A surveyor's chain is 66 feet.
Chains to Decameters Converter — ch to dam
Convert Chain (ch) to Decameter (dam) using the exact conversion factor (1 chain = 2.01168 decameter). See the formula, worked examples, and conversion table.
Chains to Decameters 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.
Decameter is 10 meter units.
Result = input x 20.1168 / 10.
Length uses the meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Chains to Decameters
Chain and Decameter both measure length. Specifically: A surveyor's chain is 66 feet, and decameter is 10 meter units.
Formula
decameters = chains × 2.01168
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 chain equals 20.1168 base units, and 1 decameter equals 10 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct chain-to-decameter factor of 2.01168.
Simple example
1 ch × 2.01168 = 2.01168 dam
1 chain = 2.01168 decameters.
Real-world example
10 ch × 2.01168 = 20.1168 dam
10 chains = 20.1168 decameters.
Conversion table
| Chain (ch) | Decameter (dam) |
|---|---|
| 1 ch | 2.01168 dam |
| 5 ch | 10.0584 dam |
| 10 ch | 20.1168 dam |
| 21.0975 ch | 42.4414188 dam |
| 42.195 ch | 84.8828376 dam |
| 100 ch | 201.168 dam |
Reverse conversion: Decameter to Chain
2.01168 dam × 0.4970969538 = 1 ch
2.01168 decameters = 1 chain.
chains = decameters × 0.49709695379
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Decameter to Chain.
Understanding the Chain (ch)
A surveyor's chain is 66 feet.
Understanding the Decameter (dam)
Decameter is 10 meter units.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many decameters are in 1 chain?
1 chain equals 2.01168 decameters, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert chain to decameter?
Multiply the chain value by 2.01168. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert decameter back to chain?
Use the reverse factor: 1 decameter equals 0.4970969538 chains. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a chain?
Chain (ch) is a unit of length.
What is a decameter?
Decameter (dam) is a unit of length.
Is the chain to decameter conversion exact?
Yes. Both chain and decameter are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 2.01168 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.