An astronomical unit is the mean Earth-Sun distance.
Astronomical units to Chains Converter — AU to ch
Convert Astronomical unit (AU) to Chain (ch) using the exact conversion factor (1 astronomical unit = 7,436,464,582 chain). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Astronomical units to Chains converter
Converter
Length Converter
Convert SI, imperial, US customary, astronomical, scientific, and historical length units.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
A surveyor's chain is 66 feet.
Result = input x 1.49597871e+11 / 20.1168.
Length uses the meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Astronomical units to Chains
Astronomical unit and Chain both measure length. Astronomical unit is most often used for measuring distances within the solar system (planetary orbits).
Formula
chains = astronomical units × 7436464581.84
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 astronomical unit equals 149597870700 base units, and 1 chain equals 20.1168 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct astronomical unit-to-chain factor of 7436464581.84.
Simple example
1 AU × 7436464582 = 7,436,464,582 ch
1 astronomical unit = 7,436,464,582 chains.
Real-world example
10 AU × 7436464582 = 74,364,645,820 ch
10 astronomical units = 74,364,645,820 chains.
Conversion table
| Astronomical unit (AU) | Chain (ch) |
|---|---|
| 1 AU | 7,436,464,582 ch |
| 5 AU | 37,182,322,910 ch |
| 10 AU | 74,364,645,820 ch |
| 21.0975 AU | 156,890,811,500 ch |
| 42.195 AU | 313,781,623,000 ch |
| 100 AU | 743,646,458,200 ch |
Reverse conversion: Chain to Astronomical unit
1 ch × 1.344725e-10 = 1.344725e-10 AU
1 chain = 1.344725e-10 astronomical units.
astronomical units = chains × 1.344725e-10
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Chain to Astronomical unit.
Understanding the Astronomical unit
Astronomical unit (AU) measures distance. The astronomical unit is defined as exactly 149,597,870,700 meters, close to the average Earth-Sun distance. It is classified as a Non-SI unit accepted for use with SI (astronomical).
Where it's used: Used internationally in astronomy for solar-system-scale distances.
Uses of the Astronomical unit today
- Measuring distances within the solar system (planetary orbits)
- Astronomical calculations and spacecraft navigation
- Popular science communication about the solar system
History of the Astronomical unit
The astronomical unit originated from 17th-19th century attempts to measure the Earth-Sun distance, refined over time using transits of Venus and later radar and spacecraft ranging.
In 2012, the International Astronomical Union fixed the AU at exactly 149,597,870,700 meters, replacing its earlier definition (tied to gravitational calculations) with a simple fixed distance, independent of the slightly-variable actual Earth-Sun distance.
Historical origin. Astronomical unit was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Understanding the Chain (ch)
A surveyor's chain is 66 feet.
Astronomical unit — sources
- IAU Resolution B2 (2012) — Fixes the astronomical unit at exactly 149,597,870,700 meters.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many chains are in 1 astronomical unit?
1 astronomical unit equals 7,436,464,582 chains, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert astronomical unit to chain?
Multiply the astronomical unit value by 7436464582. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert chain back to astronomical unit?
Use the reverse factor: 1 chain equals 1.344725e-10 astronomical units. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a astronomical unit?
Astronomical unit (AU) measures distance. The astronomical unit is defined as exactly 149,597,870,700 meters, close to the average Earth-Sun distance. It is classified as a Non-SI unit accepted for use with SI (astronomical).
What is a chain?
Chain (ch) is a unit of length.
Is the astronomical unit to chain conversion exact?
Yes. The astronomical unit is defined as exactly 149,597,870,700 meters, close to the average Earth-Sun distance. That fixed definition is what the converter above uses, so any rounding you see is a display choice, not a limitation of the math.
Where is the astronomical unit still used today?
Used internationally in astronomy for solar-system-scale distances.