A number of units of measurement were used in Venezuela to measure quantities like length, mass, etc. Metric system was optional in Venezuela since 1857, and has been compulsory since 1914.
Contents
System before metric system
Older system was Spain (Castilian) System.
Length
Several units were used. Following of Granada:
1 vara = 0.8 m
1 meile = 6280 vara. Some other units are: 1 legua = 6280 vara 1 pie = 1/3 vara 1 cuarta = 1/4 vara 1 pulgada = 1/36 vara.
According to an older source, one vara was equal to 0.835 m (32.874 in).
Mass
Several units were used. Following of Granada: 1 libra = 1 kg 1 bag = 62.5 kg.
According to a source libra was equal to 0.500 kg. Some other units are:
1 tonelada = 2000 libra
1 carga = 250 libra
1 Saco = 125 libra
1 Quintal = 100 libra
1 arroba = 25 libra
1 onza = 1/16 libra.
According to another older source, one quintal was equal to 46.012 kg (101.438 1 lb).
Capacity
One arroba was equal to 16.137 l.