Wa to Ell Converter
Convert wa to ells with our free online length converter.
Quick Answer
1 Wa = 1.749781 ells
Formula: Wa × conversion factor = Ell
Use the calculator below for instant, accurate conversions.
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Wa to Ell Calculator
How to Use the Wa to Ell Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Wa).
- The converted value in Ell 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 Wa to Ell: Step-by-Step Guide
Converting Wa to Ell involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Wa = 1.749781 ellsExample Calculation:
Convert 10 wa: 10 × 1.749781 = 17.49781 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.
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View all Length conversions →What is a Wa and a Ell?
The Wa (วา) is a traditional Thai unit of length. It is legally defined in relation to the metric system as exactly 2 meters.
The Wa serves as a fundamental unit within the traditional Thai system of measurement, particularly for land area. It is roughly equivalent to the distance between a person's outstretched fingertips when their arms are extended horizontally to the sides (similar to a fathom).
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 Wa is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Ell belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Wa and Ell
The Wa has been used in Thailand (formerly Siam) for centuries, likely originating from anthropomorphic measurements like the arm span. It was a practical unit for everyday measurements, construction, and land surveying.
- Traditional System: The Wa was part of a system that included smaller units like the khuep (span, ~25 cm), sok (cubit, ~50 cm, 1 Wa = 4 Sok), and larger units like the sen (rope, 1 Sen = 20 Wa).
- Standardization: During the modernization reforms under King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Thailand began standardizing its weights and measures. The Weights and Measures Act of 1923 formally defined traditional units in terms of the metric system. The Wa was officially set at exactly 2 meters.
- Metrication: While Thailand officially adopted the metric system as its primary standard, traditional units like the Wa remain legally defined and widely used, especially in specific contexts like land measurement.
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: wa vs ells
Explore the typical applications for both Wa (imperial/US) and Ell (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for wa
The Wa's most significant modern use is in land measurement, but it historically had broader applications:
- Land Area: This is the most common contemporary use. Land area in Thailand is almost exclusively measured in Tarang Wa (ตารางวา - Square Wa).
- 1 Tarang Wa = 4 square meters (2m x 2m)
- 1 Ngan (งาน) = 100 Tarang Wa (400 sq m)
- 1 Rai (ไร่) = 4 Ngan = 400 Tarang Wa (1600 sq m) Property deeds, real estate listings, and land surveys invariably use Rai, Ngan, and Tarang Wa.
- Length Measurement: While meters are now standard for most length measurements (textiles, construction materials), the Wa might still be used informally or in traditional contexts. Historically, it was used for measuring distances, building dimensions, rope lengths, etc.
- Construction & Architecture: Traditionally used for laying out building plots and determining dimensions in Thai architecture.
- Cultural Context: Understanding the Wa and its related area units is essential for navigating real estate, agriculture, and historical contexts in Thailand.
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 Wa (wa)
How long is a Wa?
A Wa is defined as exactly:
- 2 meters (m)
- 200 centimeters (cm)
- Approximately 6.5617 feet (ft)
- Approximately 78.74 inches (in)
What are the related traditional Thai length units?
The Wa fits into a system, often based on factors of 2 and 10:
- Smaller Units:
- 1 Wa = 4 Sok (ศอก - cubit, ~50 cm)
- 1 Sok = 2 Khuep (คืบ - span, ~25 cm)
- 1 Khuep = 12 Nio (นิ้ว - finger breadth, ~2.08 cm, not the English inch)
- Larger Unit:
- 1 Sen (เส้น - rope/chain) = 20 Wa (40 meters)
- 1 Yot (โยชน์ - league) = 400 Sen (16 kilometers)
How is the Wa used for area measurement?
The primary unit for land area is the Tarang Wa (Square Wa):
- 1 Tarang Wa = 1 Wa × 1 Wa = 2 m × 2 m = 4 square meters Larger area units are based on the Tarang Wa:
- 1 Ngan = 100 Tarang Wa (400 m²)
- 1 Rai = 4 Ngan = 400 Tarang Wa (1600 m²)
- (For reference, 1 Acre ≈ 2.53 Rai, 1 Hectare = 6.25 Rai)
Is the Wa an SI unit?
No, the Wa is not an SI unit. It is a traditional Thai unit, although its legal definition is based on the SI unit, the meter (m).
Is the Wa still used today?
Yes, absolutely. While the metric system is the official standard for science, commerce, and industry, the Wa (especially as Tarang Wa for area) remains the standard unit for land measurement in Thailand. It is legally recognized and used in all official land documents and real estate transactions. Its use for linear measurement is less common but may still occur informally or in traditional settings.
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: Wa to Ell
| Wa (wa) | Ell (ell) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 0.875 |
| 1 | 1.75 |
| 1.5 | 2.625 |
| 2 | 3.5 |
| 5 | 8.749 |
| 10 | 17.498 |
| 25 | 43.745 |
| 50 | 87.489 |
| 100 | 174.978 |
| 250 | 437.445 |
| 500 | 874.891 |
| 1,000 | 1,749.781 |
People Also Ask
How do I convert Wa to Ell?
To convert Wa to Ell, enter the value in Wa 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 Wa to Ell?
The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Wa 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 Wa?
Yes! You can easily convert Ell back to Wa by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Ell to Wa converter page. You can also explore other length conversions on our category page.
Learn more →What are common uses for Wa and Ell?
Wa 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.
For more length conversion questions, visit our FAQ page or explore our conversion guides.
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⚖️ Metric vs Imperial
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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