Diplomacy and Trade in the Chinese World, 589-1276

conclusion 687

Weights and Measures

The values of Chinese weights and measures changed in the course
of history. I give below those of T’ang times, following Wittfogel,
Liao, p.609.

1 peck (tou) = 5.944 litres or 362.73 cubic inches

1 bushel (hu or shih) = 59.44 litres or 1.6869 U.S. bushels

1 inch (ts’un) = 3.11 centimetres or 1.2244 inches

1 foot (ch’ih) = 31.1 centimetres or 12.244 inches

1 mile (li) = 0.559 kilometres or 0.3478 miles

1 ounce (liang) = 37.3 grams or 1.315 ounces

1 catty (chin) = 0.5968 kilograms or 1.3129 pounds

1 bolt of silk = 0.5598 x 12.44 metres or 22 x 489.76 inches