Furlongs vs Miles: A Comprehensive Guide to Length Measurement

Introduction

Furlong and mile are two units of length that have been used for centuries. A furlong is equal to one-eighth of a mile, or 220 yards. A mile is equal to 5,280 feet, or 1.609 kilometers. In the United States, the mile is the most common unit of length used for road distances, while the furlong is primarily used in horse racing.

History of Furling

The furlong was originally defined as the length of a furrow in a ploughed field. Furrows were traditionally made by oxen or horses pulling a plow. The length of a furlong was determined by the distance that an ox could plow in a single day. The term "furlong" is derived from the Old English words "furh" (furrow) and "lang" (long).

History of Miles

The mile was originally defined as the distance that a Roman legion could march in one hour. The Roman mile was equal to 1,000 paces, or about 1.5 kilometers. The term "mile" is derived from the Latin word "milia", which means "thousand."

Conversion Between Furings and Miles

1 furlong = 1/8 mile
1 mile = 8 furlongs

Table of Furlong and Mile Equivalents

Applications of Furling and Miles

Furling
- In horse racing, furlongs are used to measure the distance of races.
- In land surveying, furlongs are sometimes used to measure the length of property boundaries.

Miles
- In the United States, miles are used to measure the distance of roads, highways, and railroads.
- In aviation, miles are used to measure the distance between airports and to calculate flight times.
- In maritime navigation, miles are used to measure the distance between ports and to calculate sailing times.

Common Questions About Furling and Miles

1. Which is longer, an furlong or mile?
A mile is longer.

2. How can I convert furlongs to miles?
Divide the number of furlongs by 8.

3. How can I convert miles to furlongs?
Multiply the number of miles by 8.

4. What is the difference between a furlong and a kilometer?
A furlong is equal to 220 yards, while a kilometer is equal to 1,093 yards.

5. What is the difference between a mile and meter?
A mile is equal to 5,280 feet, while a kilometer is equal to 1,093 meters.

Conclusion

Furlong and miles are widely used units of length that have been in use for centuries. The furlong is mainly used in horse racing and land surveying, while the mile is used in road, air, and maritime navigation. You should now have a better grasp of the differences between the two units and how to convert between them, regardless of your needs or background.