Convert Angstrom (Å) to Handbreadth (handbreadth) instantly.
About these units
Angstrom (Å)
The ångström, equal to 10⁻¹⁰ meters, is traditionally used to measure atomic scales, bond lengths, and wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, particularly in the X-ray and ultraviolet regions. Although not an SI unit, the ångström persists because it aligns conveniently with many natural atomic dimensions — hydrogen's typical bond lengths, for example, are close to 1 Å. Scientists in crystallography, astronomy, materials science, and spectroscopy routinely use ångströms when describing the spacing between atoms in a crystal lattice or the wavelength of certain spectral lines. The convenience comes from avoiding unwieldy decimals: instead of writing 0.154 nm, one may write 1.54 Å. While modern research increasingly prefers SI nanometers or picometers, the ångström remains deeply embedded in scientific traditions and continues to serve as a practical shorthand for atomic-scale measurements.
Handbreadth (handbreadth)
The handbreadth, roughly 0.1 meter, represents the width of a human hand with fingers extended. It served as a convenient, body-based subunit for cubits and larger measures. Handbreadths were integral to construction, tailoring, and craftwork, allowing precise division of larger units into manageable increments. In ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Hebrew measurement systems, the handbreadth facilitated scaling and proportioning for artisans and builders. Today, the handbreadth is mainly of historical interest, helping reconstruct ancient architectural plans and understand the human-centered logic of early measurement systems.