A rod is 16.5 feet.
Rods to Hands Converter — rd to hh
Convert Rod (rd) to Hand (hh) using the exact conversion factor (1 rod = 49.5 hand). See the formula, worked examples, and conversion table.
Rods to Hands converter
Converter
Length Converter
Convert SI, imperial, US customary, astronomical, scientific, and historical length units.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
A hand is four inches, often used for horse height.
Result = input x 5.0292 / 0.1016.
Length uses the meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Rods to Hands
Rod and Hand both measure length. Specifically: A rod is 16.5 feet, and a hand is four inches, often used for horse height.
Formula
hands = rods × 49.5
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 rod equals 5.0292 base units, and 1 hand equals 0.1016 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct rod-to-hand factor of 49.5.
Simple example
1 rd × 49.5 = 49.5 hh
1 rod = 49.5 hands.
Real-world example
10 rd × 49.5 = 495 hh
10 rods = 495 hands.
Conversion table
| Rod (rd) | Hand (hh) |
|---|---|
| 1 rd | 49.5 hh |
| 5 rd | 247.5 hh |
| 10 rd | 495 hh |
| 21.0975 rd | 1,044.32625 hh |
| 42.195 rd | 2,088.6525 hh |
| 100 rd | 4,950 hh |
Reverse conversion: Hand to Rod
49.5 hh × 0.0202020202 = 1 rd
49.5 hands = 1 rods.
rods = hands × 0.020202020202
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Hand to Rod.
Understanding the Rod (rd)
A rod is 16.5 feet.
Understanding the Hand (hh)
A hand is four inches, often used for horse height.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many hands are in 1 rod?
1 rod equals 49.5 hands, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert rod to hand?
Multiply the rod value by 49.5. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert hand back to rod?
Use the reverse factor: 1 hand equals 0.0202020202 rods. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a rod?
Rod (rd) is a unit of length.
What is a hand?
Hand (hh) is a unit of length.
Is the rod to hand conversion exact?
Yes. Both rod and hand are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 49.5 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.