alen or aln

1

In Denmark and Norway, a premetric unit of length = 2 fod = 24 tommer.

The Danish alen in general use before 1683, the sjællandske alen, has been estimated by Nørlund at 63.26 cm. Reforms in 1683 made the alen = 2 Rhineland Fuss, about 62.814 centimeters. A subsequent decree, in 1698, does not repeat the Rhineland Fuss equivalency, but refers only to the "original iron alen".

In 1835¹ the alen was shortened in order to harmonize Danish and Prussian measures, becoming 62.771 centimeters (about 24.7 inches).

In Norway, about 62.75 centimeters.

1. Resolution ³⁄₆1835.

N. E. Nørlund.

2

In Sweden, a premetric unit of length = 2 fot = 20 tommer. From 10 March 1665, about 59.3784 centimeters. After 1855, 59.3812 cm.