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What is a cubit in the Bible?
A cubit is a length based on the forearm, measured from the elbow to the fingertip. The familiar 18-inch estimate makes one cubit approximately 1.5 feet, or 45.72 centimeters. It is the default model in this converter.
Use the diagram to compare the related units, then use the numbers for your comparison. Measuring your own arm will not establish the length intended in a particular ancient passage.
Common cubit-to-feet conversions
For an 18-inch cubit, multiply the number of cubits by 1.5 to get feet, or by 0.4572 to get meters. The modern-unit arithmetic is exact for that selected length; the historical length remains an approximation.
| Cubits | Feet | Inches | Meters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.5 | 18 | 0.4572 |
| 10 | 15 | 180 | 4.572 |
| 50 | 75 | 900 | 22.86 |
| 100 | 150 | 1,800 | 45.72 |
| 300 | 450 | 5,400 | 137.16 |
Why is a cubit not always the same length?
Body-based units became standards, but those standards were not identical everywhere. The alternatives in this tool let you compare an 18-inch approximation with a shorter 17.5-inch estimate and a longer 20.4-inch estimate.
Ezekiel 40:5 describes a measuring cubit with an additional handbreadth. It helps explain why a longer cubit belongs in the discussion. It does not establish the cubit Noah used.
Explore the measurements in context
Genesis gives the Ark three measurements. Following all three together shows more than converting its length alone. For other kinds of measurements, return to the full reference tool.
Common questions
How many feet are in a cubit?
Using the common 18-inch approximation, one cubit is 1.5 feet. Choose another cubit estimate in the converter to see the answer change.
How do I convert cubits to meters?
For the 18-inch model, multiply the number of cubits by 0.4572. For example, 10 cubits is approximately 4.572 meters. This is a conversion of the selected estimate, rather than an exact measurement of an ancient cubit.
Is a biblical cubit always 18 inches?
No. Eighteen inches is a convenient reference estimate. Cubits varied across places and periods; the Bible also refers to a longer measuring cubit in Ezekiel 40:5.
How long is 300 cubits?
With an 18-inch cubit, 300 cubits is approximately 450 feet, or 137.16 meters. The Noah’s Ark explorer adds the width and height from Genesis 6:15 to show the complete set of dimensions.
Sources and calculation notes
- Tyndale and Zondervan: Life Application Study Bible, Table of Weights & MeasuresPrinted page 2249. The baseline values used here are 18 inches per cubit, 11.5 grams per shekel, and 22 liters per ephah. Related units are calculated from those baselines instead of copying independently rounded equivalents.
- American Bible Society: Weights and Measures in Ancient IsraelBackground on historical variation, body-based measures, and the relationship between the units.
- ESV Global Study Bible: Table of Weights and MeasuresA comparison reference. Its rounded modern equivalents may differ from the derived values displayed by this tool.