Somali units of measurement explained

A number of units of measurement were used in Somalia to measure length, mass, area, capacity, etc. Metric system adopted in 1950, and has been compulsory since 1972 in Somalia.^[1]

System before metric system

A number of units were used. These units were local and varied with materials and provinces.

Length

Several units were used to measure length. One top was equal to 3.92 m.^{[1] [2]} One cubito was equal to 1/7 top.^{[1] [2]}

Mass

A number of units were used to measure mass. One rottolo (pound) was equal to 0.448 kg.^{[1] [2]} Some other units are given below:

1 okia (ounce) = rottolo

1 frasla = 36 rottolo

1 gisla = 360 rottolo.^{[1] [2]}

Area

One darat was equal to 8000 m².^[2]

Capacity

Two main systems, dry and liquid, were used.

Dry

Several units were used to measure dry capacity. One chela was equal to 1.359 L.^{[1] [2]} Some other units were given below:

1 tabla = 15 chela

1 gisla = 120 chela.^{[1] [2]}

Liquid

One caba was equal to 0.453 L.^{[1] [2]}

Notes and References

1. Book: Cardarelli, F.. Encyclopaedia of Scientific Units, Weights and Measures. Their SI Equivalences and Origins.. registration. Springer. 2003. 978-1-4471-1122-1. London. 172.
2. Book: Washburn, E.W.. International Critical Tables of Numerical Data, Physics, Chemistry and Technology. McGraw-Hil Book Company, Inc. 1926. New York. 1. 11, 12.