Convert Millimeter (mm) to Ell (ell) instantly.
About these units
Millimeter (mm)
A millimeter is one-thousandth of a meter and is used extensively in fields that require fine control and precision. Engineers and machinists frequently rely on millimeters in technical drawings and machining specifications, since the unit supports very precise tolerances without resorting to decimals. In construction, millimeters provide clarity for component dimensions, door and window fittings, and joinery work. Millimeters are also critical in medical imaging (such as CT or MRI slice thickness), entomology, electronics, and automotive design. Many mechanical failures or malfunctions arise from deviations of only a few millimeters—highlighting the importance of precision. On a more everyday level, rainfall measurements and snow depth reports often use millimeters for accuracy.
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.