Length · Unit Converter

Convert Furlong to Pole

Convert furlongs to poles instantly. 1 furlong = 40 pole — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Pole to Furlong 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

Furlong

What is a furlong?

A furlong is an Imperial unit of length equal to 660 feet, or exactly one eighth of a mile (about 201.17 m). It is the longest unit in the traditional English farm-and-survey system.

Origin of the furlong

The furlong derives from Old English furh (furrow) + lang (long) — originally the length of a furrow in a typical medieval English open field. Standardised at 660 feet (= 10 chains = 220 yards = 1/8 mile) in medieval times.

Where it is used

Furlongs are the standard distance unit in horse racing (e.g., 'The race is 8 furlongs'), historical English farming and surveying, and occasional poetic or rhetorical usage. Modern racing courses worldwide list distances in furlongs.

When and where it was developed

Medieval English farming origin; standardised at 660 feet; remains the official distance unit in flat-racing thoroughbred horse races worldwide.

Imperial / US Customary

Pole

What is a pole?

A pole is an Imperial unit of length identical to the rod and perch — 16.5 feet (about 5.03 m). The names are regional and historical variants for the same measurement.

Origin of the pole

The pole derives from medieval English land-surveying. The name comes from the physical wooden pole used by surveyors to lay out the unit on the ground.

Where it is used

Poles appear in historical land records, particularly older US public-land surveys. Functionally identical to rod and perch in all calculations.

When and where it was developed

Medieval English surveying origin; identical to the rod since 1620; became exact via the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement.

Furlong to Pole conversion formula

The relationship between furlongs and poles:

1 fur = 40 pole
1 pole = 0.025 fur

To convert furlongs to poles, multiply the value in furlongs by 40. To reverse, multiply poles by 0.025.

How to use this converter

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

Step-by-step: convert furlongs to poles

  1. Write down the value in furlongs (fur).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 40.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in poles (pole).
  4. To reverse, multiply the pole value by 0.025.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 fur to pole:
1 × 40 = 40 pole

Example 2 — Convert 100 fur to pole:
100 × 40 = 4000 pole

Furlong to Pole conversion table

Standard reference values for converting furlongs to poles:

Furlong [fur]Pole [pole]
0.010.4
0.14
140
280
3120
4160
5200
10400
20800
301200
401600
502000
1004000
50020000
100040000

Frequently asked questions

How many poles is 1 furlong?
1 furlong equals 40 pole.
How do I convert furlongs to poles?
Multiply the value in furlongs by 40 to get poles.
How do I convert poles back to furlongs?
Multiply the value in poles by 0.025, or use the Pole to Furlong converter.
How many poles is 100 furlongs?
100 furlongs equals 4000 poles, because 100 × 40 = 4000.

Convert Furlong to other length units

Show all Furlong conversions

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 fur = 40 pole) verified against the following authoritative sources:

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