The figures of the table are calculated on the basis of a shekel equaling 11.5 grams , a cubit equaling 18 inches and an ephah equaling 22 liters . The quart referred to is either a dry quart ( slightly larger than a liter ) or a liquid quart ( slightly smaller than a liter ), whichever is applicable . The ton referred to in the footnotes is the American ton of 2,000 pounds . These weights are calculated relative to the particular commodity involved . Accordingly , the same measure of capacity in the text may be converted into different weights in the footnotes .

This table is based upon the best available information , but it is not intended to be mathematically precise ; like the measurement equivalents in the footnotes , it merely gives approximate amounts and distances . Weights and measures differed somewhat at various times and places in the ancient world . There is uncertainty particularly about the ephah and the bath ; further discoveries may shed more light on these units of capacity .