Convert Chinese Chi to centimeters in seconds.
1 尺 x 33.3333333333 = 33.3333333333 cm
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Ever tried buying fabric in Beijing or reading old Chinese architectural plans? You’ll bump into the Chi (尺) faster than you can say "centimeter." This traditional unit has been measuring everything from silk robes to temple doors for over 2,000 years. But when your IKEA furniture instructions demand centimeters, things get tricky. Let’s unravel this measurement mystery together.
Unit definitions
What is a chinese chi (尺)?
- Description: The backbone of China’s traditional measurement system
- Symbol: 尺
- Common uses: Textiles, carpentry, real estate
- Definition: 1 Chi = 1/3 meter exactly since 1984 standardization
What is a centimeter (cm)?
- Description: The metric system’s precision workhorse
- Symbol: cm
- Common uses: Science, engineering, everyday measurements
- Definition: 1 cm = 0.01 meters
Conversion formula
The magic equation connecting these worlds:
1 Chi = 33.333... cm
Multiply Chi by 33.333 to get centimeters
Divide centimeters by 33.333 to get Chi
Example calculations
- Converting 2.5 Chi to cm:
2.5 × 33.333 = 83.3325 cm → Rounds to 83.33 cm - Converting 150 cm to Chi:
150 ÷ 33.333 ≈ 4.5 Chi
Conversion tables
Chinese Chi to centimeters
| Chi | Centimeters |
|---|---|
| 1 | 33.33 |
| 2 | 66.67 |
| 3 | 100.00 |
| 4 | 133.33 |
| 5 | 166.67 |
| 6 | 200.00 |
| 7 | 233.33 |
| 8 | 266.67 |
| 9 | 300.00 |
| 10 | 333.33 |
Centimeters to Chinese Chi
| Centimeters | Chi |
|---|---|
| 10 | 0.30 |
| 25 | 0.75 |
| 50 | 1.50 |
| 75 | 2.25 |
| 100 | 3.00 |
| 150 | 4.50 |
| 200 | 6.00 |
| 250 | 7.50 |
| 300 | 9.00 |
| 350 | 10.50 |
Historical context
The Chi’s story begins during teh Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BCE), where it represented the length from elbow to middle finger tip. Over dynasties, its length fluctuated between 23–35 cm until 1984, when China locked it to 33.333 cm for international compatibility. Fun detail: The Great Wall was originally measured in Chi – about 21,196,000 Chi long!
Interesting facts?
- Three Chi make one meter exactly in modern China
- Tailors still use Chi for custom clothing measurements
- 1 Chi squared (平方尺) remains popular in floorplan pricing
- Ancient Chinese astronomers used Chi to map star distances
- Beijing’s Forbidden City measures 753 Chi from south to north gates
FAQ
One Chinese Chi equals approximately 33.333 centimeters. The exact value is 100/3 cm.
Yes, it's commonly used in China for measuring fabrics, furniture, and room dimensions.
Converting to centimeters helps integrate traditional measurements with international standards.
1 Chi equals 0.3333 meters. Multiply Chi by 0.3333 for meters or use 33.333 for centimeters.
Historically yes, but since 1984, China standardized 1 Chi as exactly 1/3 meter.