Length · Unit Converter

Convert Link to Barleycorn

Convert links to barleycorns instantly. 1 link = 23.7599999065 barleycorn — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Barleycorn to Link 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

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.

Imperial / US Customary

Barleycorn

What is a barleycorn?

A barleycorn is an Imperial unit of length equal to one third of an inch (about 8.47 mm). It is the basis of UK shoe sizing and is one of the oldest English length units still in use.

Origin of the barleycorn

The barleycorn derives from the average length of a grain of barley as a natural reference. Standardised at exactly 1/3 inch by the Statute of Edward II in 1324, which used three barleycorns to define an inch.

Where it is used

Barleycorns are the foundation of UK and US children's shoe sizing — each whole size differs by one barleycorn. Also occasionally referenced in horse-handling and historical English literature.

When and where it was developed

Standardised in 1324 by the Statute of Edward II at 1/3 inch; the value became exact in 1959 when the inch was fixed at 25.4 mm.

Link to Barleycorn conversion formula

The relationship between links and barleycorns:

1 lk = 23.7599999065 barleycorn
1 barleycorn = 0.0420875423 lk

To convert links to barleycorns, multiply the value in links by 23.7599999065. To reverse, multiply barleycorns by 0.0420875423.

How to use this converter

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

Step-by-step: convert links to barleycorns

  1. Write down the value in links (lk).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 23.7599999065.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in barleycorns (barleycorn).
  4. To reverse, multiply the barleycorn value by 0.0420875423.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 lk to barleycorn:
1 × 23.7599999065 = 23.7599999065 barleycorn

Example 2 — Convert 100 lk to barleycorn:
100 × 23.7599999065 = 2375.9999906457 barleycorn

Real-world example — Body height conversion (reverse direction)

You measure 1.75 links tall and need to fill in a gym membership form or medical record that asks for height in barleycorns. This is the most-used everyday length conversion in metric-using countries.

1.75 lk × 23.7599999065 = 41.5799998363 barleycorn

Real-world example — Pet and accessory dimensions

A 3-link dog leash equals a tidy round value in barleycorns. Pet-supply shopping frequently mixes the two units across product specifications.

3 lk × 23.7599999065 = 71.2799997194 barleycorn

Real-world example — Fabric and tailoring

One link of fabric converts to a value in barleycorns commonly used for seam allowances. Garment patterns frequently switch between the two units on a single instruction sheet.

1 lk × 23.7599999065 = 23.7599999065 barleycorn

Link to Barleycorn conversion table

Standard reference values for converting links to barleycorns:

Link [lk]Barleycorn [barleycorn]
0.010.2375999991
0.12.3759999906
123.7599999065
247.5199998129
371.2799997194
495.0399996258
5118.7999995323
10237.5999990646
20475.1999981291
30712.7999971937
40950.3999962583
501187.9999953228
1002375.9999906457
50011879.9999532283
100023759.9999064567

Frequently asked questions

How many barleycorns is 1 link?
1 link equals 23.7599999065 barleycorn.
How do I convert links to barleycorns?
Multiply the value in links by 23.7599999065 to get barleycorns.
How do I convert barleycorns back to links?
Multiply the value in barleycorns by 0.0420875423, or use the Barleycorn to Link converter.
How many barleycorns is 100 links?
100 links equals 2375.9999906457 barleycorns, because 100 × 23.7599999065 = 2375.9999906457.

Convert Link to other length units

Show all Link conversions

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 lk = 23.7599999065 barleycorn) verified against the following authoritative sources:

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