Eleanor HayesDisclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase through our links at no extra cost to you.
1 chain equals approximately 20.1168 metres.
A chain is a traditional unit of length mainly used in land measurement, especially in the United States and UK. To convert 1 chain to metres, we multiply by the conversion factor, which equals about 20.1168 metres per chain, giving us the precise value.
Understanding the Conversion from Chain to Metres
The conversion is based on the fact that one chain is defined as exactly 66 feet. Since one foot equals 0.3048 metres, multiplying 66 feet by 0.3048 metres per foot results in the total metres in a chain. This method ensures accuracy by using fixed, internationally recognized conversion factors.
Conversion Tool
Result in metres:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert chain to metres is: metres = chains × 66 feet × 0.3048 metres/foot. Since 1 chain equals 66 feet, multiplying the number of chains by 66 gives the length in feet, then multiplying by 0.3048 converts feet into metres. For example, 2 chains: 2 × 66 × 0.3048 = 40.2336 metres.
Conversion Example
- Convert 2 chains to metres:
- Step 1: Multiply 2 by 66 (feet per chain): 2 × 66 = 132 feet
- Step 2: Convert feet to metres: 132 × 0.3048 = 40.2336 metres
- Convert 0.5 chains:
- Step 1: 0.5 × 66 = 33 feet
- Step 2: 33 × 0.3048 = 10.0584 metres
- Convert 10 chains:
- Step 1: 10 × 66 = 660 feet
- Step 2: 660 × 0.3048 = 201.168 metres
Conversion Chart
| Chains | Metres |
|---|---|
| -24.0 | -7.272 |
| -20.0 | -6.0336 |
| -15.0 | -4.5504 |
| -10.0 | -3.036 |
| -5.0 | -1.518 |
| 0.0 | 0 |
| 1.0 | 20.1168 |
| 5.0 | 100.584 |
| 10.0 | 201.168 |
| 15.0 | 301.752 |
| 20.0 | 402.336 |
| 25.0 | 502.92 |
| 26.0 | 523.739 |
Use the chart by locating your number of chains in the first column, then reading across to find its equivalent in metres. The table helps visualize how the length changes with different chain values.
Related Conversion Questions
- How many metres are in 1.5 chains?
- What is the length in metres of 0.75 chains?
- Convert 3 chains to metres, what do I get?
- How do I convert chains to metres manually?
- What is 10 chains in metres exactly?
- Can I use this conversion for land measurement?
- Is the conversion factor the same worldwide?
Conversion Definitions
A chain is a unit of length originally used in surveying, equal to 66 feet (20.1168 metres). It was historically common in land measurement and is still used in some regions for describing properties and boundaries with a standard size.
Metres is a base metric unit of length in the International System of Units (SI), defined as the distance light travels in vacuum in 1/299,792,458 seconds. It is used globally in scientific, engineering, and everyday measurements for its simplicity and consistency.
Conversion FAQs
Why is the chain still used in land measurement today?
Despite being an older unit, the chain remains in use mainly because of tradition in surveying and land records, especially in countries like the UK and US. Its fixed length makes it convenient for plotting land boundaries without needing complex calculations.
How precise is the conversion from chain to metres?
The conversion uses a fixed value based on the internationally recognized definition of the foot and the chain. Since these are exact, the conversion is very precise, with only minor rounding differences affecting the last decimal places in practical uses.
Can I convert fractional chains to metres easily?
Yes, by multiplying the fractional value by 20.1168, you can convert any length in chains to metres. This allows for quick calculations, whether for land measurements or other applications involving partial chains.
