Length · Unit Converter

Convert Centimeter to Link

Convert centimeters to links instantly. 1 centimeter = 0.0497096954 link — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Link to Centimeter 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

Metric / SI

Centimeter

What is a 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.

Origin of the centimeter

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.

Where it is used

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.

When and where it was developed

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.

Imperial / US Customary

Link

What is a link?

A link is an Imperial unit of length equal to 7.92 inches (201.168 mm) — exactly 1/100 of a surveyor's chain. It is the smallest unit in the chain-based survey measurement system.

Origin of the link

The link was defined by Edmund Gunter in 1620 as part of his 22-yard surveying chain. He divided the chain into 100 links specifically to enable easy decimal arithmetic when computing parcel areas.

Where it is used

Links appear in historical US and UK land survey documents (especially pre-1900). Modern surveyors generally use feet or meters but legacy deed records and government land surveys still cite acreage in chains and links.

When and where it was developed

Defined by Edmund Gunter in 1620; standardised as 7.92 inches via the chain definition; became exact via the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement.

Centimeter to Link conversion formula

The relationship between centimeters and links:

1 cm = 0.0497096954 lk
1 lk = 20.1168 cm

To convert centimeters to links, multiply the value in centimeters by 0.0497096954. To reverse, multiply links by 20.1168.

How to use this converter

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

Step-by-step: convert centimeters to links

  1. Write down the value in centimeters (cm).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 0.0497096954.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in links (lk).
  4. To reverse, multiply the link value by 20.1168.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 cm to lk:
1 × 0.0497096954 = 0.0497096954 lk

Example 2 — Convert 100 cm to lk:
100 × 0.0497096954 = 4.9709695379 lk

Real-world example — Furniture and large objects

A 72-centimeter piece of furniture converts to a value in links that's easier to mentally compare with room dimensions. This is the typical workflow when shopping internationally and product specs use a different unit than your room measurements.

72 cm × 0.0497096954 = 3.5790980673 lk

Real-world example — Children's height milestones

A 150-centimeter-tall child measures a value in links that's commonly used for theme-park ride height requirements when travelling between countries that use different measurement units.

150 cm × 0.0497096954 = 7.4564543068 lk

Real-world example — Body height conversion

You enter your height as 180 centimeters into an international job or visa application. The form then asks for the same value in links — converting between these adjacent units is one of the most-used length conversions globally.

180 cm × 0.0497096954 = 8.9477451682 lk

Centimeter to Link conversion table

Standard reference values for converting centimeters to links:

Centimeter [cm]Link [lk]
0.010.000497097
0.10.0049709695
10.0497096954
20.0994193908
30.1491290861
40.1988387815
50.2485484769
100.4970969538
200.9941939076
301.4912908614
401.9883878152
502.4854847689
1004.9709695379
50024.8548476895
100049.709695379

Frequently asked questions

How many links is 1 centimeter?
1 centimeter equals 0.0497096954 link.
How do I convert centimeters to links?
Multiply the value in centimeters by 0.0497096954 to get links.
How do I convert links back to centimeters?
Multiply the value in links by 20.1168, or use the Link to Centimeter converter.
How many links is 100 centimeters?
100 centimeters equals 4.9709695379 links, because 100 × 0.0497096954 = 4.9709695379.

Convert Centimeter to other length units

Show all Centimeter conversions
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 = 0.0497096954 lk) verified against the following authoritative sources:

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