What is a chain (US survey)?

The chain (US survey) is a traditional length unit equal to 66 US survey feet, often used historically in U.S. land surveying and cadastral work.

Why does the long reed vary in length?

The long reed was a traditional unit whose exact length differed by locality and period, making precise conversions dependent on the historical context.

Can I use these units for modern engineering calculations?

No, both chain (US survey) and long reed are legacy units and require conversion to modern metric or customary units for engineering purposes.

How to Convert from Chain (US survey) [ch] to Long reed

Convert length between the traditional US survey chain and the long reed, two historical units used in land measurement and surveying.

Chain (US survey) [ch]

Long reed

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Chain (US survey) [ch] to Long reed Conversion Table

Chain (US survey) [ch]	Long reed

Custom Unit Conversion Table Generator – Instant Printable Conversion Tables

Start Value

Enter the starting number (positive decimal or integer ≥ 0). Example: 0.1, 1, 5.

End Value

Enter the ending number (positive decimal or integer > Start Value). Example: 10, 50, 100.

Interval

Enter the step size (positive decimal > 0 and < End Value – Start Value). Example: 1.0, 2.5.

Chain (US survey) [ch] to Long reed Conversion Table
Chain (US survey) [ch]	Long reed

Explore More Length Units Converter

What Is This Tool?

This unit converter facilitates the transformation of measurements from the US survey chain—a traditional land surveying length unit—to the long reed, a now-obsolete unit historically used in various localities. It supports interpreting and converting legacy land measurement data.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the measurement value in chain (US survey) units
Select the from-unit as chain (US survey) [ch]
Choose the to-unit as long reed
Click convert to obtain the equivalent length in long reeds
Use the result to aid historical or land surveying research

Key Features

Converts length from chain (US survey) to long reed accurately using historical conversion rates
Supports analysis and restoration of historical land records and property boundaries
Ideal for genealogical, cadastral, and surveying research involving legacy units
Browser-based and easy to use for quick conversions
Enables comparison of different traditional land measurement units

Examples

2 Chain (US survey) [ch] converts to approximately 12.5715 Long reed
0.5 Chain (US survey) [ch] converts to approximately 3.1429 Long reed

Common Use Cases

Interpreting U.S. historical land deeds, plats, and cadastral surveys
Converting legacy survey measurements for modern mapping or GIS applications
Understanding rural property boundaries and right-of-way descriptions in historical contexts
Restoring or recovering property boundary data from old surveying records
Researching regional and historical measurement practices in land surveying

Tips & Best Practices

Verify the historical locality and period to ensure appropriate use of the long reed value
Use this tool as part of a broader research approach including historical documents
Cross-check converted values with modern standardized units when possible
Apply conversions carefully in property boundary restoration to maintain accuracy

Limitations

The long reed's length varied depending on location and time period, affecting conversion precision
Both units are legacy measures and should be converted into modern units for engineering uses
Numerical conversions may not be exact due to historical variations and should be used with caution

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a chain (US survey)?: The chain (US survey) is a traditional length unit equal to 66 US survey feet, often used historically in U.S. land surveying and cadastral work.
Why does the long reed vary in length?: The long reed was a traditional unit whose exact length differed by locality and period, making precise conversions dependent on the historical context.
Can I use these units for modern engineering calculations?: No, both chain (US survey) and long reed are legacy units and require conversion to modern metric or customary units for engineering purposes.

Key Terminology

Chain (US survey): A traditional unit of length equal to 66 US survey feet, used historically in U.S. land surveying.
Long Reed: A traditional, now-obsolete unit of length used historically in land measurement; its exact length varied by place and time.
Cadastral Survey: A type of land survey that defines property boundaries and ownership.

Quick Knowledge Check

What is the US survey chain primarily used for?

Modern engineering measurement

Historical land surveying and cadastral work

Measuring building heights

Why must the long reed's value be verified for conversions?

Its length changed based on historical and local factors

It is exactly equal to one meter

It is still used worldwide today

What is a key reason to convert chain (US survey) to long reed?

To create new mapping systems

To interpret historical land measurement records

To measure athlete track distances

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