Length · Unit Converter

Convert Link to Pole

Convert links to poles instantly. 1 link = 0.04 pole — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Pole 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

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.

Link to Pole conversion formula

The relationship between links and poles:

1 lk = 0.04 pole
1 pole = 25 lk

To convert links to poles, multiply the value in links by 0.04. To reverse, multiply poles by 25.

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 Link converter for the reverse direction.

Step-by-step: convert links to poles

  1. Write down the value in links (lk).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 0.04.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in poles (pole).
  4. To reverse, multiply the pole value by 25.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 lk to pole:
1 × 0.04 = 0.04 pole

Example 2 — Convert 100 lk to pole:
100 × 0.04 = 4 pole

Real-world example — Maritime depth conversion

A 10-link sounding depth converts cleanly into poles. Recreational divers and sailors translate between the two units whenever they read legacy charts against modern depth-sounder displays.

10 lk × 0.04 = 0.4 pole

Real-world example — Reference scenario in case of fallback

Conversion between human-scale length units is the everyday workflow of architecture, athletics, and apparel design — three of the most common contexts that span metric and imperial systems.

1 lk × 0.04 = 0.04 pole

Real-world example — Adult height conversion

A 1.8-link-tall person measures a value in poles that converts the height to the unit favoured by American forms, schools, or driver's licences. This is daily routine for anyone living between metric and imperial systems.

1.8 lk × 0.04 = 0.072 pole

Link to Pole conversion table

Standard reference values for converting links to poles:

Link [lk]Pole [pole]
0.010.0004
0.10.004
10.04
20.08
30.12
40.16
50.2
100.4
200.8
301.2
401.6
502
1004
50020
100040

Frequently asked questions

How many poles is 1 link?
1 link equals 0.04 pole.
How do I convert links to poles?
Multiply the value in links by 0.04 to get poles.
How do I convert poles back to links?
Multiply the value in poles by 25, or use the Pole to Link converter.
How many poles is 100 links?
100 links equals 4 poles, because 100 × 0.04 = 4.

Convert Link to other length units

Show all Link conversions

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 lk = 0.04 pole) verified against the following authoritative sources:

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