Mexican units of measurement

A number of units of measurement were used in Mexico to measure length, mass, area, capacity, etc. The Metric system was optional from 1857, and has been compulsory since 1896.

System before metric system

The Units of the system (from Spanish, Castillian) were legally defined during the transition period of the metric system.

Length

A number of units were used. One vara was equal to 0.838m (32.99 inches) as it was legally defined. Some other units and legal equivalents are given below:

1 linea = 1/432 vara

1 pulgada = 1/86 vara

1 pie = 1/3 vara

1 milla = 5000/3 vara

1 legua = 5000 vara.

Mass

A number of units were used. One libra was equal to 0.460 246 34 kg as it was legally defined. Some other units and legal equivalents are given below:

1 tomin = 1/768 libra

1 adarme = 1/256 libra

1 ochava = 1/128 libra

1 onza = 1/16 libra

1 arroba = 25 libra

1 quintal = 100 libra

1 terco = 160 libra

Area

A number of units were used. One fanega was equal to 35662.8 m² as it was legally defined. Some other units and legal equivalents are given below:

1 caballeria = 12 fanega

1 labor = 18 fanega

1 sitio = 492.28 fanega.

Capacity

Two systems, dry and liquid, were used.

Dry

Several units were used. One cuartillo was equal to 1.891 8 l as it was legally defined. Some other units and legal equivalents are given below:

1 almud = 4 cuartillo

1 fanega = 48 cuartillo

1 carga = 96 cuartillo.

Liquid

Several units were used. Some units and legal equivalents are given below:

1 cuartillo (for wine) = 0.456 264 l

1 cuartillo (for oil) = 0.506 162 l

1 jarra = 18 cuartillos. One frasco was equal to 2 1/2 quarts, and baril was equal to 20 gallons, with local variations.