What Is This Tool?
This converter helps you translate measurements between rod (US survey) and perch units, which are historical surveying lengths used primarily in land measurement and legal property descriptions. Both units are nearly equivalent but have subtle differences important for interpreting legacy records.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the length value in rod (US survey) units
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Select 'rod (US survey) [rd]' as the input unit
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Choose 'perch' as the target unit for conversion
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Click the 'Convert' button to get the equivalent length
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Review the results and apply as needed for your surveying or research work
Key Features
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Converts length values between rod (US survey) and perch units accurately
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Supports interpretation of historical land survey and cadastral documents
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Easy-to-use, browser-based tool requiring no specialized software
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Provides clear examples for practical understanding
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Helps maintain consistency in legal and property boundary measurements
Examples
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5 rods (US survey) converts to approximately 5.00001 perches
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10 rods (US survey) converts to approximately 10.00002 perches
Common Use Cases
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Interpreting distances from historical US land survey and cadastral records
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Converting old measurement units on legacy maps and survey plats
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Understanding property boundaries described in historic legal deeds
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Translating measurements to metric or modern units for analysis
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Restoring or analyzing estate and agricultural plans documented in antiquated units
Tips & Best Practices
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Verify unit definitions and context when working with historical surveying records
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Be aware of slight differences in conversion values when precision is critical
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Use the converter alongside original documents for better interpretation
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Note that both units are largely obsolete in modern practice
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Consult regional surveying standards if applying results to legal contexts
Limitations
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Units are mostly obsolete and primarily relevant for historical or legal research
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Small numerical difference means very high precision tasks must consider conversion accuracy
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Regional and historical variations in definitions may affect the interpretation
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Not intended for modern engineering or construction measurements
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the relationship between rod (US survey) and perch units?
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A perch is historically defined as equal to a rod (US survey), with 1 rod equivalent to approximately 1.000002 perches, reflecting their close but subtly distinct usage in land measurement.
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Why convert between rod (US survey) and perch units?
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Conversion helps interpret historical surveying documents and property descriptions where these traditional units are used, ensuring measurements are understood consistently.
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Are these units still used in modern surveying?
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No, both rod (US survey) and perch are largely obsolete and primarily encountered in historical or legal contexts rather than in contemporary surveys.
Key Terminology
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Rod (US survey)
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A traditional surveying length equal to exactly 16.5 US survey feet, used to measure land and property boundaries in historical US cadastral records.
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Perch
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An historical length unit equal to 16.5 feet, largely obsolete but found in older surveying and land measurement documents.
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Cadastral
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Relating to the measurement and recording of land parcels and boundaries for ownership and legal purposes.