Kilometer to Ell Converter

Convert kilometers to ells with our free online length converter.

Quick Answer

1 Kilometer = 874.890639 ells

Formula: Kilometer × conversion factor = Ell

Use the calculator below for instant, accurate conversions.

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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.

Last verified: December 2025Reviewed by: Sam Mathew, Software Engineer

Kilometer to Ell Calculator

How to Use the Kilometer to Ell Calculator:

  1. Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Kilometer).
  2. The converted value in Ell will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
  3. Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Length category.
  4. Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
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How to Convert Kilometer to Ell: Step-by-Step Guide

Converting Kilometer to Ell involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.

Formula:

1 Kilometer = 874.8906 ells

Example Calculation:

Convert 10 kilometers: 10 × 874.8906 = 8748.906 ells

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 Kilometer and a Ell?

The kilometer is a unit of length in the International System of Units (SI), the modern form of the metric system. One kilometer equals exactly 1,000 meters by definition, making it a straightforward decimal multiple of the base SI length unit.

The kilometer is denoted by the symbol km (lowercase 'k', lowercase 'm'). The spelling varies by region: "kilometre" in British English and Commonwealth countries, "kilometer" in American English, though both refer to the same measurement.

The kilometer represents the standard distance unit for:

  • Road distances and highway signage worldwide (except USA, Myanmar, Liberia)
  • Geographic features: city separation, coastline length, river length
  • Transportation: vehicle range, fuel efficiency (km/L or L/100km)
  • Athletics: running and cycling race distances (5K, 10K, marathon)
  • Aviation: visibility distances, some altitude references in certain countries

The metric system's decimal structure makes kilometer conversions simple:

  • 1 kilometer = 1,000 meters (exactly)
  • 1 kilometer = 100,000 centimeters
  • 1 kilometer = 1,000,000 millimeters
  • 1 meter = 0.001 kilometers
  • 1 centimeter = 0.00001 kilometers

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).

Note: The Kilometer is part of the metric (SI) system, primarily used globally in science and trade. The Ell belongs to the imperial/US customary system.

History of the Kilometer and Ell

The kilometer emerged during one of history's most ambitious standardization efforts—the creation of the metric system during the French Revolution.

Metric System Origins (1790s): In 1791, the French Academy of Sciences proposed a universal measurement system based on natural constants rather than arbitrary royal decrees. They defined the meter as one ten-millionth of the distance from the North Pole to the equator along the Paris meridian. For longer distances, they created the kilometer (from Greek khilioi = thousand, plus metron = measure).

Decimal Simplicity: Unlike traditional systems with complex conversions (5,280 feet per mile, 1,760 yards per mile), the metric system used consistent decimal relationships. This made the kilometer instantly comprehensible: 1 km = 1,000 m, with no fractional arithmetic required.

Global Adoption: The metric system spread rapidly throughout Europe in the early 1800s. Napoleon's conquests carried metric measurements across the continent. By the mid-19th century, most European nations had officially adopted kilometers for distance measurement.

International Treaty (1875): The Metre Convention, signed by 17 nations, established the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) and made the metric system the international scientific standard. Kilometers became the globally recognized unit for geographic and travel distances.

Road Sign Conversion: Through the 20th century, country after country converted road signage from miles to kilometers:

  • Germany: 1920s (early adopter)
  • Japan: 1924
  • France: Kilometers used since metric system creation (1795)
  • Australia: 1974 (major conversion effort)
  • Canada: 1977 (gradual conversion)
  • United Kingdom: Still uses miles despite metric adoption elsewhere
  • Ireland: 2005 (one of the last European conversions)

Modern Definition (1983): The meter was redefined based on the speed of light: the distance light travels in vacuum during 1/299,792,458 of a second. This made the kilometer precisely 299,792,458/299,792,458,000 of the distance light travels in one second, tying it to a fundamental physical constant rather than a physical artifact.

Global Standard: Today, approximately 195 of 198 countries use kilometers as their primary road distance measurement. Only the United States, Myanmar, and Liberia officially use miles, though Myanmar is gradually transitioning to metric. The kilometer has become effectively universal for international travel, trade, and communication.

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.

Common Uses and Applications: kilometers vs ells

Explore the typical applications for both Kilometer (metric) and Ell (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.

Common Uses for kilometers

International Road Travel and GPS

GPS navigation systems worldwide default to kilometers in metric countries. Drivers receive instructions like "In 2 kilometers, turn left" or "Your destination is 45 kilometers away." Trip computers display "distance to empty" in kilometers, helping drivers plan fuel stops.

Road atlases and mapping applications show distance scales in kilometers. Drivers estimate travel time using kilometers: "It's 300 km, so at 100 km/h average, that's 3 hours of driving" becomes intuitive mental math.

Highway interchanges number by kilometer markers in many countries. "Exit 245" means the exit is 245 km from the highway's starting point, making distance calculation simple: the gap between Exit 245 and Exit 310 is 65 km.

Public Transportation and Urban Transit

Metro, train, and bus systems describe route lengths and network extent in kilometers:

Urban Rail Systems:

  • Tokyo Metro: 304 km of track, 179 stations
  • London Underground: 402 km of track
  • New York City Subway: 380 km of track
  • Paris Métro: 226 km of track

High-Speed Rail:

  • China high-speed network: 40,000+ km (world's largest)
  • Europe high-speed: 11,000+ km network
  • Japan Shinkansen: 3,000+ km
  • Trains operate at 250-350 km/h

Commuters describe their journey: "I take the train 35 km to work" or "The metro line is 25 km end to end."

Logistics and Freight

Shipping companies calculate costs, routes, and delivery times in kilometers:

Trucking:

  • Per-kilometer rates: €0.50-2.00 per km depending on cargo
  • Driver limits: 500-900 km daily maximum (varying by regulations)
  • Route optimization: Software minimizes total kilometers driven

Delivery Services:

  • Local delivery: 0-50 km radius
  • Regional delivery: 50-200 km
  • National delivery: 200-1,000+ km

Supply Chain: "Warehouse is 150 km from port" or "Distribution center serves 200 km radius" inform logistics planning and inventory positioning.

Scientific and Environmental Research

Scientific studies report distances in kilometers:

Climate Science:

  • Ice shelf extent: "Antarctic ice shelf extends 500 km from coast"
  • Glacier retreat: "Glacier receded 5 km over past decade"
  • Ocean currents: "Gulf Stream flows 10,000 km across Atlantic"

Geology:

  • Fault lines: "San Andreas Fault extends 1,200 km through California"
  • Volcanic reach: "Ash cloud spread 500 km from eruption"

Ecology:

  • Animal migration: "Caribou migrate 5,000 km annually"
  • Bird migration: "Arctic terns migrate 70,000 km round trip"

Sports and Recreation

Beyond running, many sports use kilometer measurements:

Hiking:

  • Day hike: 5-20 km round trip
  • Multi-day trek: 10-30 km per day
  • Long-distance trails: Appalachian Trail 3,500 km, Pacific Crest Trail 4,300 km

Swimming:

  • Open water races: 5 km, 10 km, 25 km
  • English Channel: 34 km minimum straight-line distance (actual swim 40-50 km due to currents)

Skiing:

  • Cross-country ski race: 10 km, 30 km, 50 km distances
  • Ski resort terrain: "Resort has 150 km of marked runs"

Sailing:

  • Yacht races: Sydney to Hobart 1,170 km, Volvo Ocean Race circumnavigates 72,000+ km

Agriculture and Land Management

Farms and land parcels measure in hectares, with distances in kilometers:

Farm Infrastructure:

  • Irrigation canal: 10-50 km length serving agricultural region
  • Fence line: "Property has 15 km of fencing"
  • Farm roads: "30 km of internal roads"

Rural Distances:

  • "Town is 25 km away"
  • "Nearest hospital 60 km"
  • "Property borders 2 km of river frontage"

Real Estate and Property

Property descriptions include kilometer proximity to amenities:

Location Descriptions:

  • "5 km to city center"
  • "2 km to nearest school"
  • "15 km to international airport"
  • "Within 1 km of public transport"

Commute Distance: Property values often correlate with kilometer distance from employment centers. "Within 10 km of downtown" commands premium pricing compared to "40 km from city center."

Emergency Services

Police, fire, and ambulance services track response distances and coverage areas in kilometers:

Response Zones:

  • Ambulance coverage: Aim for < 8 km from any location
  • Fire station spacing: 3-5 km apart in urban areas
  • Police patrol areas: Officers cover 10-30 km² sectors

Response Times: "Average response time 8 minutes for locations within 5 km of station" guides emergency service planning.

Telecommunications and Utilities

Infrastructure planners measure network reach and service areas in kilometers:

Power Distribution:

  • High-voltage transmission: Hundreds to thousands of km
  • Distribution lines: 5-20 km from substation to customers
  • Rural electrification: "Extended power 50 km to remote village"

Water Supply:

  • Aqueduct: "200 km pipeline from reservoir to city"
  • Distribution network: "City has 2,000 km of water mains"

Internet Infrastructure:

  • "Fiber backbone runs 5,000 km across country"
  • "Last-mile connections within 3 km of exchange"

When to Use 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").

Additional Unit Information

About Kilometer (km)

How many meters are in a kilometer?

There are exactly 1,000 meters in 1 kilometer. This relationship is definitional—the prefix "kilo-" means 1,000 in the metric system.

Converting kilometers to meters: Multiply by 1,000

  • 1 km = 1,000 m
  • 2.5 km = 2,500 m
  • 0.5 km = 500 m
  • 10 km = 10,000 m

Converting meters to kilometers: Divide by 1,000

  • 1,500 m = 1.5 km
  • 5,000 m = 5 km
  • 500 m = 0.5 km
  • 42,195 m = 42.195 km (marathon distance)

The metric system's decimal structure makes these conversions simple—just move the decimal point three places.

How many kilometers are in a mile?

One mile equals exactly 1.609344 kilometers. This conversion factor was established through the 1959 international yard and pound agreement, which defined the yard (and thus the mile) in terms of meters.

Quick conversions:

  • 1 mile = 1.609 km
  • 5 miles = 8.047 km
  • 10 miles = 16.093 km
  • 26.2 miles (marathon) = 42.195 km

Reverse conversion: 1 kilometer = 0.621371 miles

  • 1 km ≈ 0.62 miles (about 5/8 of a mile)
  • 5 km = 3.107 miles
  • 10 km = 6.214 miles
  • 100 km = 62.137 miles

Mental approximation: For rough estimates, remember "5 miles ≈ 8 km" or "8 km ≈ 5 miles." This Fibonacci-pair approximation gives about 1% accuracy and is easy to remember. More roughly, "1 mile ≈ 1.6 km" works for casual conversion.

What does 'kilo' mean in kilometer?

The prefix "kilo-" means one thousand (1,000). It derives from the Greek word khilioi, meaning thousand.

In the metric system, "kilo-" consistently indicates multiplication by 1,000:

  • 1 kilometer (km) = 1,000 meters
  • 1 kilogram (kg) = 1,000 grams
  • 1 kiloliter (kL) = 1,000 liters
  • 1 kilobyte (kB) = 1,000 bytes (in decimal notation)
  • 1 kilowatt (kW) = 1,000 watts

This consistent prefix system makes the metric system easy to learn. Once you know "kilo = 1,000," you can understand any kilo- measurement immediately.

Other common metric prefixes:

  • Mega- (M) = 1,000,000 (million)
  • Kilo- (k) = 1,000 (thousand)
  • Hecto- (h) = 100 (hundred)
  • Deca- (da) = 10 (ten)
  • Deci- (d) = 0.1 (tenth)
  • Centi- (c) = 0.01 (hundredth)
  • Milli- (m) = 0.001 (thousandth)

Is a kilometer longer or shorter than a mile?

A kilometer is shorter than a mile. One mile equals approximately 1.61 kilometers, making a mile about 61% longer than a kilometer.

Comparison:

  • 1 mile = 1.609344 km
  • 1 km = 0.621371 miles

Practical comparison:

  • 5K race = 3.11 miles (shorter than 5 miles)
  • 10K race = 6.21 miles (shorter than 10 miles)
  • 100 km = 62.1 miles (significantly shorter than 100 miles)

Mental shortcut: Think "kilometers are smaller, so you need more of them." To cover the same distance:

  • 100 miles requires 161 kilometers
  • 100 kilometers equals only 62 miles

This difference matters when traveling internationally. A road sign showing "Paris 100 km" means about 62 miles—much closer than "100 miles" would be. Speed limits work the same way: "100 km/h" equals about 62 mph, considerably slower than "100 mph."

Why does most of the world use kilometers instead of miles?

Approximately 195 of 198 countries use kilometers because the metric system is simpler, more logical, and internationally standardized. Only the United States, Myanmar, and Liberia officially use miles, with Myanmar gradually transitioning to metric.

Decimal Simplicity: The metric system uses consistent base-10 relationships:

  • 1 km = 1,000 m (easy conversion)
  • Compare to: 1 mile = 1,760 yards = 5,280 feet (complex conversion)

Children in metric countries learn one simple rule: move the decimal point. American children must memorize: 12 inches per foot, 3 feet per yard, 1,760 yards per mile.

International Trade: The Metre Convention (1875) established metric as the international scientific and commercial standard. Countries adopting metric gained advantages in international trade, scientific collaboration, and technical documentation.

Post-Colonial Transitions: Former British colonies gradually converted from imperial to metric:

  • Australia: 1970s
  • Canada: 1970s-1980s (though some imperial usage persists)
  • India: 1950s-1960s
  • South Africa: 1970s

Only the United Kingdom retained miles for road signage despite otherwise adopting metric.

US Resistance: America resisted conversion due to:

  • Massive infrastructure costs (replacing millions of road signs)
  • Public opposition (polls show Americans prefer familiar units)
  • No perceived benefit justifying disruption and expense
  • "Metric Conversion Act" of 1975 made metric voluntary, not mandatory

Scientific Reality: Even the US uses metric in science, medicine, and military. The paradox: US scientists publish in metric while consumers shop in imperial.

How do you convert speed from mph to km/h?

To convert miles per hour (mph) to kilometers per hour (km/h), multiply by 1.609344. This gives exact results.

Formula: km/h = mph × 1.609344

Common speed conversions:

  • 30 mph = 48.3 km/h (urban speed limit)
  • 55 mph = 88.5 km/h (rural highway)
  • 60 mph = 96.6 km/h (≈100 km/h common highway limit)
  • 70 mph = 112.7 km/h
  • 75 mph = 120.7 km/h
  • 80 mph = 128.7 km/h

Reverse conversion (km/h to mph): Divide by 1.609344, or multiply by 0.621371

  • 50 km/h = 31.1 mph (urban limit in metric countries)
  • 90 km/h = 55.9 mph (rural road)
  • 100 km/h = 62.1 mph (common highway limit)
  • 110 km/h = 68.3 mph
  • 120 km/h = 74.6 mph
  • 130 km/h = 80.8 mph (German autobahn advisory speed)

Mental approximation: Multiply mph by 1.6 for quick estimates:

  • 60 mph × 1.6 ≈ 96 km/h (actual: 96.6, very close)
  • 70 mph × 1.6 ≈ 112 km/h (actual: 112.7, very close)

Or divide km/h by 1.6 for reverse estimate:

  • 100 km/h ÷ 1.6 ≈ 62.5 mph (actual: 62.1, close enough)

Why it matters: Tourists driving in foreign countries must convert speed limits mentally to avoid speeding tickets. Rental cars may show speedometers in only one unit, requiring constant mental conversion.

What's the difference between km and km²?

Kilometers (km) measure linear distance in one dimension—how far apart two points are, or how long something stretches.

Square kilometers (km²) measure area in two dimensions—how much surface space something covers.

Linear distance (km):

  • Road distance: "Paris is 100 km from here"
  • Running race: "10 km race"
  • River length: "Danube River is 2,850 km long"
  • Border: "3,000 km border with neighboring country"

Area (km²):

  • City size: "Paris covers 105 km²"
  • Country size: "France has an area of 640,000 km²"
  • Lake surface: "Lake Geneva covers 580 km²"
  • Forest: "National park protects 1,200 km² of wilderness"

The math:

  • Multiplying two distances creates area: 10 km × 5 km = 50 km²
  • 1 km² = 1,000,000 m² = 100 hectares
  • A square with 1 km sides has area of 1 km²
  • A square with 10 km sides has area of 100 km² (not 10 km!)

Common confusion: "The city is 50 km" is incomplete—50 km in which direction? Better: "The city center is 50 km away" (linear distance) or "The city covers 200 km²" (area).

How far is a 5K race in miles?

A 5K race is 3.107 miles. The "K" in "5K" stands for kilometers, so 5K means 5 kilometers.

Exact conversion: 5 km × 0.621371 miles/km = 3.10686 miles ≈ 3.11 miles

For practical purposes: 5K ≈ 3.1 miles (slightly over 3 miles)

Common running distances:

  • 5K: 5 km = 3.11 miles (popular beginner race distance)
  • 10K: 10 km = 6.21 miles (popular intermediate distance)
  • 15K: 15 km = 9.32 miles
  • Half-marathon: 21.0975 km = 13.11 miles (exactly half of marathon)
  • Marathon: 42.195 km = 26.219 miles
  • 50K: 50 km = 31.07 miles (ultramarathon)
  • 100K: 100 km = 62.14 miles (ultramarathon)

Why "K" notation? Running races worldwide use kilometer distances even in countries that otherwise use miles (like the US). This creates universal race standards—a 5K is the same distance whether run in New York, Paris, or Tokyo. The "K" abbreviation became standard running terminology.

Pace conversion: A runner completing 5K in 25 minutes averages:

  • 5:00 per kilometer (25 minutes ÷ 5 km)
  • 8:03 per mile (25 minutes ÷ 3.107 miles)

How do you calculate distance on a map with a kilometer scale?

Map scales show how many kilometers in the real world correspond to a unit distance on the map. Common map scales for road maps use kilometers.

Common scale notations:

  • 1:100,000 means 1 cm on map = 100,000 cm (1 km) in reality
  • 1:250,000 means 1 cm on map = 250,000 cm (2.5 km) in reality
  • 1:50,000 means 1 cm on map = 50,000 cm (0.5 km or 500 m) in reality

Using the graphic scale: Most maps include a graphic scale bar showing distances directly:

|——————|
0      50     100 km

Measuring distance:

  1. Use a ruler or string to measure the map distance
  2. Compare to the scale bar or use the ratio
  3. Calculate actual distance

Example: On a 1:100,000 scale map:

  • Measure 5 cm between two cities
  • 5 cm × 1 km/cm = 5 km actual distance

For curved routes (roads, rivers): Lay a string along the curved path, then measure the string length against the scale.

Digital maps: Online mapping tools calculate distances automatically, displaying both kilometers and miles. Google Maps, for instance, shows "15 km" or "9.3 mi" depending on regional settings.

What's the origin of the marathon distance 42.195 kilometers?

The marathon distance of 42.195 kilometers (26 miles, 385 yards) has a fascinating history combining ancient legend with modern royal preference.

Ancient Legend: The marathon commemorates the run of Greek soldier Pheidippides, who allegedly ran from the Battle of Marathon to Athens (about 40 km) to announce victory over Persia in 490 BCE, then died from exhaustion. This legend inspired the modern marathon race.

Original Olympic Distance (1896-1908): Early Olympic marathons varied in distance, roughly 40 km but not standardized. Different Olympic marathons measured 40 km (1896 Athens), 40.26 km (1900 Paris), 41.86 km (1904 St. Louis), 40 km (1906 Athens).

1908 London Olympics—The Defining Race: The modern distance was set for the 1908 London Olympics. The race began at Windsor Castle and finished at the Olympic Stadium. Originally planned as 26 miles, an extra 385 yards was added so the race would finish directly in front of the royal box where Queen Alexandra sat.

Total distance: 26 miles + 385 yards = 26.219 miles = 42.195 kilometers

Standardization (1921): The International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) officially adopted 42.195 km as the standard marathon distance in 1921, codifying the 1908 London course distance for all future marathons.

Modern Usage: Every certified marathon worldwide measures exactly 42.195 kilometers (or 26 miles 385 yards). Famous marathons—Boston, New York City, London, Berlin, Tokyo—all use this precise distance. Race courses must be certified to ensure accuracy, typically measured using calibrated bicycle wheels.

Half-Marathon: Exactly half of 42.195 km = 21.0975 km (13.1 miles), also standardized for half-marathon races worldwide.

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.

Conversion Table: Kilometer to Ell

Kilometer (km)Ell (ell)
0.5437.445
1874.891
1.51,312.336
21,749.781
54,374.453
108,748.906
2521,872.266
5043,744.532
10087,489.064
250218,722.66
500437,445.319
1,000874,890.639

People Also Ask

How do I convert Kilometer to Ell?

To convert Kilometer to Ell, enter the value in Kilometer 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.

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What is the conversion factor from Kilometer to Ell?

The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Kilometer and Ell. 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 Ell back to Kilometer?

Yes! You can easily convert Ell back to Kilometer by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Ell to Kilometer converter page. You can also explore other length conversions on our category page.

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What are common uses for Kilometer and Ell?

Kilometer and Ell 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.

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All Length Conversions

Meter to KilometerMeter to HectometerMeter to DecimeterMeter to CentimeterMeter to MillimeterMeter to InchMeter to FootMeter to YardMeter to MileMeter to Nautical MileMeter to MicrometerMeter to NanometerMeter to Light YearMeter to Astronomical UnitMeter to ParsecMeter to AngstromMeter to Point (Typography)Meter to Mil/ThouMeter to FathomMeter to FurlongMeter to Link (Gunter's)Meter to PaceMeter to SpanMeter to DigitMeter to Cable LengthMeter to EllMeter to FingerMeter to Roman MileMeter to StadionMeter to Chi (Chinese)Meter to Shaku (Japanese)Meter to Li (Chinese)Meter to ToiseMeter to BoltMeter to RopeMeter to SmootMeter to SajeneMeter to KenMeter to WaMeter to VaraMeter to AlnMeter to Cubit (Royal/Egyptian)Meter to VerstaMeter to ArpentMeter to Ri (Japanese)Meter to KlafterMeter to YojanaMeter to SkeinKilometer to MeterKilometer to HectometerKilometer to DecimeterKilometer to CentimeterKilometer to MillimeterKilometer to InchKilometer to FootKilometer to YardKilometer to MileKilometer to Nautical MileKilometer to MicrometerKilometer to NanometerKilometer to Light YearKilometer to Astronomical UnitKilometer to ParsecKilometer to AngstromKilometer to Point (Typography)Kilometer to Mil/ThouKilometer to FathomKilometer to FurlongKilometer to Link (Gunter's)Kilometer to PaceKilometer to SpanKilometer to DigitKilometer to Cable LengthKilometer to FingerKilometer to Roman MileKilometer to StadionKilometer to Chi (Chinese)Kilometer to Shaku (Japanese)Kilometer to Li (Chinese)Kilometer to ToiseKilometer to BoltKilometer to RopeKilometer to SmootKilometer to SajeneKilometer to KenKilometer to WaKilometer to VaraKilometer to AlnKilometer to Cubit (Royal/Egyptian)Kilometer to VerstaKilometer to ArpentKilometer to Ri (Japanese)Kilometer to KlafterKilometer to YojanaKilometer to SkeinHectometer to MeterHectometer to KilometerHectometer to DecimeterHectometer to CentimeterHectometer to MillimeterHectometer to InchHectometer to FootHectometer to YardHectometer to MileHectometer to Nautical MileHectometer to MicrometerHectometer to NanometerHectometer to Light YearHectometer to Astronomical UnitHectometer to ParsecHectometer to AngstromHectometer to Point (Typography)Hectometer to Mil/ThouHectometer to FathomHectometer to FurlongHectometer to Link (Gunter's)Hectometer to PaceHectometer to SpanHectometer to DigitHectometer to Cable Length

Verified Against Authority Standards

All conversion formulas have been verified against international standards and authoritative sources to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability.

NIST Guide for the Use of SI

National Institute of Standards and TechnologyOfficial US standards for length measurements

SI Brochure

Bureau International des Poids et MesuresInternational System of Units official documentation

Last verified: December 3, 2025