Convert chinese chi to feet effortlessly.
1 尺 x 1.0936133 = 1.0936133 ft
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Ever tried ordering custom silk fabric from a traditional Chinese tailor? Or maybe you're restoring an ancient Asian architectural blueprint? Suddenly, that mysterious "chi" measurement becomes very real. While the metric system dominates globally, cultural heritage keeps units like the Chinese chi alive. Let's unravel this measurement puzzle together.
Units explained
What is a chinese chi (尺)?
The chi (pronounced "chee") is a traditional Chinese unit that's been used since the Shang Dynasty. Modern standardization fixed it at exactly 1/3 meter in 1984. You'll see it in tailoring, carpentry, and real estate across China. Symbol: 尺. Common uses: Measuring body dimensions for clothing, room lengths, and traditional timber.
What is a foot (ft)?
The foot needs little introduction – it's that stubborn imperial unit refusing to fade away. Defined as 12 inches or 0.3048 meters, it's deeply rooted in Anglo-American culture. Symbol: ft or ′. Common uses: Human height measurement, aviation altitudes, and architectural plans in the US.
Conversion formula
The magic equation connecting these cultural cousins:
1 chi = 1.0936133 feet
To convert chi to feet: feet = chi × 1.0936133
For feet to chi: chi = feet ÷ 1.0936133
Example calculations
Let's walk through two real-world scenarios:
- Traditional robe measurement:
A tailor requests 2.8 chi of silk.
2.8 chi × 1.0936133 = 3.062 feet (about 3 feet 0.75 inches) - Door frame conversion:
An imported American door is 7 ft tall.
7 ÷ 1.0936133 ≈ 6.4 chi
Conversion tables
Chinese chi to feet
| Chi | Feet |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1.0936 |
| 2 | 2.1872 |
| 3 | 3.2808 |
| 4 | 4.3745 |
| 5 | 5.4681 |
| 6 | 6.5617 |
| 7 | 7.6553 |
| 8 | 8.7489 |
| 9 | 9.8425 |
| 10 | 10.9361 |
Feet to chinese chi
| Feet | Chi |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.9144 |
| 2 | 1.8288 |
| 3 | 2.7432 |
| 4 | 3.6576 |
| 5 | 4.5720 |
| 6 | 5.4864 |
| 7 | 6.4008 |
| 8 | 7.3152 |
| 9 | 8.2296 |
| 10 | 9.1440 |
History
The chi's journey began over 3,000 years ago during China's Bronze Age. Originally based on body measurements – the width of a thumb (寸) and 10 thumbs making a chi – it fluctuated between 23-35 cm until metric standardization. Fun fact: During teh Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the chi was about 31.8 cm, closer to today's foot !
The foot traces back to ancient Rome (pes: 29.6 cm). England standardized it in 1959, aligning with US measurements. This transatlantic agreement finally settled centuries of regional variations.
Interesting facts
- The Great Wall's original specifications used chi – about 5,000,000 chi long (13,170 km)
- Traditional Chinese medicine still uses chi for body meridian measurements
- 1 modern chi = 10 cun (Chinese inches) = 100 fen
- Japan's very similar shaku unit (30.3 cm) shows China's historical cultural influence
- China's 1984 chi standardization helped bridge traditional and metric systems
FAQ
This conversion is useful for interpreting historical texts, collaborating on international construction projects, or working with traditional Chinese textiles.
No. One chi equals approximately 1.0936 feet, making it about 9% longer than the imperial foot.
Our tool uses the modern standardized chi (1/3 meter). For historical measurements, consult era-specific references.
Yes! Many traditional garment makers in Asia prefer chi for measuring body dimensions and fabric lengths.
Absolutely. Just enter feet values in our calculator to get corresponding chi measurements.