Length · Unit Converter

Convert Square Rod to Square Chain

Convert square rods to square chains instantly. 1 square rod = 0.0625 square chain — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Square Chain to Square Rod 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 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.

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.

Square Rod to Square Chain conversion formula

The relationship between square rods and square chains:

1 rd² = 0.0625 ch²
1 ch² = 15.9999999984 rd²

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

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 Rod converter for the reverse direction.

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

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

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 rd² to ch²:
1 × 0.0625 = 0.0625 ch²

Example 2 — Convert 100 rd² to ch²:
100 × 0.0625 = 6.2500000006 ch²

Square Rod to Square Chain conversion table

Standard reference values for converting square rods to square chains:

Square Rod [rd²]Square Chain [ch²]
0.010.000625
0.10.00625
10.0625
20.125
30.1875
40.25
50.3125
100.6250000001
201.2500000001
301.8750000002
402.5000000002
503.1250000003
1006.2500000006
50031.2500000031
100062.5000000062

Frequently asked questions

How many square chains is 1 square rod?
1 square rod equals 0.0625 square chain.
How do I convert square rods to square chains?
Multiply the value in square rods by 0.0625 to get square chains.
How do I convert square chains back to square rods?
Multiply the value in square chains by 15.9999999984, or use the Square Chain to Square Rod converter.
How many square chains is 100 square rods?
100 square rods equals 6.2500000006 square chains, because 100 × 0.0625 = 6.2500000006.

Convert Square Rod to other area units

Show all Square Rod conversions

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 rd² = 0.0625 ch²) verified against the following authoritative sources:

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