Cubits to Feet Conversion Calculator
What is a Cubit?
The cubit is an ancient unit of length based on the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. While it was widely used across the Ancient Near East and Mediterranean, the exact measurement varied significantly between civilizations.
Historical Variations and Standards
Because humans vary in size, ancient empires established standardized "royal" rods to ensure consistency in construction. Common variations include:
- Common Cubit: Typically 18 inches (1.5 feet), used extensively in everyday trade and mentioned in biblical texts.
- Royal Egyptian Cubit: Approximately 20.6 to 20.8 inches (1.718 feet). This was the standard used to build the Great Pyramids of Giza.
- Roman Cubit: Roughly 17.5 inches (1.458 feet), influenced by Greek measurements.
- Long Cubit: Mentioned in the Book of Ezekiel, this was a cubit plus a handbreadth, totaling about 21.8 inches.
How to Convert Cubits to Feet
To convert cubits to feet manually, you must first determine which standard you are using. The basic formula is:
For example, if you are converting 300 cubits (the length of Noah's Ark) using the Common Cubit (18 inches):
300 × 1.5 feet = 450 feet.
Practical Examples
| Historical Structure | Length in Cubits | Estimated Feet |
|---|---|---|
| Noah's Ark (Length) | 300 Cubits | 450 – 515 ft |
| Great Pyramid (Base) | 440 Royal Cubits | 756 ft |
| Solomon's Temple (Length) | 60 Cubits | 90 – 109 ft |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cubit always 18 inches?
No. While 18 inches is the most common estimate used for general biblical conversions, the Egyptian Royal Cubit was nearly 3 inches longer.
Why did civilizations use different cubits?
Units of measurement were localized. A "Royal" cubit was often larger than a "Common" cubit to reflect the status of the Pharaoh or King and was strictly enforced for state building projects.