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:
1 ell ≈ 45 inches (1.143 meters)
Used mainly for measuring cloth and textiles
Length varied by region and country
The ell is now largely of historical interest but reflects the origins of many modern measurement systems.
Pole
A pole is another traditional unit of length equivalent to a rod or perch. It measures exactly 16.5 feet, 5.5 yards, or about 5.0292 meters.
The pole has been used historically in land measurement and surveying, especially in England and the United States. Like the rod and perch, it helped standardize measurements of fields, plots, and boundaries before the adoption of metric units.
Key conversions:
1 pole = 16.5 feet
1 pole = 5.5 yards
1 pole ≈ 5.0292 meters
4 poles = 1 chain
40 poles = 1 furlong
Though largely replaced by modern units, the pole remains a notable term in historical surveying and land records.
No conversions available for length.