What is a chain in measurement?

A chain is a traditional surveying unit of length equal to 66 feet (20.1168 metres), commonly known as Gunter's chain.

Why convert chains to kilometers?

Converting chains to kilometers helps translate historical land measurements into modern metric units suitable for GIS and land registration.

Is the chain unit still widely used today?

No, chains are mostly used in historical contexts and surveying records but are not a standard length measurement currently.

How to Convert from Chain [ch] to Kilometer [km]?

Learn how to convert length measurements from the traditional surveying unit chain (ch) to the metric kilometer (km). This guide explains the conversion, use cases, and practical examples for accurate translation of historical and surveying data.

Chain [ch]

Kilometer [km]

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

Chain [ch] to Kilometer [km] Conversion Table

Chain [ch]	Kilometer [km]

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 Kilometer [km] Conversion Table
Chain [ch]	Kilometer [km]

Explore More Length Units Converter

What Is This Tool?

This is an online length unit converter designed to transform measurements from chain (ch), a traditional surveying unit, into kilometers (km), the modern metric unit used widely for measuring distances.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the length value in chains you wish to convert
Select 'chain [ch]' as the source unit and 'kilometer [km]' as the target unit
Click the convert button to obtain the length in kilometers
Review the result and apply it to your surveying or mapping needs

Key Features

Converts traditional surveying length units (chain) to modern SI units (kilometers)
Supports applications such as cadastral surveying, land measurement, and GIS integration
Provides clear conversion examples to assist users
Browser-based and easy to use without requiring installation

Examples

5 chains = 5 × 0.0201168 km = 0.100584 km
50 chains = 50 × 0.0201168 km = 1.00584 km

Common Use Cases

Translating historical cadastral surveying data into modern metric units
Integrating old land measurement records into current GIS and land registration systems
Converting imperial surveying data in engineering projects to SI units
Understanding and mapping distances from older property deeds and plans

Tips & Best Practices

Confirm the original length is measured in chains to avoid confusion with similar units
Use Gunter's chain definition (66 feet) for standard conversion
Apply conversions carefully when working with historical or legacy surveying data
Utilize the conversion results to support accurate geographic and land measurement analysis

Limitations

Chains are mostly obsolete outside historical contexts and may vary locally in older records
Conversion accuracy depends on the specific chain definition used
Users must verify original measurements to ensure correct unit application

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a chain in measurement?: A chain is a traditional surveying unit of length equal to 66 feet (20.1168 metres), commonly known as Gunter's chain.
Why convert chains to kilometers?: Converting chains to kilometers helps translate historical land measurements into modern metric units suitable for GIS and land registration.
Is the chain unit still widely used today?: No, chains are mostly used in historical contexts and surveying records but are not a standard length measurement currently.

Key Terminology

Chain [ch]: A traditional surveying length unit equal to 66 feet (20.1168 metres), often used in cadastral surveying and historical land measurement.
Kilometer [km]: An SI derived unit of length equivalent to 1,000 metres, commonly employed for measuring distances at regional and geographic scales.
Gunter's Chain: The best-known form of chain, divided into 100 links and equivalent to 66 feet or 4 rods of 16.5 feet each.

Quick Knowledge Check

What is the length of one chain in kilometers?

0.0101168 km

0.0201168 km

0.0301168 km

What is a common application of converting chains to kilometers?

Cooking recipes

Cadastral surveying and land measurement

Clothing sizes

Which statement is true about the chain unit?

It is equal to 100 meters

It equals 66 feet and is mostly historical

It is a modern SI unit

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