Ell to Vara Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool
Convert ells to varas with our free online length converter.
Ell to Vara Calculator
How to Use the Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Ell).
- The converted value in Vara 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 Vara
Converting Ell to Vara involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Ell = 1.363636 varasExample Calculation:
Convert 10 ells: 10 × 1.363636 = 13.63636 varas
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.
What is a Ell and a Vara?
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 Vara (Spanish and Portuguese for "rod" or "pole") is a traditional Iberian unit of length, roughly comparable to the English yard. Its precise length varied significantly depending on the region and historical period, reflecting local customs and lack of centralized standardization before the metric era.
Commonly cited values include:
- Castilian Vara (Vara de Castilla): Approximately 83.59 centimeters (cm) or 32.91 inches (in). This was arguably the most influential standard in Spain and many of its colonies.
- Portuguese Vara: Typically longer, around 110 cm or 43.3 inches.
- Texas Vara: Legally defined in Texas as exactly 33 1/3 inches (approximately 84.67 cm).
Other regional variations existed throughout Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and other territories under their influence.
Note: The Ell is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Vara belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Ell and Vara
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 Vara likely originated from Roman units like the virga and became a fundamental measure in Spain and Portugal during the Middle Ages. Its use spread extensively through colonization from the 15th century onwards, becoming the standard for land measurement and trade in vast territories across the Americas (including areas now part of the US like Texas, California, Florida), Africa, and Asia.
Despite attempts to standardize, such as establishing the Vara de Castilla (sometimes associated with Burgos), enforcement across diverse and distant colonies was inconsistent. This led to the development and persistence of numerous local Varas, often differing slightly based on regional decrees or customary usage. For example:
- The Mexican Vara was later standardized at approximately 83.8 cm, very close to the Castilian.
- The Texas Vara was given its specific legal definition (33 1/3 inches) which remains crucial for interpreting historical land grants in the state.
The adoption of the metric system, beginning in the 19th century, gradually led to the official obsolescence of the Vara in most countries. However, its historical importance, particularly in land records, ensures its continued relevance.
Common Uses for ells and varas
Explore the typical applications for both Ell (imperial/US) and Vara (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").
Common Uses for varas
Historically, the Vara was a primary unit for:
- Land Surveying: Measuring property boundaries, town lots, roads, and vast land grants. It is frequently encountered in historical deeds and surveys throughout Latin America and the Southwestern United States.
- Trade and Commerce: Measuring textiles (cloth), rope, lumber, and other goods sold by length.
- Architecture and Construction: Laying out building foundations, measuring walls, and quantifying construction materials.
- Agriculture: Measuring field dimensions or distances for planting.
Its use today is almost entirely historical or related to the interpretation of old documents and land titles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions 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 Vara (vara)
Why does the length of a Vara vary so much?
The variation stems from several factors:
- Long History: The unit was used for centuries before rigorous international standards like the metric system existed.
- Decentralized Standards: Measurement standards were often set locally or regionally (by kingdom, province, or even city) rather than being effectively enforced across entire empires.
- Physical Standards: Early standards were often based on physical rods, which could vary slightly or degrade over time.
- Customary Usage: Local trade practices and customs often solidified specific lengths for the Vara in different areas. While influential standards like the Castilian Vara existed, practical enforcement across vast colonial territories was difficult, allowing regional variations to flourish and persist.
Is the Vara still used today?
Officially, the Vara has been superseded by the metric system in Spain, Portugal, and all Latin American countries. However, it remains highly relevant in specific contexts:
- Historical Land Records: It is essential for interpreting historical land surveys, deeds, and grants, particularly in Texas, California, New Mexico, Florida, and throughout Latin America. Legal property descriptions may still reference original measurements in Varas.
- Historical Research: Understanding the Vara is crucial for historians studying architecture, urban planning, trade, or agriculture in regions formerly under Spanish or Portuguese rule.
- Cultural Context: While not used for practical measurement, the term might appear in historical literature, place names, or cultural discussions. In very rare, localized instances, informal references might persist among older generations.
How long is a Vara?
There is no single universal length. You must consider the specific regional and historical context. Key values include:
- Castilian Vara (Spain): ~83.59 cm / ~32.91 inches
- Portuguese Vara: ~110 cm / ~43.3 inches
- Mexican Vara: ~83.8 cm / ~33.0 inches
- Texas Vara (USA): Exactly 33 1/3 inches / ~84.67 cm
How does the Vara compare to a Yard or Meter?
- Most common Varas (Castilian, Mexican, Texas) are shorter than both a meter (100 cm) and an English yard (91.44 cm / 36 inches).
- 1 Meter ≈ 1.18 to 1.20 Varas (Castilian/Texas)
- 1 Yard ≈ 1.09 to 1.10 Varas (Castilian/Texas)
- The Portuguese Vara (~1.1 m) is longer than both a meter and a yard.
- 1 Meter ≈ 0.91 Portuguese Varas
- 1 Yard ≈ 0.83 Portuguese Varas
Is the Vara an SI unit?
No, the Vara is not an SI unit. It is a traditional unit belonging to the historical Spanish and Portuguese systems of measurement. The SI base unit for length is the meter (m).
Conversion Table: Ell to Vara
| Ell (ell) | Vara (vara) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1.364 |
| 5 | 6.818 |
| 10 | 13.636 |
| 25 | 34.091 |
| 50 | 68.182 |
| 100 | 136.364 |
| 500 | 681.818 |
| 1,000 | 1,363.636 |
All Length Conversions
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