A physical yet simple model that describes subthreshold channel-length modulation and its complex relationship with DIBL in short-channel MOSFET's is derived. The underlying quasi-two-dimensional analysis produces a V(DS)-independent value for the modulated channel length in weak inversion, which can be used to simplify and correct subthreshold current simulation. The model, supported by numerical device simulations, further gives insight regarding how channel-length modulation scales with structural parameters.