Home › Moneys of the World › Measures and Weights: Portuguese

Measures and Weights: Portuguese

The French metrical system of measures and weights was introduced in 1860; but, as the old Portuguese measures and weights continue in use, they are here given, as also the old usages in respect to the precious metals. The palmo (craveiro) of 8 inches = 8.62 Imp. inches; the pe or foot = 11/2 palmo; the vara = 5 palmos = 43.11 Imp. inches; the covado, nominally equal 3 palmos, is commonly 2434 Portuguese inches, or 26.67 Imp. inches; the braça is 10 palmos. The Portuguese league (18 to the degree) of 3 miles = 6759 Imp. yards or 3 Imp. miles 63/4 furlongs nearly. The geira, land measure, = 4840 square varas; 7 geiras = 10 Imp. acres nearly.