Digit (unit)

Digit (unit)

The digit is an ancient and historical unit of measurement, used in many cultures. It is based on the breadth of a human finger, a universal physical constant. The digit, also known as a digitus, is typically 18.5 millimeters (0.73 in) in length.

History

The digit as a unit of measurement has been used since the Egyptian times, where it was a fundamental part of their unit of measurement system. The Egyptians divided the day into 24 hours, each hour into 60 minutes, and each minute into 60 seconds. This system of time measurement, based on the number 60, is known as sexagesimal.

Usage

In the Roman Empire, the digit was used as a unit of length. It was one-twelfth of a Roman foot, which is equivalent to 18.5 millimeters or 0.73 inches. The digit was also used in the Middle Ages and in many other cultures, such as the Chinese and Indian cultures.

Modern Use

Today, the digit is rarely used as a unit of measurement. However, it is still used in some fields, such as in measuring the height of horses (in hands), where a hand is defined as four digits, or in astronomy, where the width of the Sun or the Moon is often given in digits.

See Also

• Cubit
• Foot (unit)
• Hand (unit)
• Inch

References

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  Detail of the Coudée-turin

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  Illustration of Hand Units of Measurement

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  Sulfur Fumarole