Bisig Unit | All you need to know
The bisig is a traditional unit of length historically used in the Philippines. It is equal to 16 inches, or 0.4064 meters (40.64 centimeters). The unit was traditionally based on the length of the human forearm and was widely used before the adoption of the metric system. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Like many body-based units, the bisig provided a practical way to estimate distances without measuring instruments. Today, it survives mainly in historical references and studies of traditional Philippine units. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
History of the Bisig
The bisig originated as one of several indigenous Philippine units of length. Before standardized metric measurements became compulsory, it was used alongside units such as the piranggot, dangkal, talampakan, and dipa for everyday measurements. The metric system gradually replaced these traditional units during the Spanish colonial period and later became the national standard. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Current Uses of the Bisig
Today, the bisig is not used for official measurements. It is primarily encountered in historical documents, cultural studies, museums, and educational materials discussing traditional Philippine systems of measurement. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Bisig Conversion
One bisig is equal to:
- 0.4064 meter (m)
- 40.64 centimeters (cm)
- 16 inches (in)
- 1.33333 feet (ft)
You can use ChangeUnit to convert bisigs to meters, centimeters, inches, and many other length units.