Convert Chain to Perch
Convert chains to perches instantly. 1 chain = 4 perch — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Perch to Chain converter for the reverse conversion.
Units explained
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.
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.
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.
Invented by Edmund Gunter in 1620; standardised throughout English and American land survey; became exact via the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement.
Perch
A perch is an Imperial unit of length identical to the rod — 16.5 feet (about 5.03 m). The names 'rod', 'perch', and 'pole' all refer to the same surveying unit and differ only by regional preference.
Like the rod, the perch derives from medieval English land-surveying. The name 'perch' was particularly common in legal land descriptions in Ireland and parts of the UK.
Perches appear in legacy land descriptions in Ireland, the UK, and historical US documents. Modern usage is rare.
Medieval English surveying origin; identical to the rod since 1620; became exact via the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement.
Chain to Perch conversion formula
The relationship between chains and perches:
To convert chains to perches, multiply the value in chains by 4. To reverse, multiply perches by 0.25.
How to use this converter
Type a value into the calculator. The result in perches updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Perch to Chain converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert chains to perches
- Write down the value in chains (ch).
- Multiply that value by the factor 4.
- The product is the equivalent value in perches (perch).
- To reverse, multiply the perch value by 0.25.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 ch to perch:
1 × 4 = 4 perch
Example 2 — Convert 100 ch to perch:
100 × 4 = 400 perch
Chain to Perch conversion table
Standard reference values for converting chains to perches:
| Chain [ch] | Perch [perch] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 0.04 |
| 0.1 | 0.4 |
| 1 | 4 |
| 2 | 8 |
| 3 | 12 |
| 4 | 16 |
| 5 | 20 |
| 10 | 40 |
| 20 | 80 |
| 30 | 120 |
| 40 | 160 |
| 50 | 200 |
| 100 | 400 |
| 500 | 2000 |
| 1000 | 4000 |
Frequently asked questions
How many perches is 1 chain?
How do I convert chains to perches?
How do I convert perches back to chains?
How many perches is 100 chains?
Popular length unit conversions
Convert Chain to other length units
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Metric / SI (4 units)
Imperial / US Customary (26 units)
Sources & references
Conversion factor (1 ch = 4 perch) 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 Astronomical Union — System of Astronomical Constants
The IAU defines astronomical units including the AU (149597870700 m exactly) light-year and parsec used in astronomy and astrophysics.