Convert fathom (US survey) to ell Online | Free Length Converter

Fathom (US Survey)

The fathom (US survey) is a unit of length used in U.S. surveying and nautical contexts, defined as exactly 6 US survey feet. Since one US survey foot is approximately 0.3048006096 meters, the US survey fathom measures about 1.828804 meters.

Like the international fathom, it is primarily used to measure water depths and underwater distances in marine navigation and surveying.

Key details:

• 
  

  1 US survey fathom = 6 US survey feet

  
  
• 
  

  1 US survey fathom ≈ 1.828804 meters

  
  
• 
  

  1 fathom = 2 yards

  
  

Though the difference between the US survey fathom and the international fathom is very small, the US survey units are being phased out in favor of international standards, but they still appear in some legal and historical surveying documents.

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.