Convert Millimeter (mm) to Handbreadth (handbreadth) instantly.
About these units
Millimeter (mm)
A millimeter is one-thousandth of a meter and is used extensively in fields that require fine control and precision. Engineers and machinists frequently rely on millimeters in technical drawings and machining specifications, since the unit supports very precise tolerances without resorting to decimals. In construction, millimeters provide clarity for component dimensions, door and window fittings, and joinery work. Millimeters are also critical in medical imaging (such as CT or MRI slice thickness), entomology, electronics, and automotive design. Many mechanical failures or malfunctions arise from deviations of only a few millimeters—highlighting the importance of precision. On a more everyday level, rainfall measurements and snow depth reports often use millimeters for accuracy.
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.