A surveyor's link is 1/100 of a chain.
Links to Millimeters Converter — li to mm
Convert Link (li) to Millimeter (mm) using the exact conversion factor (1 link = 201.168 millimeter). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Links to Millimeters 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.
Millimeter is 0.001 meter units.
Result = input x 0.201168 / 0.001.
Length uses the meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Links to Millimeters
Link and Millimeter both measure length. Specifically: A surveyor's link is 1/100 of a chain, and millimeter is 0.001 meter units.
Formula
millimeters = links × 201.168
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 link equals 0.201168 base units, and 1 millimeter equals 0.001 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct link-to-millimeter factor of 201.168.
Simple example
1 li × 201.168 = 201.168 mm
1 link = 201.168 millimeters.
Real-world example
10 li × 201.168 = 2,011.68 mm
10 links = 2,011.68 millimeters.
Conversion table
| Link (li) | Millimeter (mm) |
|---|---|
| 1 li | 201.168 mm |
| 5 li | 1,005.84 mm |
| 10 li | 2,011.68 mm |
| 21.0975 li | 4,244.14188 mm |
| 42.195 li | 8,488.28376 mm |
| 100 li | 20,116.8 mm |
Reverse conversion: Millimeter to Link
201.168 mm × 0.004970969538 = 1 li
201.168 millimeters = 1 link.
links = millimeters × 0.0049709695379
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Millimeter to Link.
Understanding the Link (li)
A surveyor's link is 1/100 of a chain.
Understanding the Millimeter
Millimeter (mm) measures distance. A millimeter is one-thousandth of a meter. It is classified as a SI derived (metric prefix) unit.
Where it's used: Standard small/precision length unit worldwide, including in US engineering and manufacturing
Uses of the Millimeter today
- Engineering drawings and manufacturing tolerances worldwide (including in the US)
- Rainfall measurement in most countries
- Small-scale everyday measurement (screen sizes, hardware)
History of the Millimeter
The millimeter follows from the meter via the 'milli-' SI prefix (10⁻³). It is notable as one of the few metric units in routine US technical/engineering use, since precision manufacturing and electronics are often specified in millimeters even in the US.
Historical origin. Millimeter was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Millimeter — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — SI prefixes — Defines 'milli-' as the prefix for 10⁻³.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many millimeters are in 1 link?
1 link equals 201.168 millimeters, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert link to millimeter?
Multiply the link value by 201.168. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert millimeter back to link?
Use the reverse factor: 1 millimeter equals 0.0049709695 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 millimeter?
Millimeter (mm) measures distance. A millimeter is one-thousandth of a meter. It is classified as a SI derived (metric prefix) unit.
Is the link to millimeter conversion exact?
Yes. Both link and millimeter are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 201.168 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.