Convert nail (cloth) to ell Online | Free Length Converter

Nail (Cloth)

A nail is a traditional unit of length used in cloth measurement, equal to 2¼ inches or approximately 5.715 centimeters. It was commonly used by tailors and fabric merchants in England to measure small lengths of fabric.

The term “nail” likely originates from the practice of marking lengths on a measuring stick with notches or nails, making it easy to measure fabric quickly. The nail was a convenient subdivision of the yard, with 1 yard = 16 nails.

Though obsolete today, the nail remains an interesting part of historical textile measurement systems.

Summary:

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  1 nail = 2¼ inches (5.715 cm)

  
  
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  1 yard = 16 nails

  
  
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  Used historically in tailoring and fabric trade

  
  
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  Originates from notches or nails on measuring sticks

  
  

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.