Length · Unit Converter

Convert Ell to Link

Convert ells to links instantly. 1 ell = 5.6818181818 link — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Link 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.

Imperial / US Customary

Link

What is a link?

A link is an Imperial unit of length equal to 7.92 inches (201.168 mm) — exactly 1/100 of a surveyor's chain. It is the smallest unit in the chain-based survey measurement system.

Origin of the link

The link was defined by Edmund Gunter in 1620 as part of his 22-yard surveying chain. He divided the chain into 100 links specifically to enable easy decimal arithmetic when computing parcel areas.

Where it is used

Links appear in historical US and UK land survey documents (especially pre-1900). Modern surveyors generally use feet or meters but legacy deed records and government land surveys still cite acreage in chains and links.

When and where it was developed

Defined by Edmund Gunter in 1620; standardised as 7.92 inches via the chain definition; became exact via the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement.

Ell to Link conversion formula

The relationship between ells and links:

1 ell = 5.6818181818 lk
1 lk = 0.176 ell

To convert ells to links, multiply the value in ells by 5.6818181818. To reverse, multiply links by 0.176.

How to use this converter

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

Step-by-step: convert ells to links

  1. Write down the value in ells (ell).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 5.6818181818.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in links (lk).
  4. To reverse, multiply the link value by 0.176.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 ell to lk:
1 × 5.6818181818 = 5.6818181818 lk

Example 2 — Convert 100 ell to lk:
100 × 5.6818181818 = 568.1818181818 lk

Real-world example — Adult height conversion

A 1.8-ell-tall person measures a value in links that converts the height to the unit favoured by American forms, schools, or driver's licences. This is daily routine for anyone living between metric and imperial systems.

1.8 ell × 5.6818181818 = 10.2272727273 lk

Real-world example — Fabric purchase length

Two ells of fabric equals a value in links essential for tailors and textile buyers sourcing material from international suppliers that quote in different units.

2 ell × 5.6818181818 = 11.3636363636 lk

Real-world example — Maritime depth conversion

A 10-ell sounding depth converts cleanly into links. Recreational divers and sailors translate between the two units whenever they read legacy charts against modern depth-sounder displays.

10 ell × 5.6818181818 = 56.8181818182 lk

Ell to Link conversion table

Standard reference values for converting ells to links:

Ell [ell]Link [lk]
0.010.0568181818
0.10.5681818182
15.6818181818
211.3636363636
317.0454545455
422.7272727273
528.4090909091
1056.8181818182
20113.6363636364
30170.4545454545
40227.2727272727
50284.0909090909
100568.1818181818
5002840.9090909091
10005681.8181818182

Frequently asked questions

How many links is 1 ell?
1 ell equals 5.6818181818 link.
How do I convert ells to links?
Multiply the value in ells by 5.6818181818 to get links.
How do I convert links back to ells?
Multiply the value in links by 0.176, or use the Link to Ell converter.
How many links is 100 ells?
100 ells equals 568.1818181818 links, because 100 × 5.6818181818 = 568.1818181818.

Convert Ell to other length units

Show all Ell conversions

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 ell = 5.6818181818 lk) verified against the following authoritative sources:

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