Length · Unit Converter

Convert Chain to Centiinch

Convert chains to centiinches instantly. 1 chain = 79200 centiinch — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Centiinch to 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

Chain

What is a chain?

A chain is an Imperial unit of length equal to 66 feet (20.1168 m), or exactly 4 rods or 100 links. It is the central unit in the Gunter chain-based land-survey system.

Origin of the chain

Defined by Edmund Gunter in 1620 specifically to make land-area arithmetic easy: 10 square chains = 1 acre exactly. The 66-foot length and 100-link subdivision were chosen so chain measurements could be added decimally.

Where it is used

Chains are the fundamental unit of legacy US public land surveys (the entire US township-and-range system uses chains). Modern survey work generally uses meters or feet, but legacy deeds remain in chains.

When and where it was developed

Invented by Edmund Gunter in 1620; standardised throughout English and American land survey; became exact via the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement.

Imperial / US Customary

Centiinch

What is a centiinch?

A centiinch is an Imperial unit of length equal to one hundredth of an inch (2.54×10⁻⁴ m). It is functionally identical to the caliber as a length unit but appears in different industrial contexts.

Origin of the centiinch

Derived from the inch via the metric-style prefix centi- (Latin centum, hundred). Standardised through the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement.

Where it is used

Centiinches occasionally appear in older engineering specifications and US-localised metric-pseudo notation. Most contemporary use prefers thousandths (mils) for sub-inch precision.

When and where it was developed

Standardised through the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement; rarely used in modern practice.

Chain to Centiinch conversion formula

The relationship between chains and centiinches:

1 ch = 79200 cin
1 cin = 1.262626e-5 ch

To convert chains to centiinches, multiply the value in chains by 79200. To reverse, multiply centiinches by 1.262626e-5.

How to use this converter

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

Step-by-step: convert chains to centiinches

  1. Write down the value in chains (ch).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 79200.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in centiinches (cin).
  4. To reverse, multiply the centiinch value by 1.262626e-5.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 ch to cin:
1 × 79200 = 79200 cin

Example 2 — Convert 100 ch to cin:
100 × 79200 = 7920000 cin

Chain to Centiinch conversion table

Standard reference values for converting chains to centiinches:

Chain [ch]Centiinch [cin]
0.01792
0.17920
179200
2158400
3237600
4316800
5396000
10792000
201584000
302376000
403168000
503960000
1007920000
5003.96e+7
10007.92e+7

Frequently asked questions

How many centiinches is 1 chain?
1 chain equals 79200 centiinch.
How do I convert chains to centiinches?
Multiply the value in chains by 79200 to get centiinches.
How do I convert centiinches back to chains?
Multiply the value in centiinches by 1.262626e-5, or use the Centiinch to Chain converter.
How many centiinches is 100 chains?
100 chains equals 7920000 centiinches, because 100 × 79200 = 7920000.

Convert Chain to other length units

Show all Chain conversions

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 ch = 79200 cin) verified against the following authoritative sources:

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