Length · Unit Converter

Convert Square Chain to Square Rod

Convert square chains to square rods instantly. 1 square chain = 15.9999999984 square rod — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Square Rod to Square Chain converter for the reverse conversion.

Written by Sunith Babu L, Ph.D., Lead Engineer Reviewed by Girish V Kulkarni Ph.D.
Length category 2 min read Published Last reviewed Updated

Units explained

Imperial / US Customary

Square Chain

What is a square chain?

A square chain is an imperial unit of area equal to approximately 404.686 m². It equals 1/10 of an acre.

Origin of the square chain

Derived by squaring the chain (66 feet or 22 yards). The chain was defined by Edmund Gunter in 1620 specifically so that 10 square chains equal exactly one acre.

Where it is used

Square chains appear in US Public Land Survey System (PLSS) records and historical English property documents. The 10-to-1 ratio with acres made early survey arithmetic easier.

When and where it was developed

Defined by Edmund Gunter in 1620 specifically for surveying convenience.

Imperial / US Customary

Square Rod

What is a square rod?

A square rod is an imperial unit of area equal to approximately 25.293 m². It is part of the historical English land survey system.

Origin of the square rod

Derived by squaring the rod (16.5 feet or 1/4 chain). The rod, perch, and pole are three names for the same length.

Where it is used

Square rods appear in historical English and American land surveys and legacy property records. The unit is largely obsolete today, surviving mainly in legal descriptions of older land grants.

When and where it was developed

Standardized via the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement.

Square Chain to Square Rod conversion formula

The relationship between square chains and square rods:

1 ch² = 15.9999999984 rd²
1 rd² = 0.0625 ch²

To convert square chains to square rods, multiply the value in square chains by 15.9999999984. To reverse, multiply square rods by 0.0625.

How to use this converter

Type a value into the calculator. The result in square rods updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Square Rod to Square Chain converter for the reverse direction.

Step-by-step: convert square chains to square rods

  1. Write down the value in square chains (ch²).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 15.9999999984.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in square rods (rd²).
  4. To reverse, multiply the square rod value by 0.0625.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 ch² to rd²:
1 × 15.9999999984 = 15.9999999984 rd²

Example 2 — Convert 100 ch² to rd²:
100 × 15.9999999984 = 1599.9999998419 rd²

Square Chain to Square Rod conversion table

Standard reference values for converting square chains to square rods:

Square Chain [ch²]Square Rod [rd²]
0.010.16
0.11.5999999998
115.9999999984
231.9999999968
347.9999999953
463.9999999937
579.9999999921
10159.9999999842
20319.9999999684
30479.9999999526
40639.9999999367
50799.9999999209
1001599.9999998419
5007999.9999992093
100015999.9999984185

Frequently asked questions

How many square rods is 1 square chain?
1 square chain equals 15.9999999984 square rod.
How do I convert square chains to square rods?
Multiply the value in square chains by 15.9999999984 to get square rods.
How do I convert square rods back to square chains?
Multiply the value in square rods by 0.0625, or use the Square Rod to Square Chain converter.
How many square rods is 100 square chains?
100 square chains equals 1599.9999998419 square rods, because 100 × 15.9999999984 = 1599.9999998419.

Convert Square Chain to other area units

Show all Square Chain conversions

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 ch² = 15.9999999984 rd²) verified against the following authoritative sources:

Results are provided for general reference. Verify critical measurements against an authoritative standard.