A pica is 12 points.
Picas to Chains Converter — pc to ch
Convert Pica (pc) to Chain (ch) using the exact conversion factor (1 pica = 0.0002104377 chain). See the formula, worked examples, and conversion table.
Picas to Chains 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 surveyor's chain is 66 feet.
Result = input x 0.004233333333 / 20.1168.
Length uses the meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Picas to Chains
Pica and Chain both measure length. Specifically: A pica is 12 points, and a surveyor's chain is 66 feet.
Formula
chains = picas × 0.000210437710421
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 pica equals 0.004233333333 base units, and 1 chain equals 20.1168 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct pica-to-chain factor of 0.000210437710421.
Simple example
1 pc × 0.0002104377104 = 0.0002104377 ch
1 pica = 0.0002104377 chains.
Real-world example
10 pc × 0.0002104377104 = 0.0021043771 ch
10 picas = 0.0021043771 chains.
Conversion table
| Pica (pc) | Chain (ch) |
|---|---|
| 1 pc | 0.0002104377 ch |
| 5 pc | 0.0010521886 ch |
| 10 pc | 0.0021043771 ch |
| 21.0975 pc | 0.0044397096 ch |
| 42.195 pc | 0.0088794192 ch |
| 100 pc | 0.021043771 ch |
Reverse conversion: Chain to Pica
0.0002104377 ch × 4752 = 0.9999999505 pc
0.0002104377 chains = 0.9999999505 picas.
picas = chains × 4752.00000037
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Chain to Pica.
Understanding the Pica (pc)
A pica is 12 points.
Understanding the Chain (ch)
A surveyor's chain is 66 feet.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many chains are in 1 pica?
1 pica equals 0.0002104377 chains, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert pica to chain?
Multiply the pica value by 0.0002104377104. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert chain back to pica?
Use the reverse factor: 1 chain equals 4,752 picas. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a pica?
Pica (pc) is a unit of length.
What is a chain?
Chain (ch) is a unit of length.
Is the pica to chain conversion exact?
Yes. Both pica and chain are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 0.0002104377104 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.