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Span (Cloth)


A span is an old unit of length based on the distance between the tip of the thumb and the tip of the little finger of a fully extended hand. Traditionally, it measures about 9 inches or 22.86 centimeters.


In the context of cloth and textiles, the span was used as a convenient, informal measure to estimate small lengths of fabric before standardized rulers became widespread. It was helpful for tailors and traders to quickly gauge lengths during measuring and cutting.


While the span is largely obsolete as a formal unit today, it reflects historical measurement practices tied closely to the human body, similar to the cubit or hand.


Summary:



  • 1 span β‰ˆ 9 inches (22.86 cm)



  • Based on the hand’s spread



  • Used historically in cloth measurement and tailoring



  • Now mostly of historical and cultural interest


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 versionsβ€”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 β‰ˆ 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.




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