# Chains to Centimeters (ch to cm)

Source: https://www.unitconvertercalculator.com/length/chains-to-centimeters/

**1 ch = 2011.68 cm**

One chain equals exactly 2,011.68 centimeters, or about 20.12 meters. This conversion is useful when interpreting historical English land surveys in metric units. The chain (66 feet) translates cleanly to metric, and old property descriptions in chains can be converted to centimeters or meters for modern cadastral records.

## Formula

Convert Chains to Centimeters

## Conversion Table

| Chains (ch) | Centimeters (cm) |
|---|---|
| 0.01 ch | 20.1168 cm |
| 0.05 ch | 100.584 cm |
| 0.1 ch | 201.168 cm |
| 0.25 ch | 502.92 cm |
| 0.5 ch | 1005.84 cm |
| 1 ch | 2011.68 cm |
| 2 ch | 4023.36 cm |
| 5 ch | 10058.4 cm |
| 10 ch | 20116.8 cm |
| 20 ch | 40233.6 cm |
| 40 ch | 80467.2 cm |
| 80 ch | 160934.4 cm |
| 100 ch | 201168 cm |
| 500 ch | 1005840 cm |

## Units

### Chain (ch)

Exactly 66 feet or 4 rods (20.1168 m). Invented by Edmund Gunter for land surveying. 80 chains make one mile. Still used in US public land surveys.

### Centimeter (cm)

A metric unit of length equal to one hundredth of a meter. Commonly used for body height, clothing sizes, and everyday measurements.

## Background

A cricket pitch at 1 chain is exactly 2,011.68 cm (20.12 m). A furlong (10 chains) is 20,116.8 cm. When digitizing old British or American land records into modern GIS systems, chain measurements must be converted to metric. The centimeter is too fine for most land surveying purposes, but the conversion through meters is straightforward.

## Good to Know

Old property deeds in the US and UK often describe boundaries in chains and links. When these properties are resurveyed for modern sale or development, the chain measurements must be converted to metric. This conversion has real legal significance.

## FAQ

### How many centimeters are in 1 chain?

One chain equals exactly 2,011.68 centimeters (20.1168 meters). Since 1 chain = 66 feet and 1 foot = 30.48 cm, multiply 66 by 30.48.

### How do I convert chains to centimeters?

Multiply the number of chains by 2,011.68. For example, 5 chains = 5 x 2,011.68 = 10,058.4 cm (100.584 meters).

### When would I convert chains to centimeters?

When interpreting historical land surveys for modern property records, GIS mapping, or legal boundary disputes. Old deeds in chains need metric conversion for contemporary use. Meters is usually more practical than centimeters for this purpose.

## Non-Frequently Asked Questions

### Is a cricket pitch really 1 chain?

Yes. A cricket pitch is exactly 22 yards = 1 chain = 2,011.68 cm. Cricket adopted Gunter's chain length and never changed it. The sport is literally played on a surveyor's tool.

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## See Also

- [Centimeters to Chains](https://www.unitconvertercalculator.com/length/centimeters-to-chains/)