What is a span (cloth)?

A span (cloth) is a traditional, non-SI unit of length based on the distance between the tips of the thumb and little finger of an outstretched hand, commonly about 9 inches.

What does chain (US survey) measure?

Chain (US survey) is a historic unit of length equal to 66 US survey feet, used especially in land surveying and cadastral records in the United States.

When should I use this conversion?

This conversion is best used when comparing or interpreting historical textile lengths with land survey distances in research or mapping projects.

Is the span (cloth) measurement exact?

No, the span (cloth) is an informal and approximate measurement that can vary from person to person.

How to Convert from Span (cloth) to Chain (US survey) [ch]

This tool allows users to convert length measurements from span (cloth), a traditional textile unit, to chain (US survey) [ch], a historic land surveying unit.

Span (cloth)

Chain (US survey) [ch]

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

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

Span (cloth)	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.

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

Explore More Length Units Converter

What Is This Tool?

This unit converter transforms length values from span (cloth), a textile-based measure, into chain (US survey) [ch], a traditional surveying length used in historical U.S. land records.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the length value in span (cloth)
Select span (cloth) as the input unit
Choose chain (US survey) [ch] as the output unit
Initiate the conversion to see the result

Key Features

Converts length from span (cloth) to chain (US survey) [ch]
Based on a specific conversion factor reflecting traditional measurement relationships
Useful for historical textile measurement interpretation and land survey data correlation
Browser-based and easy to use

Examples

Converting 10 span (cloth) results in approximately 0.113636136 chain (US survey) [ch]
Converting 50 span (cloth) results in approximately 0.56818068 chain (US survey) [ch]

Common Use Cases

Translating textile length measures into land survey units for historical data analysis
Supporting archival research in textile history and land surveying
Converting informal cloth measurements to standardized survey units for mapping
Facilitating GIS and cadastral research involving legacy measures

Tips & Best Practices

Use this converter primarily for historical or archival research
Remember that span (cloth) is an approximate measure that may vary
Verify survey measurements when possible due to the legacy status of chain (US survey)
Combine with contextual research for best interpretation of converted values

Limitations

Span (cloth) is informal and varies depending on the person measuring
Chain (US survey) is an outdated unit less used in modern surveying
Conversions are mostly relevant for historical or archival contexts
Accuracy may be affected by variability in measurements and rounding

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a span (cloth)?: A span (cloth) is a traditional, non-SI unit of length based on the distance between the tips of the thumb and little finger of an outstretched hand, commonly about 9 inches.
What does chain (US survey) measure?: Chain (US survey) is a historic unit of length equal to 66 US survey feet, used especially in land surveying and cadastral records in the United States.
When should I use this conversion?: This conversion is best used when comparing or interpreting historical textile lengths with land survey distances in research or mapping projects.
Is the span (cloth) measurement exact?: No, the span (cloth) is an informal and approximate measurement that can vary from person to person.

Key Terminology

Span (cloth): A traditional unit of length approximating the distance between the tip of the thumb and the tip of the little finger of an outstretched hand, about 9 inches.
Chain (US survey) [ch]: A legacy surveying unit equal to 66 US survey feet, historically used in U.S. land deeds and cadastral surveys.
Cadastral: Relating to the surveying and recording of land boundaries and ownership.

Quick Knowledge Check

What traditional distance does a span (cloth) represent?

Length between fingertips of an outstretched hand

Distance between thumb and little finger tips

Width of a typical fabric bolt

What is the US survey chain used for historically?

Measuring fabric widths

Land surveying and cadastral measurements

Maritime navigation

What is a key limitation of converting span (cloth) to chain (US survey)?

Span (cloth) is highly standardized

These units are primarily relevant in historical contexts

Chain (US survey) is used worldwide today

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