Convert Cubit (Greek) (cubit (greek)) to Ell (ell) instantly.
About these units
Cubit (Greek) (cubit (greek))
The Greek cubit (approximately 0.462 meters) is an ancient unit based on the length of the forearm from elbow to fingertip. It was widely used in Greek architecture, engineering, and construction projects, including temples and civic buildings. Greek architects and surveyors applied the cubit to create proportional structures, ensuring harmony between different elements of a building. Its simplicity — derived from the human body — made it practical for field measurements in the absence of standardized tools. The cubit also held symbolic and ritual significance, often appearing in religious texts, design manuals, and classical literature. Modern historians and archaeologists study the Greek cubit to reconstruct ancient plans and understand the practical realities of classical building techniques.
Ell (ell)
The ell is a traditional European unit of length, varying between 45–70 cm depending on the region. It originated from the forearm or arm length and became standardized in many countries for measuring cloth and textiles. In commerce, the ell simplified transactions, allowing merchants to describe fabric lengths efficiently. In tailoring, it offered a consistent basis for cutting and patterning clothing. The unit was essential in guild systems, where precision and repeatability in textile production were critical. While largely obsolete today due to the metric system, the ell remains significant for historians, textile scholars, and anyone studying pre-modern European commerce and craft practices.