Convert Centimeter to Chain
Convert centimeters to chains instantly. 1 centimeter = 0.000497097 chain — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Chain to Centimeter converter for the reverse conversion.
Units explained
Centimeter
A centimeter is a metric unit of length equal to one hundredth of a meter (1/100 m). It is one of the most commonly used SI sub-units in daily life, especially for measuring small objects, body dimensions, paper sizes, and short distances.
The centimeter emerged from the French metric system established by the French Academy of Sciences in 1793. The metric system introduced decimal-based prefixes (milli-, centi-, deci-, deca-, hecto-, kilo-) to create proportional sub-units of the meter.
Centimeters are the standard unit for everyday measurement in nearly every country outside the United States. They are used for body height, clothing sizes, rainfall, paper formats (A4 is 21 × 29.7 cm), screen dimensions, and most consumer product specifications.
Developed in France during the late 18th century as part of the metric system designed by the French Academy of Sciences. Formally adopted in France in 1795 and ratified internationally through the Metre Convention signed in Paris in 1875.
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.
Centimeter to Chain conversion formula
The relationship between centimeters and chains:
To convert centimeters to chains, multiply the value in centimeters by 0.000497097. To reverse, multiply chains by 2011.68.
How to use this converter
Type a value into the calculator. The result in 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 Chain to Centimeter converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert centimeters to chains
- Write down the value in centimeters (cm).
- Multiply that value by the factor 0.000497097.
- The product is the equivalent value in chains (ch).
- To reverse, multiply the chain value by 2011.68.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 cm to ch:
1 × 0.000497097 = 0.000497097 ch
Example 2 — Convert 100 cm to ch:
100 × 0.000497097 = 0.0497096954 ch
Real-world example — Postcard and small-object dimensions
A postcard is about 5 centimeters wide. Converting to chains is essential for international postal addressing forms that ask for dimensions in different units across countries.
5 cm × 0.000497097 = 0.0024854848 ch
Real-world example — Ruler-scale measurements
A 30-centimeter school ruler converts cleanly to chains — useful when buying a desk accessory from a retailer whose product specs use a different unit.
30 cm × 0.000497097 = 0.0149129086 ch
Real-world example — Hardware-scale dimensions
A 10-centimeter fastener or component is about as long as a thumbnail. Mechanics and DIY enthusiasts convert between centimeters and chains daily when mixing metric and imperial tools.
10 cm × 0.000497097 = 0.0049709695 ch
Centimeter to Chain conversion table
Standard reference values for converting centimeters to chains:
| Centimeter [cm] | Chain [ch] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 4.97097e-6 |
| 0.1 | 4.97097e-5 |
| 1 | 0.000497097 |
| 2 | 0.0009941939 |
| 3 | 0.0014912909 |
| 4 | 0.0019883878 |
| 5 | 0.0024854848 |
| 10 | 0.0049709695 |
| 20 | 0.0099419391 |
| 30 | 0.0149129086 |
| 40 | 0.0198838782 |
| 50 | 0.0248548477 |
| 100 | 0.0497096954 |
| 500 | 0.2485484769 |
| 1000 | 0.4970969538 |
Frequently asked questions
How many chains is 1 centimeter?
How do I convert centimeters to chains?
How do I convert chains back to centimeters?
How many chains is 100 centimeters?
Popular length unit conversions
Convert Centimeter to other length units
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Metric / SI (17 units)
Imperial / US Customary (27 units)
Nautical (1 units)
Astronomical (9 units)
Atomic / Physics (6 units)
Typographic (3 units)
Sources & references
Conversion factor (1 cm = 0.000497097 ch) 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.