What is a span (cloth)?

A span (cloth) is a traditional length unit based on the distance between the thumb and little finger of an outstretched hand, typically about 9 inches, used historically for narrow fabric widths.

What does ell measure?

An ell is a historical textile length unit, originally based on the arm's length or tailor's measure, varying regionally, and used for measuring cloth and tailoring before metrication.

Why do these units have varying values?

Both span (cloth) and ell were historically defined differently across regions and time periods, so their exact lengths can differ depending on local traditions and standards.

How to Convert from Span (cloth) to Ell?

Easily convert length measurements from span (cloth), a traditional textile unit, to ell, a historical unit used in tailoring and fabric trade. Understand the process and context behind these units.

Span (cloth)

Ell

Please check your input. It must be a valid numeric value.

Span (cloth) to Ell Conversion Table

Span (cloth)	Ell

Custom Unit Conversion Table Generator – Instant Printable Conversion Tables

Start Value

Enter the starting number (positive decimal or integer ≥ 0). Example: 0.1, 1, 5.

End Value

Enter the ending number (positive decimal or integer > Start Value). Example: 10, 50, 100.

Interval

Enter the step size (positive decimal > 0 and < End Value – Start Value). Example: 1.0, 2.5.

Span (cloth) to Ell Conversion Table
Span (cloth)	Ell

Explore More Length Units Converter

What Is This Tool?

This tool allows you to convert length measurements from span (cloth), a traditional unit used in textile contexts, to ell, a historical unit commonly applied in tailoring and fabric measurement. It assists in interpreting historical textile data and garment records.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the value measured in span (cloth).
Select span (cloth) as the 'from' unit and ell as the 'to' unit.
Click convert to see the equivalent length in ells.

Key Features

Converts between span (cloth) and ell units.
Based on traditional and historical textile measurements.
Easy to use for textile history, tailoring, and museum work.
Browser-based with a clear conversion formula.

Examples

5 span (cloth) equals 1 ell (5 × 0.2 = 1).
10 span (cloth) equals 2 ells (10 × 0.2 = 2).

Common Use Cases

Decoding narrow fabric widths in historical textile trade records.
Translating small fabric measures into larger historical tailoring units.
Interpreting garment sizes for museum conservation and costume design.
Comparing lengths in pre-metric commercial and legal textile documents.

Tips & Best Practices

Keep in mind the approximate nature of the span (cloth) unit (~9 inches).
Consider regional differences in the ell when interpreting results.
Use this tool as a guide for historical textile and tailoring contexts.
Consult contextual data to improve accuracy in historical conversions.

Limitations

Exact values for span (cloth) and ell vary by region and history.
Span (cloth) is approximate and ell definitions differ, impacting precision.
Units are mostly obsolete and require contextual knowledge for correct use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a span (cloth)?: A span (cloth) is a traditional length unit based on the distance between the thumb and little finger of an outstretched hand, typically about 9 inches, used historically for narrow fabric widths.
What does ell measure?: An ell is a historical textile length unit, originally based on the arm's length or tailor's measure, varying regionally, and used for measuring cloth and tailoring before metrication.
Why do these units have varying values?: Both span (cloth) and ell were historically defined differently across regions and time periods, so their exact lengths can differ depending on local traditions and standards.

Key Terminology

Span (cloth): A traditional non-SI length unit based on the distance between the thumb and little finger of an outstretched hand, approximately 9 inches, used historically in textiles.
Ell: A historical length unit used for cloth measurement, originally based on arm length or tailor's measure, with values varying regionally, commonly applied in tailoring before metrication.

Quick Knowledge Check

What approximate length does a span (cloth) represent?

About 9 inches

About 20 inches

About 1 meter

Which unit is typically larger, ell or span (cloth)?

Span (cloth)

Ell

Both are the same

What is a common use of converting span (cloth) to ell?

Modern fabric design

Interpreting historical textile records

Measuring electronic components

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