Converter

length · Ancient Egypt · Antiquity

Egyptian common cubit

approx.
Record
M154
Definition quality
Historically reconstructed
Conversion mode
multiplicative
Calculator
Approximately calculable

Use ≈45 cm as a reference reconstruction, not a universal exact value.

Definition

UCL describes a small cubit of 6 palms, about 45 cm.

Reference value

One Egyptian common cubit is understood to be about 0.45 metres.

History & use

Formalized New Kingdom cubit rods include a six-palm small cubit alongside the seven-palm standard cubit.

Modern use

Retained primarily for historical, educational, or reference use rather than as a current standardized calculator unit.

Did you know?

Ancient Egypt did not have only one cubit convention; the small/common form coexisted with the longer standard/royal form.

Documented variants

Sources & evidence

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