Convert Mile (US Survey) (mi (US)) to Ken (ken) instantly.
About these units
Mile (US Survey) (mi (US))
The US Survey Mile equals 5,280 US Survey Feet (~1,609.347 meters). Slightly longer than the international mile due to the use of the US survey foot, it has been essential for mapping, transportation planning, and geodetic calculations in the United States. Surveyors and engineers relied on the US survey mile to ensure precise alignment of property boundaries, railroad tracks, and infrastructure projects. Over long distances, even small differences between the US survey and international mile can accumulate significantly, necessitating care in measurement. Though the international mile is now standard, the US survey mile remains important for interpreting historical maps, legal descriptions, and older engineering plans.
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.