# Length between perpendiculars

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**Length between perpendiculars** (often abbreviated as **p/p**, **p.p.**, **pp**, **LPP**, **LBP** or **Length BPP**) is the length of a [ship](/source/Ship) along the summer load line from the forward surface of the [stem](/source/Stem_(ship)), or main bow perpendicular member, to the after surface of the [sternpost](/source/Sternpost), or main stern perpendicular member. When there is no sternpost, the centerline axis of the rudder stock is used as the aft end of the length between perpendiculars.[1]

Measuring to the stern post or rudder stock was believed to give a reasonable idea of the ship’s carrying capacity, as it excluded the small, often unusable volume contained in its overhanging ends. On some types of [vessels](/source/Marine_vessel) this is, for all practical purposes, a waterline measurement. In a ship with raked stems, naturally that length changes as the [draught](/source/Draft_(hull)) of the ship changes, therefore it is measured from a defined loaded condition.

## See also

- [Length overall](/source/Length_overall)

## Citations

1. ["Perpendiculars and Length Between Perpendiculars"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160404135216/http://www.globmaritime.com/martech/naval-architecture/general/6766-perpendiculars-and-length-between-perpendiculars). Archived from [the original](http://www.globmaritime.com/martech/naval-architecture/general/6766-perpendiculars-and-length-between-perpendiculars) on 2016-04-04. Retrieved 2012-12-07.

## References

- Hayler, William B. & Keever, John M. (2003). *American Merchant Seaman's Manual*. Cornell Maritime Pr. ISBN 0-87033-549-9.
- Turpin, Edward A. & McEwen, William A. (1980). *Merchant Marine Officers' Handbook*. 4th ed. Centreville, MD: Cornell Maritime Press. ISBN 0-87033-056-X.

## External links

- [Perpendiculars and Length Between Perpendiculars](http://www.globmaritime.com/martech/naval-architecture/general/6766-perpendiculars-and-length-between-perpendiculars) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160404135216/http://www.globmaritime.com/martech/naval-architecture/general/6766-perpendiculars-and-length-between-perpendiculars) 2016-04-04 at the Wayback Machine

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