Dutch term – Duim, voet, roede

These are three measures of length that were in use until the implementation of the metric system during the French occupation (1795-1813).

  • Duim (thumb): about 2.5 cm/1″
  • Voet (foot): about 30 cm, about 11.8″
  • Roede (rod): around 3.6-4 meters (11’10”-13’1.5″).

The exact size depended on the time and place. In general there were 12 duimen in a voet and 12 voeten in a roede, but a roede could have as many as 20 voeten.

surveyor measuring land

Surveyor, mid 1600s. Unknown artist, collection Rijksmuseum (public domain)

About Yvette Hoitink

Yvette Hoitink, CG®, QG™ is a professional genealogist in the Netherlands. She holds the Certified Genealogist credential from the Board for Certification of Genealogists and has a post-graduate diploma in Family and Local History from the University of Dundee. She has been doing genealogy for over 30 years and helps people from across the world find their ancestors in the Netherlands. Read about Yvette's professional genealogy services.

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