What is the difference between chain [ch] and chain (US survey) [ch]?

The chain [ch] and chain (US survey) [ch] are nearly identical traditional surveying units, both approximately equal to 66 feet, but differ slightly in the definition of the foot used.

Why convert from chain [ch] to chain (US survey) [ch]?

Conversion ensures accurate interpretation and reconciliation of historical land surveys and deeds with modern cadastral and GIS systems in the United States.

Is the conversion necessary for all land measurements?

Due to the minimal difference, the conversion primarily matters in survey-grade or legal land boundary contexts requiring high precision.

Chain [ch] to Chain (US survey) [ch] Conversion Guide

Easily convert length measurements from chain [ch] to chain (US survey) [ch] using this precise online unit converter designed for cadastral and land surveying needs.

Chain [ch]

Chain (US survey) [ch]

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

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

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

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What Is This Tool?

This converter allows users to convert between chain [ch], a traditional surveying unit, and chain (US survey) [ch], the US survey equivalent. Both units are historically significant in land measurement and cadastral surveying.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the value in chain [ch] you want to convert
Select chain (US survey) [ch] as the target unit
Click convert to view the equivalent length
Use the result for interpreting or integrating survey data
Repeat as needed for multiple conversions

Key Features

Converts chain [ch] to chain (US survey) [ch] accurately
Supports historical and modern land measurement conversions
Browser-based and easy to use
Ideal for cadastral surveying and GIS applications
Handles legacy survey data for property and boundary analysis

Examples

5 chain [ch] converts to approximately 4.99999 chain (US survey) [ch]
10 chain [ch] converts to approximately 9.99998 chain (US survey) [ch]

Common Use Cases

Interpreting historical U.S. land deeds and survey plans
Converting legacy survey measurements for GIS mapping
Describing rural property boundaries and right-of-way distances
Reconciling traditional surveys with modern land registration systems
Analyzing engineering records like railway or agricultural layouts

Tips & Best Practices

Validate input values carefully for accurate conversion
Use this tool when working with historical or cadastral land data
Consider the nearly identical nature of units when precision matters
Be aware of the small differences due to survey foot definitions
Use metric or international unit converters for modern surveys

Limitations

Very small difference between units means conversion is critical mostly for survey-grade accuracy
Variations between the survey foot and international foot can cause discrepancies over long distances
Chains and survey chains are less common in modern location measurements favoring metric or international units

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between chain [ch] and chain (US survey) [ch]?: The chain [ch] and chain (US survey) [ch] are nearly identical traditional surveying units, both approximately equal to 66 feet, but differ slightly in the definition of the foot used.
Why convert from chain [ch] to chain (US survey) [ch]?: Conversion ensures accurate interpretation and reconciliation of historical land surveys and deeds with modern cadastral and GIS systems in the United States.
Is the conversion necessary for all land measurements?: Due to the minimal difference, the conversion primarily matters in survey-grade or legal land boundary contexts requiring high precision.

Key Terminology

Chain [ch]: A traditional surveying unit equal to 66 feet, commonly Gunter's chain, subdivided into 100 links, used historically for land measurement.
Chain (US survey) [ch]: A traditional surveying unit equal to 66 US survey feet, subdivided into 100 links, used in U.S. cadastral surveying and land deeds.
Gunter's chain: A specific kind of chain unit used in surveying, measuring 66 feet in length and divided into 100 links.

Quick Knowledge Check

What is the primary use of the chain and chain (US survey) units?

Measuring liquid volumes

Land surveying and cadastral measurements

Astronomical distances

How many feet are approximately in one chain [ch]?

100 feet

66 feet

50 feet

Why is the chain (US survey) unit slightly different from chain [ch]?

Different historical definitions of the survey foot

Different number of links

Different length of rods used

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