Convert Square Link to Square Chain
Convert square links to square chains instantly. 1 square link = 1e-4 square chain — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Square Chain to Square Link converter for the reverse conversion.
Units explained
Square Link
A square link is an imperial unit of area equal to approximately 0.0405 m². It is part of the chain-link surveying system used historically for land measurement.
Derived by squaring the link (1/100 of a chain = 7.92 inches). The Gunter's chain was introduced by English mathematician Edmund Gunter in 1620 for land surveying.
Square links appear in historical land surveys and legacy property records, particularly in the US Public Land Survey System (PLSS). Modern surveys use feet or meters instead.
Gunter's chain introduced in 1620; standardized via the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement.
Square Chain
A square chain is an imperial unit of area equal to approximately 404.686 m². It equals 1/10 of an acre.
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.
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.
Defined by Edmund Gunter in 1620 specifically for surveying convenience.
Square Link to Square Chain conversion formula
The relationship between square links and square chains:
To convert square links to square chains, multiply the value in square links by 1e-4. To reverse, multiply square chains by 10000.0000543632.
How to use this converter
Type a value into the calculator. The result in square chains 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 Chain to Square Link converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert square links to square chains
- Write down the value in square links (lk²).
- Multiply that value by the factor 1e-4.
- The product is the equivalent value in square chains (ch²).
- To reverse, multiply the square chain value by 10000.0000543632.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 lk² to ch²:
1 × 1e-4 = 1e-4 ch²
Example 2 — Convert 100 lk² to ch²:
100 × 1e-4 = 0.0099999999 ch²
Real-world example — Ruler-scale measurements
A 30-square link school ruler converts cleanly to square chains — useful when buying a desk accessory from a retailer whose product specs use a different unit.
30 lk² × 1e-4 = 0.003 ch²
Real-world example — Hardware-scale dimensions
A 10-square link fastener or component is about as long as a thumbnail. Mechanics and DIY enthusiasts convert between square links and square chains daily when mixing metric and imperial tools.
10 lk² × 1e-4 = 0.001 ch²
Real-world example — Postcard and small-object dimensions
A postcard is about 5 square links wide. Converting to square chains is essential for international postal addressing forms that ask for dimensions in different units across countries.
5 lk² × 1e-4 = 0.0005 ch²
Square Link to Square Chain conversion table
Standard reference values for converting square links to square chains:
| Square Link [lk²] | Square Chain [ch²] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 1e-6 |
| 0.1 | 1e-5 |
| 1 | 1e-4 |
| 2 | 0.0002 |
| 3 | 0.0003 |
| 4 | 0.0004 |
| 5 | 0.0005 |
| 10 | 0.001 |
| 20 | 0.002 |
| 30 | 0.003 |
| 40 | 0.004 |
| 50 | 0.005 |
| 100 | 0.0099999999 |
| 500 | 0.0499999997 |
| 1000 | 0.0999999995 |
Frequently asked questions
How many square chains is 1 square link?
How do I convert square links to square chains?
How do I convert square chains back to square links?
How many square chains is 100 square links?
Popular area unit conversions
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Metric / SI (5 units)
Imperial / US Customary (14 units)
Sources & references
Conversion factor (1 lk² = 1e-4 ch²) verified against the following authoritative sources:
- BIPM — The International System of Units (SI Brochure 9th ed.)
Official BIPM publication defining the seven SI base units (including the meter) and the rules for their use. The global authority on units of measurement.
- NIST — Guide to the SI
US National Institute of Standards and Technology reference covering the SI base and derived units with definitions and usage rules for US technical practice.
- NIST Special Publication 811 — Guide for the Use of the International System of Units
Detailed NIST guide covering exact conversion factors between SI and US customary units along with formatting and rounding conventions.
- NIST — Refinement of values for the yard and pound (Federal Register 1959)
The treaty (signed by US
- International Hydrographic Organization — Resolution on the Nautical Mile
International authority that standardised the nautical mile at exactly 1852 m in 1929 — the value adopted worldwide for sea and air navigation.