Chain Converter
Convert Chain to Meter and more • 91 conversions
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Unit Explanations
Chainch
Source UnitThe chain is a unit of length that is equal to 66 feet or 20.1168 meters. It was originally designed for surveying and is commonly associated with land measurement. The chain is subdivided into 100 links, making each link approximately 7.92 inches or 0.201168 meters long. The chain's use is prevalent in agriculture, forestry, and various types of land surveying. Its historical significance is reflected in its origins from the practice of measuring land for division and ownership. The chain is not a part of the International System of Units (SI) but remains in use in certain fields due to its practicality in specific applications.
Current Use
Today, the chain is predominantly used in land surveying, agriculture, and forestry. In the United States, it is still common practice to use chains for measuring distances in rural land, particularly in areas where traditional practices are maintained. The chain is also employed in some engineering contexts, where precise measurements of large areas are required. Countries such as the United States and Canada continue to utilize the chain as a conventional measurement unit, especially among surveyors and land developers. Its application in historical contexts, such as the surveying of public lands, ensures that the chain remains an important part of land management practices. Furthermore, in some sports, such as equestrian events, the chain is used as a reference for distances.
Fun Fact
The chain was originally used to measure land and divide property in England during the 16th century.
Meterm
Target UnitThe meter, symbol m, is the fundamental unit of length in the International System of Units (SI). It is defined as the distance that light travels in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 seconds. This precise definition reflects the speed of light, a constant of nature, and ensures high accuracy in measurements. The meter is widely used across various fields, including science, engineering, and everyday life, providing a standard for measuring distances and dimensions. The meter is integral to both metric and imperial systems, serving as a critical reference point for other length units, such as kilometers and centimeters.
Current Use
The meter is extensively used worldwide as the standard unit for measuring length and distance, particularly in countries that have adopted the metric system. In scientific research, it is a fundamental unit for results in physics, engineering, and technology. For instance, in the construction industry, meters are critical for measuring dimensions of buildings, roads, and infrastructure. The meter is also vital in fields such as aviation for altitudes and distances, in medicine for measuring dosages and dimensions of medical instruments, and in sports for track and field events. Countries like France, Germany, and Japan utilize the meter as their primary length measurement, promoting international standardization in trade and communication.
Fun Fact
The meter was originally defined based on the Earth's meridian, making it a geophysical measure.
Convert Chain to Meter (ch to m)
Convert Chains (ch) to Meters (m). The 'Gunter's Chain' was the tool that surveyed the New World. A metal chain of 100 links measuring 66 feet, it is the reason cricket pitches are 22 yards long and acres are 43,560 square feet.
Multiply chains by approx 20.1. For example, 10 chains = 201.168 meters (which is 1 furlong).
Chain (ch)
Definition
Unit of length equal to 66 feet or 22 yards.
Origins & History
Invented by Edmund Gunter in 1620. 10 square chains equals exactly one acre.
Meter (m)
Definition
SI unit of length.
Origins & History
Modern standard.
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= × 1.00000How to Convert
To convert to , multiply the value by 1.00000. This conversion factor represents the ratio between these two units.
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Chain
length • Non-SI
Definition
The chain is a unit of length that is equal to 66 feet or 20.1168 meters. It was originally designed for surveying and is commonly associated with land measurement. The chain is subdivided into 100 links, making each link approximately 7.92 inches or 0.201168 meters long. The chain's use is prevalent in agriculture, forestry, and various types of land surveying. Its historical significance is reflected in its origins from the practice of measuring land for division and ownership. The chain is not a part of the International System of Units (SI) but remains in use in certain fields due to its practicality in specific applications.
History & Origin
The chain's origin can be traced back to the Middle Ages, specifically around the 16th century when it was developed for surveying land. The use of the chain became prevalent due to its practicality in measuring fields and properties. The Gunter's chain, created by Edmund Gunter in 1620, standardized the length of the chain to 66 feet, which facilitated land division and ownership measurements. This unit became essential in the development of modern surveying techniques and is still referenced in contemporary land measurement practices.
Etymology: The word 'chain' comes from the Latin word 'catena,' which means a linked series of objects. Its application to measurement reflects the physical nature of the instrument used for surveying.
Current Use
Today, the chain is predominantly used in land surveying, agriculture, and forestry. In the United States, it is still common practice to use chains for measuring distances in rural land, particularly in areas where traditional practices are maintained. The chain is also employed in some engineering contexts, where precise measurements of large areas are required. Countries such as the United States and Canada continue to utilize the chain as a conventional measurement unit, especially among surveyors and land developers. Its application in historical contexts, such as the surveying of public lands, ensures that the chain remains an important part of land management practices. Furthermore, in some sports, such as equestrian events, the chain is used as a reference for distances.
💡 Fun Facts
- •The chain was originally used to measure land and divide property in England during the 16th century.
- •One chain is exactly 66 feet, which corresponds to 10 square chains making up an acre.
- •The concept of the chain has influenced various land measurement units across different cultures.
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Meter
length • SI Unit
Definition
The meter, symbol m, is the fundamental unit of length in the International System of Units (SI). It is defined as the distance that light travels in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 seconds. This precise definition reflects the speed of light, a constant of nature, and ensures high accuracy in measurements. The meter is widely used across various fields, including science, engineering, and everyday life, providing a standard for measuring distances and dimensions. The meter is integral to both metric and imperial systems, serving as a critical reference point for other length units, such as kilometers and centimeters.
History & Origin
The concept of a meter dates back to the late 18th century when the French Academy of Sciences sought a universal standard for measurements. The meter was officially defined in 1791 as one ten-millionth of the distance from the North Pole to the equator along a meridian. This ambitious project aimed to create a measurement system based on the Earth's dimensions rather than arbitrary standards. The first physical meter was a platinum bar, established in 1799. However, due to the practical challenges of using a physical object for measurement, the definition evolved over time, ultimately leading to the current definition based on the speed of light.
Etymology: The term 'meter' is derived from the Greek word 'metron', meaning 'measure'.
Current Use
The meter is extensively used worldwide as the standard unit for measuring length and distance, particularly in countries that have adopted the metric system. In scientific research, it is a fundamental unit for results in physics, engineering, and technology. For instance, in the construction industry, meters are critical for measuring dimensions of buildings, roads, and infrastructure. The meter is also vital in fields such as aviation for altitudes and distances, in medicine for measuring dosages and dimensions of medical instruments, and in sports for track and field events. Countries like France, Germany, and Japan utilize the meter as their primary length measurement, promoting international standardization in trade and communication.
💡 Fun Facts
- •The meter was originally defined based on the Earth's meridian, making it a geophysical measure.
- •The current definition of the meter is based on a universal constant, the speed of light.
- •A nanometer is one billionth of a meter, commonly used in fields like nanotechnology and semiconductor physics.
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