Yard to Ell Converter
Convert yards to ells with our free online length converter.
Quick Answer
1 Yard = 0.8 ells
Formula: Yard × conversion factor = Ell
Use the calculator below for instant, accurate conversions.
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Yard to Ell Calculator
How to Use the Yard to Ell Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Yard).
- 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 Yard to Ell: Step-by-Step Guide
Converting Yard to Ell involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Yard = 0.8 ellsExample Calculation:
Convert 10 yards: 10 × 0.8 = 8 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.
Need to convert to other length units?
View all Length conversions →What is a Yard and a Ell?
The yard is a unit of length in the British imperial and United States customary systems of measurement. It is defined as exactly 3 feet or 36 inches, which equals 0.9144 meters.
Precise definition:
- 1 yard = 3 feet (exactly)
- 1 yard = 36 inches (exactly)
- 1 yard = 0.9144 meters (exactly, since 1959)
- 1 yard = 91.44 centimeters
- 1 yard = 914.4 millimeters
Relationship to other units:
- 1 meter = 1.09361 yards (about 9.4% longer)
- 1 mile = 1,760 yards
- 1 furlong = 220 yards
- 1 rod = 5.5 yards
Yard vs. Meter: Key Comparison
This is important for international understanding:
Yard:
- 0.9144 meters (about 91 cm)
- Slightly shorter than a meter
- Used primarily in US, UK, Canada
- Based on foot (3 feet = 1 yard)
Meter:
- 1.09361 yards (about 9% longer)
- Slightly longer than a yard
- Global SI standard
- Based on metric system (100 cm = 1 meter)
Visual comparison:
- A meter stick is about 3.37 inches longer than a yardstick
- 100 yards = 91.44 meters (football field)
- 100 meters = 109.36 yards (Olympic track straightaway)
Mental approximation: For quick estimates, consider 1 yard ≈ 1 meter (about 9% difference is often negligible for casual use).
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 Yard 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 Yard and Ell
The origin of the yard is uncertain, with historical links possibly related to the length of a stride or the distance from the nose to the fingertip of an outstretched arm (associated with King Henry I of England, though likely apocryphal). It became a standard unit in England for measuring cloth and land, and was later precisely defined relative to the meter.
Early Origins (Pre-1000s)
Ancient roots:
The yard likely evolved from multiple ancient measurement systems:
Saxon "gerd" or "gyrd":
- Old English word meaning "stick," "rod," or "measure"
- Wooden measuring rods used by Anglo-Saxon merchants
- Roughly similar to modern yard but not standardized
Double cubit theory:
- Ancient cubit = elbow to fingertip (~18 inches)
- "Double cubit" = 36 inches = 1 yard
- Used by Romans, Egyptians, Babylonians
Body measurement origins:
- Stride length: Average adult pace (~1 yard)
- Arm span: Nose to fingertip of outstretched arm (apocryphal King Henry I story)
- These varied by individual, creating measurement inconsistency
Medieval Standardization (1100s-1500s)
When the yard became official:
1101: King Henry I "body measurement" legend:
- Popular story: Henry I decreed yard = distance from royal nose to extended thumb
- Likely apocryphal but reflects need for standardization
- Real achievement: Establishing royal standards to replace local variations
1266: Statute of Westminster under Henry III:
- First legal definition of the yard in English law
- Established: 1 yard = 3 feet (official relationship)
- Created iron "yard standards" kept at Westminster Palace
- Cloth merchants required to use standardized yards
1305: Edward I measurement reforms:
- Continued standardization efforts
- "Ell" (45 inches) used for some cloth, but yard became dominant
- Penalties for merchants using incorrect measures
1400s-1500s: Physical yard standards:
- Bronze and brass "yard bars" created as references
- Kept at London's Guildhall and markets
- Regional variations persisted despite standards
Tudor Era Refinement (1500s)
More precise definitions:
1588: Elizabethan Yard Standard:
- Queen Elizabeth I commissioned official "Imperial Standard Yard"
- Made of bronze with precise markings
- Stored at Westminster Palace (lost in 1834 fire)
- Used to verify merchant yardsticks
Textile trade importance:
- England's wool and cloth trade drove standardization
- Fabric sold "by the yard" required consistent measurement
- Export trade demanded international recognition
British Imperial Standardization (1800s)
Scientific precision era:
1824: Weights and Measures Act:
- Standardized imperial units across British Empire
- Yard officially defined in relation to physical prototype
- "Imperial Standard Yard" bar created
1834: Westminster Fire disaster:
- Fire destroyed Houses of Parliament
- Lost original yard standards, including Elizabethan bar
- Created measurement crisis requiring new standards
1855: New Imperial Standard Yard:
- Parliament commissioned replacement yard standard
- Defined as 36/39.370113 meters (based on contemporary meter definition)
- Bronze bar kept at constant temperature (62°F)
- Multiple copies distributed across British Empire
American Divergence (1800s-1950s)
US develops separate standard:
1790s-1830s: Early US measurements:
- United States inherited British yard from colonial era
- No official US standard until 1830s
- State and local variations common
1832: US Office of Weights and Measures:
- Created to standardize American measurements
- Obtained copies of British yard standards
- But slight differences existed between US and UK prototypes
1866: US Metric Act:
- Congress authorized metric system use
- Defined meter-to-yard relationship: 1 meter = 39.37 inches
- Still preserved traditional yard for common use
1893: Mendenhall Order:
- US officially defined yard in terms of meter
- 1 yard = 3,600/3,937 meters = 0.914401829 meters
- Slightly different from British yard (0.9144 m)
- Created UK-US measurement discrepancy
International Unification (1959)
Finally, one global yard:
July 1, 1959: International Yard and Pound Agreement:
- Signed by US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa
- Defined: 1 yard = exactly 0.9144 meters
- 1 inch = exactly 25.4 millimeters (derived)
- Unified measurements across English-speaking world
Why this mattered:
- Eliminated UK-US discrepancy (0.914401829 vs 0.9144 m)
- Simplified international trade and engineering
- Difference was tiny (2 parts per million) but critical for precision work
Survey yard exception:
- US land surveys continued using old definition until 2023
- "US Survey Yard" = 0.91440183 meters (pre-1959 standard)
- Created confusion in mapping/GIS
- January 1, 2023: US officially retired survey yard, adopted international yard
Modern Era (1960s-Present)
Metric pressure and yard persistence:
1960s-1970s: Global metrication:
- Most British Commonwealth nations adopted metric system
- Australia (1970s), Canada (1970s), UK (partially 1960s-80s)
- Yard usage declined in favor of meters
United States resistance:
- Rejected metric conversion despite 1975 Metric Conversion Act
- Yard remains standard for fabric, sports, construction
- Coexists with metric in science, medicine, military
Current status:
- Primary use: United States (everyday measurement)
- Limited use: UK (road distances in miles/yards, sports fields)
- Legacy use: Canada (construction, real estate alongside meters)
- Declining: Elsewhere, replaced by meters
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: yards vs ells
Explore the typical applications for both Yard (imperial/US) and Ell (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for yards
Textiles and Fabric Industry
Measuring fabric length (often sold by the yard).
Why yards persist in fabric:
- Historical: English wool trade established "yard goods" standard
- Bolt widths designed around yard fractions
- Cutting tables marked in yards
- Pattern instructions written in yards
Standard practices:
- Minimum purchase: Often 0.25 yard (9 inches)
- Common increments: Sold in 1/8 yard (4.5 in), 1/4 yard, 1/2 yard, 1 yard
- Remnants: Odd lengths sold at discount
- Wholesale: Fabric bolts typically 10-20 yards
International comparison:
- Metric countries: Fabric sold by meter
- Pattern conversion: 1 yard ≈ 0.91 meters (patterns provide both)
Sports Field Dimensions
Dimensions of sports fields (e.g., American football, soccer pitch lengths can be expressed in yards).
American football:
- Standard 100-yard × 53⅓-yard field
- Universal across high school, college, NFL
- Goal posts width: 18.5 feet (6.17 yards)
Soccer/association football:
- US youth fields: Often expressed in yards (e.g., "60 yards × 40 yards")
- International: Meters (100-110m × 64-75m)
- Conversion needed: FIFA-sized field ~120 yards × 80 yards
Cricket:
- Pitch length: 22 yards (20.12 meters) between wickets
- Boundary: Varies, typically 65-90 yards radius
Lacrosse:
- Men's field: 110 yards × 60 yards
- Women's field: Varies, typically 120 yards × 70 yards
Landscaping and Gardening
Landscaping and gardening measurements (e.g., yards of mulch).
Bulk materials:
- Mulch: "$35 per cubic yard delivered"
- Topsoil: Cubic yards for garden beds
- Gravel/crushed stone: Driveway base in cubic yards
- Compost: Bulk delivery by cubic yard
Coverage calculations:
- 1 cubic yard of mulch: Covers ~100 sq ft at 3-inch depth
- 1 cubic yard of topsoil: Covers ~100 sq ft at 3-inch depth
- Landscape fabric: Sold by linear yard (typically 3-4 feet wide)
Garden planning:
- Raised bed dimensions: "4 yards long × 1 yard wide"
- Irrigation: Pipe and hose measured in yards
- Hedge spacing: "Plant every 1 yard for privacy"
Short to Medium Distance Measurement
Shorter road distances or property dimensions in the US and UK.
Road signage (UK):
- Warning signs: "200 yards ahead"
- Distance markers: "Services 300 yards"
- US: Mostly uses feet for short road distances
Property and real estate:
- Lot frontage: "100 yards of waterfront"
- Setbacks: Building code requirements in yards
- Fencing: "Install 200 yards of fencing"
Navigation:
- GPS directions: "In 50 yards, turn right" (some devices)
- Marine navigation: Prefer nautical miles, but yards for close quarters
- Aviation: Use feet for altitude, nautical miles for distance
Military and Defense
Historically significant:
Rifle ranges:
- 100-yard zero: Common rifle sight-in distance
- 200/300/500 yards: Marksmanship qualification distances
- Long-range shooting: Expressed in yards (e.g., "1,000-yard shot")
Military exercises:
- Formations: Squad spacing in yards
- Radio calls: "Enemy position 300 yards north"
- Artillery: Modern systems use meters, but yards persist in US training
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 Yard (yd)
How many feet are in a yard?
There are exactly 3 feet (ft) in 1 yard (yd). This is the fundamental relationship defining the yard. For example: 5 yards = 15 feet, 10 yards = 30 feet, and 100 yards (a football field) = 300 feet.
How many inches are in a yard?
There are exactly 36 inches (in) in 1 yard (yd). Since 1 yard = 3 feet and 1 foot = 12 inches, multiply: 3 × 12 = 36 inches. This is useful for fabric cutting and precise measurements.
Is a yard longer or shorter than a meter?
A yard (0.9144 m) is slightly shorter than a meter (1 m) by approximately 9.4% or about 3.37 inches. Think of it this way: 100 yards = 91.44 meters, or conversely, 100 meters = 109.36 yards. A yardstick is visibly shorter than a meter stick when placed side by side.
How many yards are in a mile?
There are 1,760 yards in 1 mile (statute mile). This means a half-mile = 880 yards, and a quarter-mile = 440 yards. For reference, a standard running track is 440 yards (or 400 meters in modern tracks), representing one-quarter of a mile.
Why is fabric sold by the yard?
Fabric is sold by the yard in the US due to historical English textile trade practices from the medieval period when the yard became the standard cloth measurement. Fabric bolts are manufactured in yard-friendly widths (typically 36, 45, 54, or 60 inches), and cutting tables are marked in yards. Sewing patterns specify fabric requirements in yards, making it the standard for the American crafting and fashion industries. Internationally, fabric is sold by the meter in metric countries.
How do I measure a yard without a ruler?
Body-based approximations:
- Adult stride: Average adult walking pace is approximately 1 yard (may vary by height)
- Arm span approximation: Nose to fingertip of outstretched arm is roughly 1 yard (the apocryphal King Henry I method)
- 3 shoe lengths: Average adult shoe is about 12 inches, so 3 shoes ≈ 36 inches = 1 yard
Household objects:
- Door height: Standard door is 80 inches (2.22 yards)
- Floor tiles: 12-inch square tiles → 3 tiles in a row = 1 yard
- Credit card: 3.37 inches wide → 10.7 cards = 1 yard (not practical, but mathematically interesting)
Best method: Mark a stick or string at 36 inches using a ruler once, then use it as a reusable yard measure.
What is a "square yard"?
A square yard (yd²) is a unit of area equal to a square measuring 1 yard on each side. Since 1 yard = 3 feet, 1 square yard = 9 square feet (3 ft × 3 ft). This is used for measuring carpet, flooring, landscaping coverage, and room areas. For example, a 10 ft × 12 ft room = 120 square feet = 13.33 square yards.
What is a "cubic yard"?
A cubic yard (yd³) is a unit of volume equal to a cube measuring 1 yard on each side. Since 1 yard = 3 feet, 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft). This is the standard unit for ordering concrete, mulch, soil, gravel, and other bulk materials in the US. For example, a concrete truck typically carries 10 cubic yards, and 1 cubic yard of mulch covers approximately 100 square feet at 3-inch depth.
Why do American football fields use yards?
American football fields use yards because the sport originated in the United States in the late 1800s when imperial units were the standard measurement system. The 100-yard field length provides convenient divisions: 4 quarters of 25 yards each, 10-yard first-down increments, and easy mental arithmetic for players and fans. Changing to meters (100m = 109.36 yards) would create awkward field dimensions and disrupt the sport's traditional structure. The yard remains deeply embedded in football culture and rule books.
Are yards still used in the UK?
Yes, but usage is mixed and declining. The UK officially adopted the metric system in the 1960s-1990s, but yards persist in certain contexts:
- Road signs: Distances under 1 mile often shown in yards ("Services 200 yards")
- Sports: Cricket (22-yard pitch), some golf courses
- Informal speech: Older generations may say "a few yards away"
- Fabric shops: Some still sell by the yard, but meters increasingly common
Not used: Most construction, engineering, education now use meters. Younger generations primarily think in metric.
Can I use yards and meters interchangeably?
For rough estimates: Yes (about 10% difference often negligible) For precision work: No (9.4% difference accumulates)
When interchangeable works:
- Casual conversation ("it's about 50 yards/meters away")
- Rough project planning
- Approximate sports distances
When you need exact conversion:
- Fabric orders (5 yards ≠ 5 meters - you'd be short 43 cm)
- Construction blueprints
- Athletic competition (100-yard dash ≠ 100-meter dash)
- International trade
Best practice: Convert explicitly using 1 yard = 0.9144 meters for any situation requiring accuracy.
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: Yard to Ell
| Yard (yd) | Ell (ell) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 0.4 |
| 1 | 0.8 |
| 1.5 | 1.2 |
| 2 | 1.6 |
| 5 | 4 |
| 10 | 8 |
| 25 | 20 |
| 50 | 40 |
| 100 | 80 |
| 250 | 200 |
| 500 | 400 |
| 1,000 | 800 |
People Also Ask
How do I convert Yard to Ell?
To convert Yard to Ell, enter the value in Yard 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 Yard to Ell?
The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Yard 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 Yard?
Yes! You can easily convert Ell back to Yard by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Ell to Yard converter page. You can also explore other length conversions on our category page.
Learn more →What are common uses for Yard and Ell?
Yard 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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🔢 Conversion Formulas
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⚖️ Metric vs Imperial
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⚠️ Common Mistakes
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All Length Conversions
Other Length Units and Conversions
Explore other length units and their conversion options:
- Meter (m) • Yard to Meter
- Kilometer (km) • Yard to Kilometer
- Hectometer (hm) • Yard to Hectometer
- Decimeter (dm) • Yard to Decimeter
- Centimeter (cm) • Yard to Centimeter
- Millimeter (mm) • Yard to Millimeter
- Inch (in) • Yard to Inch
- Foot (ft) • Yard to Foot
- Mile (mi) • Yard to Mile
- Nautical Mile (NM) • Yard to Nautical Mile
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: December 3, 2025