Convert Finger to Barleycorn
Convert fingers to barleycorns instantly. 1 finger = 13.4999999469 barleycorn — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Barleycorn to Finger converter for the reverse conversion.
Units explained
Finger
A finger is an Imperial unit of length equal to 4.5 inches (114.3 mm). It is one of the historical English cloth-measure units.
The finger derives from English cloth-trade tradition, where it was used as a small measure for ribbons and small fabric pieces. Standardised at 4.5 inches through English customary practice.
Fingers are rare in modern use; they appear primarily in historical English textile records and bartending (where 'a finger of whisky' is an informal usage roughly 1 inch, not 4.5).
Medieval English cloth-trade origin; standardised at 4.5 inches; the value became exact via the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement.
Barleycorn
A barleycorn is an Imperial unit of length equal to one third of an inch (about 8.47 mm). It is the basis of UK shoe sizing and is one of the oldest English length units still in use.
The barleycorn derives from the average length of a grain of barley as a natural reference. Standardised at exactly 1/3 inch by the Statute of Edward II in 1324, which used three barleycorns to define an inch.
Barleycorns are the foundation of UK and US children's shoe sizing — each whole size differs by one barleycorn. Also occasionally referenced in horse-handling and historical English literature.
Standardised in 1324 by the Statute of Edward II at 1/3 inch; the value became exact in 1959 when the inch was fixed at 25.4 mm.
Finger to Barleycorn conversion formula
The relationship between fingers and barleycorns:
To convert fingers to barleycorns, multiply the value in fingers by 13.4999999469. To reverse, multiply barleycorns by 0.0740740744.
How to use this converter
Type a value into the calculator. The result in barleycorns updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Barleycorn to Finger converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert fingers to barleycorns
- Write down the value in fingers (finger).
- Multiply that value by the factor 13.4999999469.
- The product is the equivalent value in barleycorns (barleycorn).
- To reverse, multiply the barleycorn value by 0.0740740744.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 finger to barleycorn:
1 × 13.4999999469 = 13.4999999469 barleycorn
Example 2 — Convert 100 finger to barleycorn:
100 × 13.4999999469 = 1349.999994685 barleycorn
Real-world example — Body height conversion (reverse direction)
You measure 1.75 fingers tall and need to fill in a gym membership form or medical record that asks for height in barleycorns. This is the most-used everyday length conversion in metric-using countries.
1.75 finger × 13.4999999469 = 23.624999907 barleycorn
Real-world example — Pet and accessory dimensions
A 3-finger dog leash equals a tidy round value in barleycorns. Pet-supply shopping frequently mixes the two units across product specifications.
3 finger × 13.4999999469 = 40.4999998406 barleycorn
Real-world example — Fabric and tailoring
One finger of fabric converts to a value in barleycorns commonly used for seam allowances. Garment patterns frequently switch between the two units on a single instruction sheet.
1 finger × 13.4999999469 = 13.4999999469 barleycorn
Finger to Barleycorn conversion table
Standard reference values for converting fingers to barleycorns:
| Finger [finger] | Barleycorn [barleycorn] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 0.1349999995 |
| 0.1 | 1.3499999947 |
| 1 | 13.4999999469 |
| 2 | 26.9999998937 |
| 3 | 40.4999998406 |
| 4 | 53.9999997874 |
| 5 | 67.4999997343 |
| 10 | 134.9999994685 |
| 20 | 269.999998937 |
| 30 | 404.9999984055 |
| 40 | 539.999997874 |
| 50 | 674.9999973425 |
| 100 | 1349.999994685 |
| 500 | 6749.9999734252 |
| 1000 | 13499.9999468504 |
Frequently asked questions
How many barleycorns is 1 finger?
How do I convert fingers to barleycorns?
How do I convert barleycorns back to fingers?
How many barleycorns is 100 fingers?
Popular length unit conversions
Convert Finger to other length units
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Metric / SI (4 units)
Imperial / US Customary (26 units)
Sources & references
Conversion factor (1 finger = 13.4999999469 barleycorn) verified against the following authoritative sources:
- BIPM — The International System of Units (SI Brochure 9th ed.)
Official BIPM publication defining the seven SI base units (including the meter) and the rules for their use. The global authority on units of measurement.
- NIST — Guide to the SI
US National Institute of Standards and Technology reference covering the SI base and derived units with definitions and usage rules for US technical practice.
- NIST Special Publication 811 — Guide for the Use of the International System of Units
Detailed NIST guide covering exact conversion factors between SI and US customary units along with formatting and rounding conventions.
- NIST — Refinement of values for the yard and pound (Federal Register 1959)
The treaty (signed by US
- International Hydrographic Organization — Resolution on the Nautical Mile
International authority that standardised the nautical mile at exactly 1852 m in 1929 — the value adopted worldwide for sea and air navigation.