A desktop publishing point is 1/72 inch.
Points to Chains Converter — pt to ch
Convert Point (pt) to Chain (ch) using the exact conversion factor (1 point = 0.0000175365 chain). See the formula, worked examples, and conversion table.
Points 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 0.0003527777778 / 20.1168.
Length uses the meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Points to Chains
Point and Chain both measure length. Specifically: A desktop publishing point is 1/72 inch, and a surveyor's chain is 66 feet.
Formula
chains = points × 0.0000175364758709
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 point equals 0.0003527777778 base units, and 1 chain equals 20.1168 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct point-to-chain factor of 0.0000175364758709.
Simple example
1 pt × 0.00001753647587 = 0.0000175365 ch
1 point = 0.0000175365 chains.
Real-world example
10 pt × 0.00001753647587 = 0.0001753648 ch
10 points = 0.0001753648 chains.
Conversion table
| Point (pt) | Chain (ch) |
|---|---|
| 1 pt | 0.0000175365 ch |
| 5 pt | 0.0000876824 ch |
| 10 pt | 0.0001753648 ch |
| 21.0975 pt | 0.0003699758 ch |
| 42.195 pt | 0.0007399516 ch |
| 100 pt | 0.0017536476 ch |
Reverse conversion: Chain to Point
0.0000175365 ch × 57024 = 1.000001376 pt
0.0000175365 chains = 1.000001376 points.
points = chains × 57023.9999964
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Chain to Point.
Understanding the Point (pt)
A desktop publishing point is 1/72 inch.
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 point?
1 point equals 0.0000175365 chains, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert point to chain?
Multiply the point value by 0.00001753647587. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert chain back to point?
Use the reverse factor: 1 chain equals 57,024 points. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a point?
Point (pt) is a unit of length.
What is a chain?
Chain (ch) is a unit of length.
Is the point to chain conversion exact?
Yes. Both point and chain are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 0.00001753647587 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.