What is a link in surveying terms?

A link is a historic English unit of length equal to 1/100 of Gunter's chain, mainly used in 18th to 19th century land measurement.

How many links equal one chain?

One chain equals 100 links, since one link is 0.01 chain.

Why convert from link to chain?

Converting from link to chain helps interpret and correlate historical surveying data with larger, more commonly referenced units.

How to Convert from Link [li] to Chain [ch]

Learn how to convert historic surveying unit link [li] to chain [ch], commonly used in old land measurement and cadastral records.

Link [li]

Chain [ch]

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Link [li] to Chain [ch] Conversion Table

Link [li]	Chain [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.

Link [li] to Chain [ch] Conversion Table
Link [li]	Chain [ch]

Explore More Length Units Converter

What Is This Tool?

This unit converter allows you to transform lengths from the historic surveying unit link [li] to the chain [ch], both traditionally used in land measurement and cadastral mapping.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter a value representing the length in links (li)
Select link as the unit to convert from and chain as the unit to convert to
Submit your input to get the equivalent length expressed in chains (ch)
Use the conversion factor that 1 link equals 0.01 chain for manual calculations if needed

Key Features

Converts length units specifically from link (li) to chain (ch)
Utilizes recognized historical conversion ratio: 1 link equals 0.01 chain
Supports interpretation of 18th and 19th century cadastral and land records
Helps bridge historic measurement units with modern land surveying needs
Browser-based and easy to use with clear input and conversion steps

Examples

Convert 50 links by multiplying 50 by 0.01 to get 0.5 chains
Convert 100 links by multiplying 100 by 0.01 to get 1 chain

Common Use Cases

Translating historical surveying data from links to chains for modern land measurement
Interpreting old cadastral documents and property boundary descriptions
Reconstructing historic property boundaries and maps in archival research
Understanding railway and agricultural engineering records using these units
Assisting GIS professionals and land registrars in converting old measurement units

Tips & Best Practices

Verify the historical context to ensure units align with Gunter's chain standards
Use the tool primarily for archival, cadastral, and surveying research rather than everyday measurement
Cross-check conversions with original documents for variations in measurement standards
Retain original documents when possible to support interpretation accuracy

Limitations

Both link and chain are mostly obsolete and replaced by metric or modern imperial units
Conversion assumes Gunter’s chain uniformity; historical variations may affect accuracy
Limited practical use outside specialized surveying and archival research
Interpretation requires understanding of historical measurement practices

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a link in surveying terms?: A link is a historic English unit of length equal to 1/100 of Gunter's chain, mainly used in 18th to 19th century land measurement.
How many links equal one chain?: One chain equals 100 links, since one link is 0.01 chain.
Why convert from link to chain?: Converting from link to chain helps interpret and correlate historical surveying data with larger, more commonly referenced units.

Key Terminology

Link [li]: A historic unit of length equal to 1/100 of Gunter’s chain, primarily used in old surveying and land measurement.
Chain [ch]: A traditional surveying unit equal to 66 feet, consisting of 100 links, used historically for land measurement and mapping.
Gunter's chain: A measuring device and unit measuring 66 feet, subdivided into 100 links, widely used in historic surveying.

Quick Knowledge Check

What is the basic conversion factor from link to chain?

1 link = 0.1 chain

1 link = 0.01 chain

1 link = 1 chain

Which unit is larger in length?

Link

Chain

Both are equal

In what context is the link unit mainly used?

Modern engineering

Historical surveying and land records

Everyday measurements

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