Length · Unit Converter

Convert Ell to Centimeter

Convert ells to centimeters instantly. 1 ell = 114.3 centimeter — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Centimeter to Ell 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

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.

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.

Ell to Centimeter conversion formula

The relationship between ells and centimeters:

1 ell = 114.3 cm
1 cm = 0.0087489064 ell

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

How to use this converter

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

Step-by-step: convert ells to centimeters

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

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 ell to cm:
1 × 114.3 = 114.3 cm

Example 2 — Convert 100 ell to cm:
100 × 114.3 = 11430 cm

Real-world example — Fabric and tailoring

One ell of fabric converts to a value in centimeters commonly used for seam allowances. Garment patterns frequently switch between the two units on a single instruction sheet.

1 ell × 114.3 = 114.3 cm

Real-world example — Body height conversion (reverse direction)

You measure 1.75 ells tall and need to fill in a gym membership form or medical record that asks for height in centimeters. This is the most-used everyday length conversion in metric-using countries.

1.75 ell × 114.3 = 200.025 cm

Real-world example — Pet and accessory dimensions

A 3-ell dog leash equals a tidy round value in centimeters. Pet-supply shopping frequently mixes the two units across product specifications.

3 ell × 114.3 = 342.9 cm

Ell to Centimeter conversion table

Standard reference values for converting ells to centimeters:

Ell [ell]Centimeter [cm]
0.011.143
0.111.43
1114.3
2228.6
3342.9
4457.2
5571.5
101143
202286
303429
404572
505715
10011430
50057150
1000114300

Frequently asked questions

How many centimeters is 1 ell?
1 ell equals 114.3 centimeter.
How do I convert ells to centimeters?
Multiply the value in ells by 114.3 to get centimeters.
How do I convert centimeters back to ells?
Multiply the value in centimeters by 0.0087489064, or use the Centimeter to Ell converter.
How many centimeters is 100 ells?
100 ells equals 11430 centimeters, because 100 × 114.3 = 11430.

Convert Ell to other length units

Show all Ell conversions

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 ell = 114.3 cm) verified against the following authoritative sources:

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