What this converter does
This converter turns metres into surveyor chains and back, along with links, rods, feet and fathoms. It is handy when modern survey measurements have to be written back into old chain-based deeds or plans. Every pair uses an exact factor. Type a value and read the answer instantly.
One metre is about 0.0497 chain. Since a chain is 20.1168 m, dividing metres by that figure gives chains.
The units it covers
Traditional surveying lengths, each with a fixed value in metres.
View all units & their values
| Unit | Symbol | Value | Mainly used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain | ch | 20.1168 | Old cadastral surveys |
| Metre | m | 1 | SI base length |
| Link | li | 0.201168 | 1/100 of a chain |
| Rod / pole | rod | 5.0292 | Land measurement |
| Foot | ft | 0.3048 | US/UK survey work |
| Fathom | ftm | 1.8288 | Depth soundings |
The formula
Each unit has a fixed value in metres, so any pair converts through the metre:
result = value × factor_from ÷ factor_toWhere:
- value = the number you typed
- factor_from = the “from” unit in metres
- factor_to = the “to” unit in metres
Worked example
Convert 100 metres to chains.
1 chain = 20.1168 m100 ÷ 20.1168 = 4.971 chainsSo 100 metres is just under 5 chains.
The units in this example
The SI base unit of length, used in all modern survey and mapping work.
- 1 m ≈ 0.0497 chain
- 1 m = 3.2808 ft
- 1 m ≈ 4.971 links
- 1 km ≈ 49.71 chains
A traditional surveying length of 66 feet (20.1168 m), divided into 100 links. Still met in old land records.
- 1 chain = 20.1168 m
- 1 chain = 66 ft
- 1 chain = 100 links
- 10 sq chains = 1 acre