Convert Terameter (Tm) to Ken (ken) instantly.
About these units
Terameter (Tm)
A terameter equals one trillion meters (10¹² m) and is used when discussing distances that exceed the scale of the solar system but do not yet reach the interstellar unit category. Large-scale solar system phenomena—such as the size of the heliosphere, the influence boundary of the Sun's magnetic field, or trajectories of far-reaching spacecraft—may be expressed in terameters. While not widely used in astronomical literature (which often prefers astronomical units, light-years, or parsecs), the terameter provides a SI-based unit that aligns cleanly with metric prefixes. It is especially useful in theoretical physics or cosmological modeling where sticking to SI units simplifies equations.
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.