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Maths History

Ancient Egyptian measuring rods

Use cubits and body measures to compare old measurement systems with centimetres and metres.

Quick answer

Ancient Egyptians used body parts like the cubit to measure things. A cubit is about the length from your elbow to your fingertips – about 45 centimetres – and they used it to measure buildings, fields, and even their own bodies.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how Ancient Egyptians used body-based measurements and compare them to the metres and centimetres we use today. Success signs:
  • You can explain what a cubit is and how it was used.
  • You can estimate the length of a cubit in centimetres.
  • You can compare a cubit to a metre.
  • You can use a cubit to measure something in your home.

Why this matters

Understanding how Ancient Egyptians measured things helps us see how people lived and worked long ago. It also shows us how measurement systems changed over time. When you measure your toys, your bedroom, or even your height, you're using the same ideas that Egyptians used – just with different tools.

How it works

Ancient Egyptians used body parts to measure things because they didn’t have rulers like we do today. The most common body measurement was the cubit, which is the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. They also used the finger, hand, and foot for smaller measurements. The cubit was not always exactly the same because it depended on who was measuring. But it was a useful way to measure things like:
  • Pyramids
  • Fields
  • Boats
  • Statues
The Egyptians also had a special tool called the rope measure that helped them measure longer distances. They used it to measure land for farming.

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you are an Ancient Egyptian and you want to measure your bedroom. Step 1: You stretch your arm out and measure from your elbow to your fingertip – that’s one cubit. Step 2: You walk along the wall of your room and count how many cubits it takes to go from one side to the other. Step 3: You write down how many cubits you used. Now let’s compare this to modern measurements.
  • One cubit = about 45 centimetres
  • One metre = 100 centimetres
  • So, one cubit = 0.45 metres
Example: If your room is 5 cubits wide, that’s: 5 × 45 = 225 centimetres wide Or 2.25 metres wide You can also use a cubit to measure things around your house:
  • Table: 2 cubits wide
  • Bed: 3 cubits long
  • Bookshelf: 4 cubits tall

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: Measure like an Ancient Egyptian! You are an Ancient Egyptian architect building a temple. You need to measure how wide the main entrance should be. You have a rope and your arm as a measuring tool. Adventure Steps:
  1. Measure your own cubit using your arm from elbow to fingertip.
  2. Find a door or a wide space in your home.
  3. Use your cubit to measure how wide it is.
  4. Record your measurements.
  5. Now measure the same space using a metre ruler or a tape measure.
  6. Compare your cubit measurement to the modern measurement.
Challenge: How many cubits would it take to measure the length of your living room?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that all cubits were exactly the same. Why it happens: Children may think that all body parts are the same size. Fix: Explain that each person’s cubit is different, so measurements can vary.
  • Mistake: Confusing cubits with centimetres or metres. Why it happens: The units are different, so it can be confusing. Fix: Use a simple conversion: 1 cubit = 45 cm.
  • Mistake: Forgetting that a cubit is a body measurement. Why it happens: Kids might not understand that it's based on a person’s body. Fix: Practice measuring with your own arm and compare it to others.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child understand Ancient Egyptian measuring rods by:

  • Measuring a cubit with your own arm and comparing it to others in your family.
  • Using everyday objects like books, toys, or furniture to measure in cubits.
  • Playing a game where you estimate how many cubits something is wide or long.
  • Discussing how people used to measure things before we had rulers.
  • Encouraging your child to draw or build a model of a building using cubits.

Don’t worry if your child makes mistakes – it’s part of learning. The most important thing is that they understand the idea behind body-based measurement.

Practice questions

  1. How many centimetres is one cubit?
  2. If a table is 3 cubits wide, how wide is it in centimetres?
  3. If a wall is 5 cubits tall, how tall is it in metres?
  4. How many cubits would fit in one metre?
  5. If a garden is 10 cubits long, how long is it in centimetres?
Answers:
  1. One cubit = 45 centimetres
  2. 3 × 45 = 135 centimetres
  3. 5 × 45 = 225 centimetres = 2.25 metres
  4. 1 metre = 100 centimetres, so 100 ÷ 45 = about 2.2 cubits
  5. 10 × 45 = 450 centimetres

FAQ

What is a cubit?

A cubit is the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. It was used by Ancient Egyptians as a way to measure things.

How long is a cubit?

A cubit is about 45 centimetres long. It can vary slightly depending on the person’s body size.

Why did Ancient Egyptians use body parts to measure?

They didn’t have rulers or measuring tools like we do. So they used their own bodies to measure things that were important, like buildings and land.

How does a cubit compare to a metre?

One cubit is about 0.45 metres. So, a metre is about 2.2 cubits.

Can I use cubits today?

Not really, because we use standard measurements like centimetres and metres. But it’s fun to imagine how people used to measure things!