Russell McMahon wrote:
>> I believe that 5 decimal places is enough to calculate the
>> circumference of the earth to within a handspan. Sorry don't have a
>> reference, I just remember being told it at one stage.
> 
> Earth's circumference close to 4E10 mm
>         (40,075.02 km at equator except on bank holidays.)
> Or about 5E12 handspan - so early advice and/or memory a bit low.

It's off, but not by that much.

My hands span 200mm without effort. 

4e10 mm / 200 mm/handspan = 2e8 handspan

(The dangers of calculating without units :)

Gerhard
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