A surveyor's chain is 66 feet.
Chains to Inches Converter — ch to in
Convert Chain (ch) to Inch (in) using the exact conversion factor (1 chain = 792 inch). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Chains to Inches 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.
An inch is exactly 0.0254 meters.
Result = input x 20.1168 / 0.0254.
Length uses the meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Chains to Inches
Chain and Inch both measure length. Specifically: A surveyor's chain is 66 feet, and an inch is exactly 0.0254 meters.
Formula
inches = chains × 792
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 chain equals 20.1168 base units, and 1 inch equals 0.0254 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct chain-to-inch factor of 792.
Simple example
1 ch × 792 = 792 in
1 chain = 792 inches.
Real-world example
10 ch × 792 = 7,920 in
10 chains = 7,920 inches.
Conversion table
| Chain (ch) | Inch (in) |
|---|---|
| 1 ch | 792 in |
| 5 ch | 3,960 in |
| 10 ch | 7,920 in |
| 21.0975 ch | 16,709.22 in |
| 42.195 ch | 33,418.44 in |
| 100 ch | 79,200 in |
Reverse conversion: Inch to Chain
792 in × 0.001262626263 = 1 ch
792 inches = 1 chains.
chains = inches × 0.00126262626263
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Inch to Chain.
Understanding the Chain (ch)
A surveyor's chain is 66 feet.
Understanding the Inch
Inch (in) measures distance. The international inch is defined as exactly 25.4 millimeters. It is classified as a US/imperial customary unit.
Where it's used: United States and United Kingdom (small measurements, screen sizes, hardware)
Uses of the Inch today
- Screen and display size measurement worldwide (even in metric countries)
- US/UK small-object and body measurement
- Hardware, tools, and pipe fittings (US)
History of the Inch
The inch traces to medieval England, traditionally defined as the length of three barleycorns, later standardized as 1/12 of a foot. The international inch (exactly 25.4 mm) was fixed by the same 1959 agreement that standardized the foot and yard.
Historical origin. Inch was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Inch — sources
- NIST — International yard and pound (1959) — Fixes the modern inch at exactly 25.4 millimeters.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many inches are in 1 chain?
1 chain equals 792 inches, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert chain to inch?
Multiply the chain value by 792. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert inch back to chain?
Use the reverse factor: 1 inch equals 0.0012626263 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 inch?
Inch (in) measures distance. The international inch is defined as exactly 25.4 millimeters. It is classified as a US/imperial customary unit.
Is the chain to inch conversion exact?
Yes. The international inch is defined as exactly 25.4 millimeters. That fixed definition is what the converter above uses, so any rounding you see is a display choice, not a limitation of the math.