Ell to Smoot Converter
Convert ells to smoots with our free online length converter.
Quick Answer
1 Ell = 0.671642 smoots
Formula: Ell × conversion factor = Smoot
Use the calculator below for instant, accurate conversions.
Our Accuracy Guarantee
All conversion formulas on UnitsConverter.io have been verified against NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) guidelines and international SI standards. Our calculations are accurate to 10 decimal places for standard conversions and use arbitrary precision arithmetic for astronomical units.
Ell to Smoot Calculator
How to Use the Ell to Smoot Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Ell).
- The converted value in Smoot will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Length category.
- Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Ell to Smoot: Step-by-Step Guide
Converting Ell to Smoot involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Ell = 0.671642 smootsExample Calculation:
Convert 10 ells: 10 × 0.671642 = 6.716418 smoots
Disclaimer: For Reference Only
These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.
Not for professional use. Results should be verified before use in any critical application. View our Terms of Service for more information.
Need to convert to other length units?
View all Length conversions →What is a Ell and a Smoot?
The Ell is an historical unit of length, primarily used for measuring cloth and textiles. Its exact length varied considerably depending on the region, country, and time period, making it a non-standardized unit overall, though often legally defined within specific jurisdictions.
It is generally understood to have originated from the length of the arm or forearm, similar to the cubit. The name itself derives from the Proto-Germanic word *alinō, meaning "forearm".
Common historical values demonstrate this variability:
- English Ell: Traditionally 45 inches (1.25 yards, exactly 1.143 meters). This was the most common ell in England, particularly for measuring imported Flemish cloth.
- Scottish Ell: Approximately 37.06 inches (about 0.941 meters), based on the standard Scottish inch.
- Flemish (or Brabant) Ell: Approximately 27 inches (about 0.686 meters). Widely used in the Low Countries, a major center for textile production.
- French Ell (Aune): Varied, but often around 46.77 inches (about 1.188 meters) in Paris. The aune itself had different lengths in different French regions.
- Polish Ell (Łokieć): Approximately 22.7 inches (about 0.576 meters).
- Swedish Ell (Aln): Approximately 23.3 inches (about 0.593 meters).
The Smoot is a non-standard, humorous unit of length created as part of an MIT fraternity prank in October 1958. It is defined by the height of Oliver R. Smoot (MIT class of 1962) at the time of the prank, which was 5 feet 7 inches.
This equates to:
- 67 inches (in)
- 1.7018 meters (m)
- Approximately 1.86 yards (yd)
Unlike standardized units, the Smoot is intrinsically tied to a specific individual's height at a particular moment and serves primarily as a cultural artifact and inside joke, particularly within the MIT community.
Note: The Ell is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Smoot belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Ell and Smoot
The ell was a fundamental unit for the textile trade across Europe, flourishing from the medieval period through the early modern era and into the 19th century. Its origins likely lie in anthropomorphic measurements related to the arm, similar to the cubit.
The lack of a universal standard led to numerous regional variations. Different cities, guilds, or nations established their own "standard" ell, often physically represented by a metal rod kept by authorities. This variation could sometimes be a source of trade disputes but also reflected local manufacturing and trade practices.
The English ell of 45 inches (longer than the standard English yard of 36 inches) became particularly well-established, possibly to account for shrinkage or to provide a customary "bonus" measure when selling cloth.
With the rise of standardized measurement systems like the Imperial system (promoting the yard) and especially the Metric system (introducing the meter), the ell gradually became obsolete during the 18th and 19th centuries. Legal reforms in many countries formally abolished it in favor of metric units.
The Smoot unit originated in October 1958 during the pledge activities of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity at MIT. Pledges were tasked with measuring the length of the Harvard Bridge, which connects Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts, over the Charles River.
Instead of using conventional measuring tools, the fraternity members decided to use one of their pledges, Oliver Smoot, as the unit of measure. They repeatedly laid him down end-to-end across the bridge, marking off increments in paint. His companions carried him or helped him move for each new measurement.
The final measurement determined the bridge's length to be 364.4 Smoots "plus or minus one ear". The "ear" indicated the uncertainty of the measurement, adding to the absurdity and humor of the event.
The painted markings on the bridge became a local landmark. They have been maintained and periodically repainted over the decades, often unofficially by members of the fraternity or other MIT affiliates. The Cambridge Police Department traditionally tolerates the markings because, among other reasons, they serve as useful reference points for identifying locations along the bridge.
Interestingly, Oliver R. Smoot later became a prominent figure in standards organizations, serving as Chairman of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and President of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), an ironic twist given his namesake unit's non-standard nature.
Common Uses and Applications: ells vs smoots
Explore the typical applications for both Ell (imperial/US) and Smoot (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for ells
The ell is now obsolete but was historically crucial for:
- Textile Trade: Its primary and defining use was measuring and selling lengths of cloth (wool, linen, silk, etc.). Cloth was often priced and sold "by the ell".
- Tailoring and Dressmaking: Used by artisans creating garments.
- Mercantile Records: Appears frequently in historical merchant accounts, inventories, customs documents, and trade records. Understanding the local ell is vital for interpreting these economic historical sources.
- Land Measurement (Rarely): In some specific, localized contexts, an ell might have been used for land, but this was uncommon compared to units like the rod or chain.
- Literature and Culture: Referenced in historical texts, literature, and idioms (e.g., "Give him an inch, and he'll take an ell").
When to Use smoots
The Smoot is not used for any official, scientific, or commercial measurements. Its use is primarily cultural and humorous:
- Harvard Bridge Markings: The painted markings on the bridge sidewalk are its most famous application, indicating distance in Smoots from the Boston side. They are a well-known local landmark.
- MIT Culture and Slang: Used humorously within the MIT community and sometimes in the broader Boston area as a quirky local reference.
- Digital Recognition: The unit gained wider recognition when it was included as a unit of measurement in Google Calculator and Google Earth's ruler tool.
- Popular Culture: Occasionally referenced in media or tech circles as an example of a non-standard or humorous unit.
Additional Unit Information
About Ell (ell)
How long is an Ell?
There is no single fixed length for the ell; it varied significantly by location and time. Some key examples include:
- English Ell: 45 inches (1.143 m)
- Scottish Ell: ~37 inches (~0.94 m)
- Flemish Ell: ~27 inches (~0.69 m)
- French Aune (Ell): ~47 inches (~1.19 m) Always check the context (region and era) when encountering a measurement in ells. The English ell of 45 inches is often assumed in English-language historical contexts unless otherwise specified.
How does the Ell compare to a Yard?
The English ell (45 inches) is exactly 1.25 times longer than the standard yard (36 inches). However, other ells could be shorter (like the Flemish ell) or have different relationships to the local yard equivalent.
Is the Ell related to the Elbow or Arm?
Yes, the name "ell" derives from Proto-Germanic *alinō ("forearm"), cognate with Latin ulna and Greek ōlénē, all referring to the forearm or elbow. This strongly suggests an origin based on the length of the human arm, similar to the cubit. However, the standardized lengths adopted for trade were often considerably longer than a literal forearm.
Why did the Ell length vary so much?
The variation stemmed from:
- Lack of Universal Standards: Before the metric system, measurement standards were highly localized.
- Regional Customs: Different areas developed their own traditional lengths based on local needs and practices.
- Trade Protectionism: Sometimes, variations were maintained deliberately by guilds or cities.
- Evolution Over Time: The definition could change even within the same region over centuries.
Is the Ell an SI unit?
No, the ell is not part of the International System of Units (SI). It is an historical, customary unit belonging to various pre-metric systems. The corresponding SI unit for length is the meter (m).
Is the Ell still used today?
No, the ell is obsolete and is not used for any standard commercial, scientific, or practical measurements today. Its use was superseded primarily by the yard (in Imperial/US customary systems) and the meter (in the metric system). Its relevance is now purely historical.
About Smoot (smoot)
How long is a Smoot?
One Smoot is exactly the height of Oliver R. Smoot in 1958:
- 5 feet 7 inches
- 67 inches
- 1.7018 meters
Is the Smoot an official or standardized unit?
No, the Smoot is not an official or standardized unit of measurement in any system (Imperial, US customary, or SI). It is a non-standard, humorous unit originating from a specific event.
Why is the bridge measurement "plus or minus one ear"?
The "plus or minus one ear" (often written as ± εar) reflects the humorous imprecision of the original measurement method using a person. It signifies the margin of error in a whimsical way, possibly referencing the difficulty of the final partial measurement or simply adding to the prank's absurdity.
Are the Smoot markings still on the Harvard Bridge?
Yes, the markings are traditionally repainted periodically (often by Lambda Chi Alpha members) and are considered a fixture of the bridge. During bridge renovations in 2011, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation restored the markings, acknowledging their cultural significance.
How does the Smoot compare to standard units?
- 1 Smoot = 1.7018 meters
- 1 Meter ≈ 0.5876 Smoots
- 1 Smoot = 5.583 feet (5 feet 7 inches)
- 1 Foot ≈ 0.1791 Smoots
Is the Smoot an SI unit?
No, the Smoot is not an SI unit. It is a non-standard, informal unit. The SI base unit for length is the meter (m).
What did Oliver Smoot think of the unit?
Oliver Smoot generally embraced his namesake unit with good humor throughout his life and career, often participating in events related to it at MIT.
Conversion Table: Ell to Smoot
| Ell (ell) | Smoot (smoot) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 0.336 |
| 1 | 0.672 |
| 1.5 | 1.008 |
| 2 | 1.343 |
| 5 | 3.358 |
| 10 | 6.716 |
| 25 | 16.791 |
| 50 | 33.582 |
| 100 | 67.164 |
| 250 | 167.91 |
| 500 | 335.821 |
| 1,000 | 671.642 |
People Also Ask
How do I convert Ell to Smoot?
To convert Ell to Smoot, enter the value in Ell in the calculator above. The conversion will happen automatically. Use our free online converter for instant and accurate results. You can also visit our length converter page to convert between other units in this category.
Learn more →What is the conversion factor from Ell to Smoot?
The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Ell and Smoot. You can find the exact conversion formula and factor on this page. Our calculator handles all calculations automatically. See the conversion table above for common values.
Can I convert Smoot back to Ell?
Yes! You can easily convert Smoot back to Ell by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Smoot to Ell converter page. You can also explore other length conversions on our category page.
Learn more →What are common uses for Ell and Smoot?
Ell and Smoot are both standard units used in length measurements. They are commonly used in various applications including engineering, construction, cooking, and scientific research. Browse our length converter for more conversion options.
For more length conversion questions, visit our FAQ page or explore our conversion guides.
Helpful Conversion Guides
Learn more about unit conversion with our comprehensive guides:
📚 How to Convert Units
Step-by-step guide to unit conversion with practical examples.
🔢 Conversion Formulas
Essential formulas for length and other conversions.
⚖️ Metric vs Imperial
Understand the differences between measurement systems.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Learn about frequent errors and how to avoid them.
All Length Conversions
Other Length Units and Conversions
Explore other length units and their conversion options:
Verified Against Authority Standards
All conversion formulas have been verified against international standards and authoritative sources to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability.
National Institute of Standards and Technology — Official US standards for length measurements
Bureau International des Poids et Mesures — International System of Units official documentation
Last verified: February 19, 2026