Length · Unit Converter

Convert Centimeter to Ell

Convert centimeters to ells instantly. 1 centimeter = 0.0087489064 ell — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Ell to Centimeter converter for the reverse conversion.

Written by Sunith Babu L, Ph.D., Lead Engineer Reviewed by Girish V Kulkarni Ph.D.
Length category 2 min read Published Last reviewed Updated

Units explained

Metric / SI

Centimeter

What is a centimeter?

A centimeter is a metric unit of length equal to one hundredth of a meter (1/100 m). It is one of the most commonly used SI sub-units in daily life, especially for measuring small objects, body dimensions, paper sizes, and short distances.

Origin of the centimeter

The centimeter emerged from the French metric system established by the French Academy of Sciences in 1793. The metric system introduced decimal-based prefixes (milli-, centi-, deci-, deca-, hecto-, kilo-) to create proportional sub-units of the meter.

Where it is used

Centimeters are the standard unit for everyday measurement in nearly every country outside the United States. They are used for body height, clothing sizes, rainfall, paper formats (A4 is 21 × 29.7 cm), screen dimensions, and most consumer product specifications.

When and where it was developed

Developed in France during the late 18th century as part of the metric system designed by the French Academy of Sciences. Formally adopted in France in 1795 and ratified internationally through the Metre Convention signed in Paris in 1875.

Imperial / US Customary

Ell

What is a ell?

An ell is an Imperial unit of length equal to 45 inches (1.143 m), historically used as the standard measure of cloth in English commerce.

Origin of the ell

The ell derives from old English elna (forearm) and was standardised in medieval English trade as the cloth-measuring yard equivalent. The English ell is 45 inches; other regional ells differed.

Where it is used

Ells appear in historical English commerce records (especially cloth and tapestry trade). Used in legal documents through the 19th century; rare in modern commerce but referenced in literary and historical contexts.

When and where it was developed

Medieval English cloth-trade origin; standardised at 45 inches; became exact via the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement.

Centimeter to Ell conversion formula

The relationship between centimeters and ells:

1 cm = 0.0087489064 ell
1 ell = 114.3 cm

To convert centimeters to ells, multiply the value in centimeters by 0.0087489064. To reverse, multiply ells by 114.3.

How to use this converter

Type a value into the calculator. The result in ells updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Ell to Centimeter converter for the reverse direction.

Step-by-step: convert centimeters to ells

  1. Write down the value in centimeters (cm).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 0.0087489064.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in ells (ell).
  4. To reverse, multiply the ell value by 114.3.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 cm to ell:
1 × 0.0087489064 = 0.0087489064 ell

Example 2 — Convert 100 cm to ell:
100 × 0.0087489064 = 0.8748906387 ell

Real-world example — Body height conversion

You enter your height as 180 centimeters into an international job or visa application. The form then asks for the same value in ells — converting between these adjacent units is one of the most-used length conversions globally.

180 cm × 0.0087489064 = 1.5748031496 ell

Real-world example — Furniture and large objects

A 72-centimeter piece of furniture converts to a value in ells that's easier to mentally compare with room dimensions. This is the typical workflow when shopping internationally and product specs use a different unit than your room measurements.

72 cm × 0.0087489064 = 0.6299212598 ell

Real-world example — Children's height milestones

A 150-centimeter-tall child measures a value in ells that's commonly used for theme-park ride height requirements when travelling between countries that use different measurement units.

150 cm × 0.0087489064 = 1.312335958 ell

Centimeter to Ell conversion table

Standard reference values for converting centimeters to ells:

Centimeter [cm]Ell [ell]
0.018.748906e-5
0.10.0008748906
10.0087489064
20.0174978128
30.0262467192
40.0349956255
50.0437445319
100.0874890639
200.1749781277
300.2624671916
400.3499562555
500.4374453193
1000.8748906387
5004.3744531934
10008.7489063867

Frequently asked questions

How many ells is 1 centimeter?
1 centimeter equals 0.0087489064 ell.
How do I convert centimeters to ells?
Multiply the value in centimeters by 0.0087489064 to get ells.
How do I convert ells back to centimeters?
Multiply the value in ells by 114.3, or use the Ell to Centimeter converter.
How many ells is 100 centimeters?
100 centimeters equals 0.8748906387 ells, because 100 × 0.0087489064 = 0.8748906387.

Convert Centimeter to other length units

Show all Centimeter conversions
Metric / SI (17 units)
Imperial / US Customary (27 units)
Nautical (1 units)
Astronomical (9 units)
Atomic / Physics (6 units)
Typographic (3 units)

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 cm = 0.0087489064 ell) verified against the following authoritative sources:

Results are provided for general reference. Verify critical measurements against an authoritative standard.