Convert Ken (ken) to Nautical League (Int) (nl (int)) 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.
Nautical League (Int) (nl (int))
The international nautical league is defined as 3 international nautical miles, or 5,556 meters. It simplifies the expression of moderately large maritime distances by grouping nautical miles into a more manageable larger unit. Because nautical miles relate directly to Earth's geometry, the nautical league also maintains a connection to latitude and longitude. While not widely used in modern navigation—pilots and mariners typically stick to nautical miles and knots—nautical leagues still appear in older literature, historical accounts of sea voyages, and some naval traditions. They offer narrative convenience when describing long journeys without resorting to extremely large numbers. The unit highlights the tendency of sailors to create practical, scaled units that simplify communication during long-distance travel.