Perch
A perch is an old unit of length that is synonymous with the rod or pole, commonly used in land measurement and surveying. It measures 16.5 feet, 5.5 yards, or approximately 5.0292 meters.
The perch was widely used in England and later in the United States for measuring plots of land, especially before the widespread adoption of the metric system. It was also used to describe area when squared (square perch).
Key points:
1 perch = 16.5 feet
1 perch = 5.5 yards
1 perch ≈ 5.0292 meters
4 perches = 1 chain
40 perches = 1 furlong
While largely obsolete today, the term perch still appears in historical land deeds, legal documents, and some traditional surveying contexts.
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.
No conversions available for length.