What is the US survey chain used for?

It has been traditionally used in U.S. land surveying and cadastral work to record distances.

How precise is the span (cloth) unit?

The span (cloth) is approximate and varies based on hand size, so it’s less precise than standardized units.

Why convert chain (US survey) to span (cloth)?

This conversion helps relate large land measurements to smaller, familiar textile lengths for comparison or historical studies.

Convert Chain (US survey) [ch] to Span (cloth) Length Units

Easily convert length measurements from the traditional US survey chain to the cloth span unit. Perfect for historical land survey data and textile measurements.

Chain (US survey) [ch]

Span (cloth)

Please check your input. It must be a valid numeric value.

Chain (US survey) [ch] to Span (cloth) Conversion Table

Chain (US survey) [ch]	Span (cloth)

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 Span (cloth) Conversion Table
Chain (US survey) [ch]	Span (cloth)

Explore More Length Units Converter

What Is This Tool?

This converter changes length values from the US survey chain, a traditional land surveying unit, to the span used in cloth measurement. It helps bridge measurements from historical land records to textile-related dimensions.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the length value measured in chain (US survey) units
Select chain (US survey) as the input unit and span (cloth) as the output unit
Click convert to obtain the equivalent span (cloth) length
Use results for historical survey interpretation or textile measurement reference

Key Features

Converts length from chain (US survey) to span (cloth) instantly
Supports legacy surveying data interpretation and textile measurement comparison
Browser-based with straightforward input and output
Uses a fixed conversion rate derived from historical unit definitions

Examples

Converting 2 chain (US survey) gives 176.000352 span (cloth)
For 0.5 chain (US survey), the tool outputs 44.000088 span (cloth)
Use this tool to quickly switch between land surveying and fabric length units

Common Use Cases

Translating historical US land survey measurements to fabric-based length units
Checking fabric width equivalents for legacy property boundary data
Assisting textile historians in relating land distances to cloth dimensions
Supporting tailoring and crafts where quick informal length conversions are helpful

Tips & Best Practices

Remember that the span (cloth) unit varies by individual hand size and is approximate
Use this tool as a guide rather than for precise technical measurements
Consult additional sources when working with modern standardized units
Be cautious when converting historic values to metric or international units

Limitations

Span (cloth) lengths vary naturally and can lead to imprecise conversions
US survey chain is an obsolete measure, largely replaced by metric or international foot standards
Conversion assumes average units which may require adjustment for specific contexts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the US survey chain used for?: It has been traditionally used in U.S. land surveying and cadastral work to record distances.
How precise is the span (cloth) unit?: The span (cloth) is approximate and varies based on hand size, so it’s less precise than standardized units.
Why convert chain (US survey) to span (cloth)?: This conversion helps relate large land measurements to smaller, familiar textile lengths for comparison or historical studies.

Key Terminology

Chain (US survey) [ch]: A traditional length unit equal to 66 US survey feet, used historically in U.S. land surveying.
Span (cloth): A traditional unit based on the distance between thumb and little finger, used in textile measurements.
US survey foot: A unit of length used in the US survey system, with which the chain is closely related.

Quick Knowledge Check

What is the US survey chain primarily used for?

Measuring cloth widths

Land surveying and cadastral measurements

Tailoring and handcrafted crafts

Approximately how many span (cloth) units equal one chain (US survey)?

50 span (cloth)

88 span (cloth)

100 span (cloth)

What is a span (cloth) based on?

Distance between thumb and little finger of an outstretched hand

Length of a chain link

Width of a property boundary

Share Us

Similar Calculators

Online Surface Current Density Units Converter Online Heat Flux Density Units Converter Online Heat Density Units Converter Online Weight and Mass Units Converter Online Flow Molar Units Converter