A surveyor's chain is 66 feet.
Chains to Rods Converter — ch to rd
Convert Chain (ch) to Rod (rd) using the exact conversion factor (1 chain = 4 rod). See the formula, worked examples, and conversion table.
Chains to Rods 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 rod is 16.5 feet.
Result = input x 20.1168 / 5.0292.
Length uses the meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Chains to Rods
Chain and Rod both measure length. Specifically: A surveyor's chain is 66 feet, and a rod is 16.5 feet.
Formula
rods = chains × 4
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 chain equals 20.1168 base units, and 1 rod equals 5.0292 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct chain-to-rod factor of 4.
Simple example
1 ch × 4 = 4 rd
1 chain = 4 rods.
Real-world example
10 ch × 4 = 40 rd
10 chains = 40 rods.
Conversion table
| Chain (ch) | Rod (rd) |
|---|---|
| 1 ch | 4 rd |
| 5 ch | 20 rd |
| 10 ch | 40 rd |
| 21.0975 ch | 84.39 rd |
| 42.195 ch | 168.78 rd |
| 100 ch | 400 rd |
Reverse conversion: Rod to Chain
4 rd × 0.25 = 1 ch
4 rods = 1 chain.
chains = rods × 0.25
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Rod to Chain.
Understanding the Chain (ch)
A surveyor's chain is 66 feet.
Understanding the Rod (rd)
A rod is 16.5 feet.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many rods are in 1 chain?
1 chain equals 4 rods, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert chain to rod?
Multiply the chain value by 4. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert rod back to chain?
Use the reverse factor: 1 rod equals 0.25 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 rod?
Rod (rd) is a unit of length.
Is the chain to rod conversion exact?
Yes. Both chain and rod are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 4 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.