How long is the average sword?

SWords have been made in many different sizes over the past 3,000 years. Even within the very long medieval era, sWords changed in length according to the styles of the time.

In the 10th, 11th and 12th centuries sWord blades were around 76 to 87 cms long (30 to 34.25 inches), with a grip for just one hand. The other hand always held a shield, so only one hand was available to hold the sWord.

By the 13th century sWords with slightly longer grips were being made (called "hand and a half sWords"), evolving into huge two-handed sWords by the 15th century, when shields were no longer used.

During the 14th century it was the grip which evolved most, lengthening from just 4 inches to 9 inches, blades remaining in the range 32 to 42 inches.

Pommels also changed dramatically and sWords can be roughly dated by the size and shape of the pommel, which acted as a counterweight for the blade.