1 chain equals approximately 20.1168 metres.
This means that when converting from chains to metres, you multiply the number of chains by 20.1168 to get the equivalent length in metres. For example, if you have 1 chain, it is just over 20 metres long, which makes it a useful measurement for land and property sizes.
Conversion to Metres
Result in metres:
Conversion Formula
The conversion formula multiplies the number of chains by 20.1168 because 1 chain equals exactly 20.1168 metres. This works because the chain is a traditional land measurement, and the metre is a metric unit. For example, to convert 2 chains, you do 2 x 20.1168 = 40.2336 metres.
This formula is straightforward: it uses the fixed conversion rate, ensuring accuracy and consistency. It simplifies the process by eliminating the need for complex calculations or approximations, making conversions quick and reliable for any amount of chains.
Conversion Example
- Convert 3 chains to metres:
- Step 1: Take the number of chains, which is 3.
- Step 2: Multiply 3 by 20.1168.
- Step 3: 3 x 20.1168 = 60.3504 metres.
- Convert 0.5 chains to metres:
- Step 1: Start with 0.5 chains.
- Step 2: Multiply 0.5 by 20.1168.
- Step 3: 0.5 x 20.1168 = 10.0584 metres.
- Convert 10 chains to metres:
- Step 1: Use 10 as the number of chains.
- Step 2: Multiply 10 by 20.1168.
- Step 3: 10 x 20.1168 = 201.168 metres.
Conversion Chart
| Chains | Metres |
|---|---|
| -24.0 | -481.6032 |
| -23.0 | -463.2684 |
| -22.0 | -445.0336 |
| -21.0 | -426.7988 |
| -20.0 | -408.564 |
| -19.0 | -390.3292 |
| -18.0 | -372.0944 |
| -17.0 | -353.8596 |
| -16.0 | -335.6248 |
| -15.0 | -317.39 |
| -14.0 | -299.1552 |
| -13.0 | -280.9204 |
| -12.0 | -262.6856 |
| -11.0 | -244.4508 |
| -10.0 | -226.216 |
| -9.0 | -207.9812 |
| -8.0 | -189.7464 |
| -7.0 | -171.5116 |
| -6.0 | -153.2768 |
| -5.0 | -135.042 |
| -4.0 | -116.8072 |
| -3.0 | -98.5724 |
| -2.0 | -80.3376 |
| -1.0 | -62.1028 |
| 0.0 | 0.0 |
| 1.0 | 20.1168 |
| 2.0 | 40.2336 |
| 3.0 | 60.3504 |
| 4.0 | 80.4672 |
| 5.0 | 100.584 |
| 6.0 | 120.7008 |
| 7.0 | 140.8176 |
| 8.0 | 160.9344 |
| 9.0 | 181.0512 |
| 10.0 | 201.168 |
| 11.0 | 221.2848 |
| 12.0 | 241.4016 |
| 13.0 | 261.5184 |
| 14.0 | 281.6352 |
| 15.0 | 301.752 |
| 16.0 | 321.8688 |
| 17.0 | 341.9856 |
| 18.0 | 362.1024 |
| 19.0 | 382.2192 |
| 20.0 | 402.336 |
| 21.0 | 422.4528 |
| 22.0 | 442.5696 |
| 23.0 | 462.6864 |
| 24.0 | 482.8032 |
| 25.0 | 502.92 |
| 26.0 | 523.0368 |
Use this chart to quickly find the length in metres for any chain value between -24.0 and 26.0. Just look across the row for your chain number, and read the corresponding metres value.
Related Conversion Questions
- How many metres are in 1.5 chains?
- What is the length in metres for 0.75 chains?
- Can I convert 1 chain to yards or feet instead?
- How do I convert chains to kilometres for land measurements?
- What is the equivalent of 2 chains in metres?
- How accurate is the chain to metre conversion?
- What is the history behind the chain measurement?
Conversion Definitions
A chain is a traditional land measurement used mainly in surveying, equal to 66 feet or 22 yards, often utilized for plotting land parcels. It is a standard unit for land demarcation and has historical roots in British and American surveying practices.
Metres are the base unit of length in the metric system, defined as the distance light travels in vacuum in 1/299,792,458 seconds. It is used worldwide for scientific, engineering, and everyday measurements, providing a universal standard for length.
Conversion FAQs
How precise is the conversion from chain to metres?
The conversion uses a fixed rate of 20.1168 metres per chain, which is exact and based on the standard definition of a chain. Calculations based on this are highly precise, suitable for most land measurement needs, though minor rounding may occur in practical use.
Why was the chain measurement originally used?
The chain was developed for land surveying because its length was practical for measuring plots and property boundaries, especially before modern tools. It allowed surveyors to quickly measure and mark land parcels with reasonable accuracy and ease.
Are there other units related to chains in the measurement system?
Yes, the chain is related to units like the furlong (1 chain = 1/4 furlong), and both are part of the imperial measurement system. These units are still used in some regions for land measurement, especially in agriculture and property boundaries.
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