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Barleycorn

A barleycorn is an old English unit of length, traditionally based on the length of a grain of barley. It is defined as exactly 1/3 of an inch or approximately 8.47 millimeters.

Historically, the barleycorn was used for measuring small lengths and was also the basis for the inch, which was originally considered to be three barleycorns long. It played a role in various traditional measurements, including shoe sizing in English-speaking countries, where shoe sizes were sometimes expressed in barleycorn units.

Although obsolete as a formal unit, the barleycorn remains culturally significant, especially in shoe sizing systems.

Summary:

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  1 barleycorn = 1/3 inch ≈ 8.47 mm

  
  
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  Based on the length of a grain of barley

  
  
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  Used historically in small measurements and shoe sizing

  
  
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  Mostly of historical and cultural interest today

  
  

Ell

An ell is a historical unit of length that was commonly used in medieval Europe, especially for measuring textiles and cloth. Its length varied by region but was typically about 45 inches (approximately 1.143 meters).

The ell originated from the length of the arm or forearm and was often used by tailors and merchants to measure fabric. Different countries had their own versions—for example, the English ell was about 45 inches, while the Scottish ell was longer, around 37 inches.

Although obsolete today, the ell played an important role in trade and clothing production before standardized measurements became widespread.

Summary:

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  1 ell ≈ 45 inches (1.143 meters)

  
  
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  Used mainly for measuring cloth and textiles

  
  
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  Length varied by region and country

  
  

The ell is now largely of historical interest but reflects the origins of many modern measurement systems.