionally identical to rod and perch in all calculations.

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

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.

Pole to Barleycorn conversion formula

The relationship between poles and barleycorns:

1 pole = 593.9999976614 barleycorn
1 barleycorn = 0.0016835017 pole

To convert poles to barleycorns, multiply the value in poles by 593.9999976614. To reverse, multiply barleycorns by 0.0016835017.

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 Pole converter for the reverse direction.

Step-by-step: convert poles to barleycorns

  1. Write down the value in poles (pole).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 593.9999976614.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in barleycorns (barleycorn).
  4. To reverse, multiply the barleycorn value by 0.0016835017.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 pole to barleycorn:
1 × 593.9999976614 = 593.9999976614 barleycorn

Example 2 — Convert 100 pole to barleycorn:
100 × 593.9999976614 = 59399.9997661417 barleycorn

Real-world example — Pet and accessory dimensions

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

3 pole × 593.9999976614 = 1781.9999929843 barleycorn

Real-world example — Fabric and tailoring

One pole 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 pole × 593.9999976614 = 593.9999976614 barleycorn

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

You measure 1.75 poles 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 pole × 593.9999976614 = 1039.4999959075 barleycorn

Pole to Barleycorn conversion table

Standard reference values for converting poles to barleycorns:

Pole [pole]Barleycorn [barleycorn]
0.015.9399999766
0.159.3999997661
1593.9999976614
21187.9999953228
31781.9999929843
42375.9999906457
52969.9999883071
105939.9999766142
2011879.9999532283
3017819.9999298425
4023759.9999064567
5029699.9998830709
10059399.9997661417
500296999.9988307087
1000593999.9976614175

Frequently asked questions

How many barleycorns is 1 pole?
1 pole equals 593.9999976614 barleycorn.
How do I convert poles to barleycorns?
Multiply the value in poles by 593.9999976614 to get barleycorns.
How do I convert barleycorns back to poles?
Multiply the value in barleycorns by 0.0016835017, or use the Barleycorn to Pole converter.
How many barleycorns is 100 poles?
100 poles equals 59399.9997661417 barleycorns, because 100 × 593.9999976614 = 59399.9997661417.

Convert Pole to other length units

Show all Pole conversions

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 pole = 593.9999976614 barleycorn) verified against the following authoritative sources:

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