Convert Cable to Barleycorn
Convert cables to barleycorns instantly. 1 cable = 21874.0156619133 barleycorn — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Barleycorn to Cable converter for the reverse conversion.
Units explained
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.
The cable derives from the historical length of a ship's anchor cable. Standardised at one tenth of an international nautical mile in 1929.
Cables are used in modern maritime navigation when describing short distances between vessels, anchoring depths, and harbor manoeuvres. Common in naval and yachting contexts.
Standardised at 1/10 nautical mile by the International Hydrographic Organization in 1929.
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.
Cable to Barleycorn conversion formula
The relationship between cables and barleycorns:
To convert cables to barleycorns, multiply the value in cables by 21874.0156619133. To reverse, multiply barleycorns by 4.571634e-5.
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 Cable converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert cables to barleycorns
- Write down the value in cables (cable).
- Multiply that value by the factor 21874.0156619133.
- The product is the equivalent value in barleycorns (barleycorn).
- To reverse, multiply the barleycorn value by 4.571634e-5.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 cable to barleycorn:
1 × 21874.0156619133 = 21874.0156619133 barleycorn
Example 2 — Convert 100 cable to barleycorn:
100 × 21874.0156619133 = 2187401.5661913324 barleycorn
Cable to Barleycorn conversion table
Standard reference values for converting cables to barleycorns:
| Cable [cable] | Barleycorn [barleycorn] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 218.7401566191 |
| 0.1 | 2187.4015661913 |
| 1 | 21874.0156619133 |
| 2 | 43748.0313238266 |
| 3 | 65622.04698574 |
| 4 | 87496.0626476533 |
| 5 | 109370.0783095666 |
| 10 | 218740.1566191332 |
| 20 | 437480.3132382664 |
| 30 | 656220.4698573997 |
| 40 | 874960.6264765329 |
| 50 | 1093700.7830956662 |
| 100 | 2187401.5661913324 |
| 500 | 1.093701e+7 |
| 1000 | 2.187402e+7 |
Frequently asked questions
How many barleycorns is 1 cable?
How do I convert cables to barleycorns?
How do I convert barleycorns back to cables?
How many barleycorns is 100 cables?
Popular length unit conversions
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Metric / SI (4 units)
Imperial / US Customary (26 units)
Sources & references
Conversion factor (1 cable = 21874.0156619133 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.