to size

Knowledge

2022

We explain what measuring is and what the units of measurement are for. Direct measurements, traditional measurements, and common errors when measuring.

The "meter" is one of the most widely used instruments for taking measurements.

What is measuring?

The word measure is a verb that originates from Latin "Metiri" and refers to the act of comparing a certain quantity of something with a unit of measurement, where it is established how many times this unit occupies a place within said quantity.

Definition of Measure: Determine the length, volume, extension, or capacity of a thing by comparison with an established unit of measurement that is used as a reference, usually by means of some instrument graduated with said unit.

Unit of measurement

On the other hand, within what concerns the term measure, we find the concept of unit of measure. The unit of measure is the pattern to follow to perform the measurement. You must meet certain conditions, which are:

  • A unit must be universal
  • One unit must be easy to reproduce
  • A unit must be unalterable

Direct measurements and their different errors

We call direct measurement when an instrument is available that calculates a certain measurement. In turn, the direct measurement can present different errors:

  • Absolut mistake
  • Relative error
  • Standard error

In addition, an error has a systematic or random origin, depending on the regularity with which said error occurs when measuring.

Traditional measures

One yard is the length from the nose to the middle finger.
  • Inch. It is equal to the width of a thumb.
  • Foot. In ancient times, a foot was referred to as the length of the foot. However, today it is equal to twelve inches.
  • Yard. To obtain a yard, the object to be measured must have a length from the nose to the middle finger.
  • Fathom. Its name refers us to the arm and we will not be wrong if we relate it to it, since a breaststroke goes from the tip of the middle finger to the arm.
  • Span. In relation to the palms of the hands.
  • Elbow. Forearm length.
  • Mile. Its origin goes back to Rome, when this unit of measurement was equivalent to two thousand steps.
  • League. We return to Rome, where the league was equivalent to a mile and a half, that is, 3000 steps. At present it is equivalent, depending on the geographical area, up to seven kilometers.
!-- GDPR -->