Convert Ken (ken) to Long Cubit (long cubit) instantly.
About these units
Ken (ken)
The ken is a traditional Japanese unit of length, typically about 1.8 meters, though historically it ranged from 1.6 to 1.9 meters depending on the era and region. The ken is deeply tied to traditional Japanese architecture, especially temple and shrine construction. In classic building design, the ken measured the spacing between pillars in wooden structures. Because Japanese architecture emphasizes modularity and harmonious proportions, the ken allowed builders to create spaces that were both structurally efficient and aesthetically consistent. Many tatami room layouts are also derived from ken-based proportions. Beyond architecture, the ken carried symbolic importance in religious and cultural contexts. Temples were often laid out using ken multiples, reinforcing a sense of order, symmetry, and sacred geometry. Even though modern Japan uses the metric system, the ken persists in the restoration and preservation of historical buildings.
Long Cubit (long cubit)
The long cubit is an extended form of the traditional cubit, often adding an extra palm or handbreadth, resulting in a measurement of approximately 0.525 meters. It was used in ancient Egypt, Israel, and surrounding regions for larger construction projects. This unit allowed architects to scale up structures while maintaining proportionality, particularly in monumental architecture like temples, palaces, and pyramids. Its standardized use enabled consistency across multiple teams of builders working simultaneously on expansive projects. The long cubit also appears in historical and religious texts, giving scholars a reference for interpreting ancient measurements and architectural descriptions.