# Furlongs to Hands (fur to hh)

Source: https://www.unitconvertercalculator.com/length/furlongs-to-hands/

**1 fur = 1980 hh**

One furlong equals exactly 1,980 hands. Since 1 furlong = 660 feet = 7,920 inches, and 1 hand = 4 inches, divide 7,920 by 4 to get 1,980. This conversion connects the horse racing distance unit with the horse height measurement unit, both deeply rooted in equestrian tradition.

## Formula

Convert Furlongs to Hands

## Conversion Table

| Furlongs (fur) | Hands (hh) |
|---|---|
| 0.01 fur | 19.8 hh |
| 0.05 fur | 99 hh |
| 0.1 fur | 198 hh |
| 0.25 fur | 495 hh |
| 0.5 fur | 990 hh |
| 1 fur | 1980 hh |
| 2 fur | 3960 hh |
| 4 fur | 7920 hh |
| 8 fur | 15840 hh |
| 10 fur | 19800 hh |
| 20 fur | 39600 hh |
| 50 fur | 99000 hh |
| 100 fur | 198000 hh |

## Units

### Furlong (fur)

Exactly 660 feet or one-eighth of a mile (201.168 m). Originally the length of a plowed furrow. Still used in horse racing.

### Hand (hh)

Exactly 4 inches (10.16 cm). The standard unit for measuring the height of horses, measured from the ground to the withers.

## Background

A Kentucky Derby (10 furlongs) covers 19,800 hands. A 16-hand horse running at top speed covers about 1 furlong in roughly 12 seconds. While both units are connected to horses, they measure different things: furlongs measure racing distance, hands measure standing height.

## Good to Know

Furlongs and hands are the two most horse-specific units in the imperial system. A horse race is measured in furlongs; the horse itself is measured in hands. Both units have survived metrication only because the equestrian world resists change.

## FAQ

### How many hands are in 1 furlong?

One furlong contains exactly 1,980 hands. Since 1 furlong = 7,920 inches and 1 hand = 4 inches.

### How do I convert furlongs to hands?

Multiply the furlong value by 1,980. For example, 0.5 furlongs = 990 hands.

### Are furlongs and hands both horse-related?

Yes, but differently. Furlongs measure racing distance. Hands measure horse height at the withers. A horse might be 16 hands tall and race over 10 furlongs.

## Non-Frequently Asked Questions

### How many horse-heights is a furlong?

A furlong is 1,980 hands. A 16-hand horse is 1/123.75 of a furlong tall. So a horse runs about 124 times its own height in one furlong. At full gallop (12 seconds), it covers its own height about 10 times per second. Fast for any unit system.

### Is there a more horse-specific conversion than furlongs to hands?

No. Hands measure the horse. Furlongs measure the race. Converting between them is the most equestrian conversion possible. The horse is 16 hands tall and races 6 furlongs. Only horse culture maintains two dedicated units like this.

### If a jockey measured the track in hands, would it seem longer?

A 6-furlong race is 11,880 hands. Saying 'we are racing 11,880 hands' makes it sound like an endurance event. Saying '6 furlongs' makes it sound quick. The unit changes the perception. Neither changes the actual distance the horse has to run.

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## See Also

- [Hands to Furlongs](https://www.unitconvertercalculator.com/length/hands-to-furlongs/)