Convert Chain to Span
Convert chains to spans instantly. 1 chain = 88 span — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Span 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.
Span
A span is an Imperial unit of length equal to 9 inches (228.6 mm). Historically, it represented the distance from the tip of an extended thumb to the tip of an extended little finger.
The span derives from this natural body-measurement and was standardised at 9 inches in English customary practice.
Spans are rare in modern commerce but appear in historical English literature, biblical translation studies, and reproduction crafts. Some construction and gardening still use 'span' informally.
Ancient body-measure origin; standardised in English customary practice at 9 inches; became exact via the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement.
Chain to Span conversion formula
The relationship between chains and spans:
To convert chains to spans, multiply the value in chains by 88. To reverse, multiply spans by 0.0113636364.
How to use this converter
Type a value into the calculator. The result in spans updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Span to Chain converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert chains to spans
- Write down the value in chains (ch).
- Multiply that value by the factor 88.
- The product is the equivalent value in spans (span).
- To reverse, multiply the span value by 0.0113636364.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 ch to span:
1 × 88 = 88 span
Example 2 — Convert 100 ch to span:
100 × 88 = 8800 span
Chain to Span conversion table
Standard reference values for converting chains to spans:
| Chain [ch] | Span [span] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 0.88 |
| 0.1 | 8.8 |
| 1 | 88 |
| 2 | 176 |
| 3 | 264 |
| 4 | 352 |
| 5 | 440 |
| 10 | 880 |
| 20 | 1760 |
| 30 | 2640 |
| 40 | 3520 |
| 50 | 4400 |
| 100 | 8800 |
| 500 | 44000 |
| 1000 | 88000 |
Frequently asked questions
How many spans is 1 chain?
How do I convert chains to spans?
How do I convert spans back to chains?
How many spans is 100 chains?
Popular length unit conversions
Convert Chain to other length units
Show all Chain conversions
Metric / SI (4 units)
Imperial / US Customary (26 units)
Sources & references
Conversion factor (1 ch = 88 span) 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.