Length · Unit Converter

Convert Square Chain to Square Pole

Convert square chains to square poles instantly. 1 square chain = 15.9999999984 square pole — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Square Pole to Square Chain converter for the reverse conversion.

Written by Sunith Babu L, Ph.D., Lead Engineer Reviewed by Girish V Kulkarni Ph.D.
Length category 2 min read Published Last reviewed Updated

Units explained

Imperial / US Customary

Square Chain

What is a square chain?

A square chain is an imperial unit of area equal to approximately 404.686 m². It equals 1/10 of an acre.

Origin of the square chain

Derived by squaring the chain (66 feet or 22 yards). The chain was defined by Edmund Gunter in 1620 specifically so that 10 square chains equal exactly one acre.

Where it is used

Square chains appear in US Public Land Survey System (PLSS) records and historical English property documents. The 10-to-1 ratio with acres made early survey arithmetic easier.

When and where it was developed

Defined by Edmund Gunter in 1620 specifically for surveying convenience.

Imperial / US Customary

Square Pole

What is a square pole?

A square pole is identical to a square rod, equal to approximately 25.293 m². 'Pole' is a regional name used in some US and British contexts.

Origin of the square pole

Identical to square rod and square perch; differs only in regional naming preference.

Where it is used

Square poles appear in some historical US land records, particularly in mid-Atlantic states with strong English colonial heritage.

When and where it was developed

Standardized via the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement.

Square Chain to Square Pole conversion formula

The relationship between square chains and square poles:

1 ch² = 15.9999999984 pole²
1 pole² = 0.0625 ch²

To convert square chains to square poles, multiply the value in square chains by 15.9999999984. To reverse, multiply square poles by 0.0625.

How to use this converter

Type a value into the calculator. The result in square poles updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Square Pole to Square Chain converter for the reverse direction.

Step-by-step: convert square chains to square poles

  1. Write down the value in square chains (ch²).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 15.9999999984.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in square poles (pole²).
  4. To reverse, multiply the square pole value by 0.0625.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 ch² to pole²:
1 × 15.9999999984 = 15.9999999984 pole²

Example 2 — Convert 100 ch² to pole²:
100 × 15.9999999984 = 1599.9999998419 pole²

Square Chain to Square Pole conversion table

Standard reference values for converting square chains to square poles:

Square Chain [ch²]Square Pole [pole²]
0.010.16
0.11.5999999998
115.9999999984
231.9999999968
347.9999999953
463.9999999937
579.9999999921
10159.9999999842
20319.9999999684
30479.9999999526
40639.9999999367
50799.9999999209
1001599.9999998419
5007999.9999992093
100015999.9999984185

Frequently asked questions

How many square poles is 1 square chain?
1 square chain equals 15.9999999984 square pole.
How do I convert square chains to square poles?
Multiply the value in square chains by 15.9999999984 to get square poles.
How do I convert square poles back to square chains?
Multiply the value in square poles by 0.0625, or use the Square Pole to Square Chain converter.
How many square poles is 100 square chains?
100 square chains equals 1599.9999998419 square poles, because 100 × 15.9999999984 = 1599.9999998419.

Convert Square Chain to other area units

Show all Square Chain conversions

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 ch² = 15.9999999984 pole²) verified against the following authoritative sources:

Results are provided for general reference. Verify critical measurements against an authoritative standard.