What are the Ark’s dimensions in Genesis, measured in cubits?

Genesis gives Noah’s Ark dimensions as 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high. These measurements appear in Genesis 6:15, immediately after the command to build the Ark from gopher wood.

A cubit was an ancient unit commonly based on the length from the elbow to the fingertips, so its exact modern equivalent varies. Using an approximate cubit of 45 centimeters would make the Ark about 135 meters long, 22.5 meters wide, and 13.5 meters high. Those modern conversions are estimates, not measurements stated by Genesis.

The proportions are roughly six to one in length-to-width and ten to one in length-to-height. Naval historians and engineers have sometimes examined these proportions as a stable hull form, although such studies do not establish that the biblical vessel was historically constructed.

Genesis also says the Ark had compartments, a door in its side, and lower, second, and third decks. The dimensions should therefore be read alongside a description of a large multi-level vessel, not a small boat. The canonical figures are 300, 50, and 30 cubits.