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1 Royal Cubit =

Ancient Egyptian Length Measurement

52.5 cm | 20.67 in | 0.525 m

Historical Reference

Context and information about selected measurement.

Reference

Royal Cubit (Ancient Egypt)

The royal cubit was the primary unit of length in Ancient Egypt, approximately 52.5 cm (20.67 inches). It was subdivided into 7 palms of 4 digits each (28 digits total). Used in construction of pyramids, temples, and surveying.

Historical Context

• Used from Early Dynastic Period through Ptolemaic Kingdom
• Standardized during Old Kingdom (c. 2686–2181 BCE)
• Actual cubit rods made of granite or wood survive
• Base unit for architectural planning

Modern Equivalents

• 1 Royal Cubit = 52.5 cm = 0.525 m
• 1 Royal Cubit = 20.67 inches
• 1 Royal Cubit = 1.722 feet
• Great Pyramid base: 440 royal cubits

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