Length · Unit Converter

Convert Link to Cable

Convert links to cables instantly. 1 link = 0.0010862203 cable — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Cable 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

Cable

What is a cable?

A cable is a nautical unit of length equal to one tenth of a nautical mile (exactly 185.2 m). It is used in maritime navigation for short-distance descriptions.

Origin of the cable

The cable derives from the historical length of a ship's anchor cable. Standardised at one tenth of an international nautical mile in 1929.

Where it is used

Cables are used in modern maritime navigation when describing short distances between vessels, anchoring depths, and harbor manoeuvres. Common in naval and yachting contexts.

When and where it was developed

Standardised at 1/10 nautical mile by the International Hydrographic Organization in 1929.

Link to Cable conversion formula

The relationship between links and cables:

1 lk = 0.0010862203 cable
1 cable = 920.6235584188 lk

To convert links to cables, multiply the value in links by 0.0010862203. To reverse, multiply cables by 920.6235584188.

How to use this converter

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

Step-by-step: convert links to cables

  1. Write down the value in links (lk).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 0.0010862203.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in cables (cable).
  4. To reverse, multiply the cable value by 920.6235584188.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 lk to cable:
1 × 0.0010862203 = 0.0010862203 cable

Example 2 — Convert 100 lk to cable:
100 × 0.0010862203 = 0.1086220302 cable

Real-world example — Adult height conversion

A 1.8-link-tall person measures a value in cables 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 × 0.0010862203 = 0.0019551965 cable

Real-world example — Fabric purchase length

Two links of fabric equals a value in cables essential for tailors and textile buyers sourcing material from international suppliers that quote in different units.

2 lk × 0.0010862203 = 0.0021724406 cable

Real-world example — Maritime depth conversion

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

10 lk × 0.0010862203 = 0.010862203 cable

Link to Cable conversion table

Standard reference values for converting links to cables:

Link [lk]Cable [cable]
0.011.08622e-5
0.10.000108622
10.0010862203
20.0021724406
30.0032586609
40.0043448812
50.0054311015
100.010862203
200.021724406
300.0325866091
400.0434488121
500.0543110151
1000.1086220302
5000.5431101512
10001.0862203024

Frequently asked questions

How many cables is 1 link?
1 link equals 0.0010862203 cable.
How do I convert links to cables?
Multiply the value in links by 0.0010862203 to get cables.
How do I convert cables back to links?
Multiply the value in cables by 920.6235584188, or use the Cable to Link converter.
How many cables is 100 links?
100 links equals 0.1086220302 cables, because 100 × 0.0010862203 = 0.1086220302.

Convert Link to other length units

Show all Link conversions

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 lk = 0.0010862203 cable) verified against the following authoritative sources:

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