title: Malagasy units of measurement
text: # Malagasy units of measurement
  
  A number of units of measurement were used in Madagascar to measure length, mass, capacity, etc. The Metric system was introduced in Madagascar in 1897.
  
  ## System before metric system
  
  Several units were used.
  
  ### Length
  
  One rahf was equal to 46.46 in (1.18 m) (the value was double in the northern part of Madagascar).
  
  ### Mass
  
  **For gold and silver**
  
  Units included:
  
  1 vari = 3 nanki
  
  1 sompi = 2 vari = 60 grain.
  
  ### Capacity
  
  One bambou was equal to 0.0568 bushel.
  
  