A surveyor's chain is 66 feet.
Chains to Picas Converter — ch to pc
Convert Chain (ch) to Pica (pc) using the exact conversion factor (1 chain = 4,752 pica). See the formula, worked examples, and conversion table.
Chains to Picas 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 pica is 12 points.
Result = input x 20.1168 / 0.004233333333.
Length uses the meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Chains to Picas
Chain and Pica both measure length. Specifically: A surveyor's chain is 66 feet, and a pica is 12 points.
Formula
picas = chains × 4752.00000037
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 chain equals 20.1168 base units, and 1 pica equals 0.004233333333 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct chain-to-pica factor of 4752.00000037.
Simple example
1 ch × 4752 = 4,752 pc
1 chain = 4,752 picas.
Real-world example
10 ch × 4752 = 47,520 pc
10 chains = 47,520 picas.
Conversion table
| Chain (ch) | Pica (pc) |
|---|---|
| 1 ch | 4,752 pc |
| 5 ch | 23,760 pc |
| 10 ch | 47,520 pc |
| 21.0975 ch | 100,255.32 pc |
| 42.195 ch | 200,510.64 pc |
| 100 ch | 475,200 pc |
Reverse conversion: Pica to Chain
1 pc × 0.0002104377104 = 0.0002104377 ch
1 pica = 0.0002104377 chains.
chains = picas × 0.000210437710421
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Pica to Chain.
Understanding the Chain (ch)
A surveyor's chain is 66 feet.
Understanding the Pica (pc)
A pica is 12 points.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many picas are in 1 chain?
1 chain equals 4,752 picas, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert chain to pica?
Multiply the chain value by 4752. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert pica back to chain?
Use the reverse factor: 1 pica equals 0.0002104377 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 pica?
Pica (pc) is a unit of length.
Is the chain to pica conversion exact?
Yes. Both chain and pica are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 4752 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.