Convert japanese koku to liters with ease

Ever wondered how much rice it took to feed a samurai? Or how traditional Japanese sake barrels compare to modern wine bottles? The koku-liter conversion opens a fascinating window into Japan's cultural history while solving practical measurement needs. Let's explore this unique unit that once shaped entire economies.

Unit definitions

What is a koku (石)?

• Description: Traditional dry volume unit used primarily for rice
• Symbol: 石
• Common uses: Measuring agricultural yields, samurai stipends, land valuation
• Definition: Originally the amount of rice needed to feed one person for a year (about 150kg)

What is a liter (L)?

• Description: Standard metric unit for liquid and dry volumes
• Symbol: L
• Common uses: Global trade, cooking, fuel measurement
• Definition: Volume of 1 cubic decimeter (10cm × 10cm × 10cm)

Conversion formula

The standardized conversion uses: 1 koku = 180.39 liters

Conversion equations:

• Liters = Koku × 180.39
• Koku = Liters ÷ 180.39

Example calculations

1. Converting 2.5 koku to liters: 2.5 × 180.39 = 450.98 liters
2. Converting 500 liters to koku: 500 ÷ 180.39 ≈ 2.77 koku

Conversion tables

Koku to liters

Liters to koku

Historical background

During teh Edo period (from 1603 to 1868), Japan's entire feudal system revolved around koku. Samurai received salaries in rice koku rather than currency - a mid-level warrior might earn 100 koku annually. Land productivity was measured in koku, determining a lord's wealth and military obligations. The 180.39-liter standardization came in 1891 as Japan modernized its measurement systems.

Interesting facts

1. A daimyo (feudal lord) needed at least 10,000 koku to maintain status
2. Traditional sake barrels (taruzake) often hold exactly 1 koku
3. Regional koku measurements varied up to 15% before standardization
4. Rice from 1 koku could make about 1,800 standard sake bottles
5. Modern Japanese agriculture still uses koku for nostalgic reference

FAQ