A surveyor's link is 1/100 of a chain.
Links to Centimeters Converter — li to cm
Convert Link (li) to Centimeter (cm) using the exact conversion factor (1 link = 20.1168 centimeter). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Links to Centimeters 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.
Centimeter is 0.01 meter units.
Result = input x 0.201168 / 0.01.
Length uses the meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Links to Centimeters
Link and Centimeter both measure length. Specifically: A surveyor's link is 1/100 of a chain, and centimeter is 0.01 meter units.
Formula
centimeters = links × 20.1168
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 link equals 0.201168 base units, and 1 centimeter equals 0.01 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct link-to-centimeter factor of 20.1168.
Simple example
1 li × 20.1168 = 20.1168 cm
1 link = 20.1168 centimeters.
Real-world example
10 li × 20.1168 = 201.168 cm
10 links = 201.168 centimeters.
Conversion table
| Link (li) | Centimeter (cm) |
|---|---|
| 1 li | 20.1168 cm |
| 5 li | 100.584 cm |
| 10 li | 201.168 cm |
| 21.0975 li | 424.414188 cm |
| 42.195 li | 848.828376 cm |
| 100 li | 2,011.68 cm |
Reverse conversion: Centimeter to Link
20.1168 cm × 0.04970969538 = 1 li
20.1168 centimeters = 1 link.
links = centimeters × 0.049709695379
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Centimeter to Link.
Understanding the Link (li)
A surveyor's link is 1/100 of a chain.
Understanding the Centimeter
Centimeter (cm) measures distance. A centimeter is one-hundredth of a meter. It is classified as a SI derived (metric prefix) unit.
Where it's used: Standard small-length unit worldwide except the US
Uses of the Centimeter today
- Everyday small-object and body measurement (height, clothing sizes) outside the US
- Construction and manufacturing tolerances internationally
History of the Centimeter
The centimeter follows directly from the meter via the 'centi-' SI prefix (10⁻²), introduced with the metric system in the 1790s.
Historical origin. Centimeter was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Centimeter — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — SI prefixes — Defines 'centi-' as the prefix for 10⁻².
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many centimeters are in 1 link?
1 link equals 20.1168 centimeters, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert link to centimeter?
Multiply the link value by 20.1168. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert centimeter back to link?
Use the reverse factor: 1 centimeter equals 0.0497096954 links. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a link?
Link (li) is a unit of length.
What is a centimeter?
Centimeter (cm) measures distance. A centimeter is one-hundredth of a meter. It is classified as a SI derived (metric prefix) unit.
Is the link to centimeter conversion exact?
Yes. Both link and centimeter are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 20.1168 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.