A rod is 16.5 feet.
Rods to Chains Converter — rd to ch
Convert Rod (rd) to Chain (ch) using the exact conversion factor (1 rod = 0.25 chain). See the formula, worked examples, and conversion table.
Rods 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 5.0292 / 20.1168.
Length uses the meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Rods to Chains
Rod and Chain both measure length. Specifically: A rod is 16.5 feet, and a surveyor's chain is 66 feet.
Formula
chains = rods × 0.25
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 rod equals 5.0292 base units, and 1 chain equals 20.1168 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct rod-to-chain factor of 0.25.
Simple example
1 rd × 0.25 = 0.25 ch
1 rod = 0.25 chains.
Real-world example
10 rd × 0.25 = 2.5 ch
10 rods = 2.5 chains.
Conversion table
| Rod (rd) | Chain (ch) |
|---|---|
| 1 rd | 0.25 ch |
| 5 rd | 1.25 ch |
| 10 rd | 2.5 ch |
| 21.0975 rd | 5.274375 ch |
| 42.195 rd | 10.54875 ch |
| 100 rd | 25 ch |
Reverse conversion: Chain to Rod
0.25 ch × 4 = 1 rd
0.25 chains = 1 rod.
rods = chains × 4
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Chain to Rod.
Understanding the Rod (rd)
A rod is 16.5 feet.
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 rod?
1 rod equals 0.25 chains, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert rod to chain?
Multiply the rod value by 0.25. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert chain back to rod?
Use the reverse factor: 1 chain equals 4 rods. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a rod?
Rod (rd) is a unit of length.
What is a chain?
Chain (ch) is a unit of length.
Is the rod to chain conversion exact?
Yes. Both rod and chain are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 0.25 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.