Question 1

What is a smoot?

Accepted Answer

A smoot is exactly 5 feet 7 inches (1.7018 m), based on Oliver Smoot's height. The Harvard Bridge is 364.4 smoots long.

Question 2

Where did the smoot come from?

Accepted Answer

MIT fraternity pledges measured the Harvard Bridge using Oliver Smoot in 1958. Google Maps and calculators now include smoots.

Question 3

Is this conversion factor exact?

Accepted Answer

Metric-to-metric conversions are exact (1 km = 1000 m). Imperial-to-metric factors like 1 inch = 2.54 cm are exact by international agreement.

Question 4

Why do some countries use different units?

Accepted Answer

Historical reasons - the metric system spread from France after 1795. The US, UK, and a few others retained older systems. Science uses metric worldwide.

smoot to m Converter

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