We can visualize the shape of a house only with its dimensions. Hence dimensions are given prior importance in Vasthu.

As modern Engineering uses meter as standard dimensional unit, Vasthuvidya has got it’s unique system of measurements. Two systems were developed namely Yavamana (based on grain size), Manushyapramana (based on human figure). Former was developed taking width of a yava (barley) as the basic unit of measurement.

As far as Manushyapramana (Anthropometric) unit is concerned, designing is carried out taking one Hastha as the shoulder to arm distance of the house owner. Standardization was not practical in this system and eventually it gave way to yavamana system of dimension. For practical use in a field, a Hastha having subdivisions of 24 angulas is used. For larger measurements, a unit called Danda ,which equal to 4 Hastha is been used.

In the later stage of development of Vasthuvidya, certain astrological factors were taken into account for fixing the prime dimensions(perimeter). “Shadvarga’s”( Aayam, Vyayam, Nakshathram, Thidhi, Vayassu and Karanam) were assigned to perimeter. The perimeter which gives most auspicious combinations of these shadvarga’s are adopted for house designs.