There are different types of Leagues
There are a few different types of League. On this site we have conversions for US Leagues and UK Leagues. In addition, there are also Nautical Leagues which can be found on this site. Please either select the appropriate unit on the selection above of click the required unit in the links below:
What is a League?
A league is a unit of length that has been used historically in different parts of the world. The exact measurement of a league can vary depending on the region and time period, but it is typically considered to be around 3 miles or 5 kilometers. In ancient times, a league was often defined as the distance a person could walk in one hour, which is roughly equivalent to 3 miles.
The concept of a league has been used in various contexts, such as measuring the distance between towns or cities, or as a unit of length for maritime navigation. In some countries, the league is still used informally to describe long distances, such as in the phrase "a league away." While the league is not commonly used as an official unit of measurement in modern times, it remains a part of historical and cultural references, particularly in literature and folklore.
What is a furlong?
A furlong is a unit of measurement commonly used in the imperial system, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It is primarily used to measure distances, especially in horse racing and agriculture. One furlong is equivalent to 220 yards or 660 feet, which is approximately 201.168 meters.
The origin of the term "furlong" can be traced back to Old English, where "furh" meant "furrow" and "lang" meant "long." This reflects the historical use of furlongs in measuring the length of a furrow in agricultural fields. In horse racing, furlongs are used to measure the distance between the starting point and the finish line. A racecourse typically consists of multiple furlongs, with the most common distances being 5 furlongs (5/8 of a mile) and 10 furlongs (1 mile).
While the use of furlongs has declined in everyday life, it still holds significance in certain fields. For example, in the United Kingdom, road signs often display distances in miles and furlongs, particularly in rural areas. Additionally, furlongs are occasionally used in land surveying and in some sports, such as rowing and track cycling. Overall, the furlong remains an interesting and historical unit of measurement that continues to have relevance in specific contexts.