Length · Unit Converter

Convert Furlong to Rod

Convert furlongs to rods instantly. 1 furlong = 40 rod — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Rod to Furlong 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

Furlong

What is a furlong?

A furlong is an Imperial unit of length equal to 660 feet, or exactly one eighth of a mile (about 201.17 m). It is the longest unit in the traditional English farm-and-survey system.

Origin of the furlong

The furlong derives from Old English furh (furrow) + lang (long) — originally the length of a furrow in a typical medieval English open field. Standardised at 660 feet (= 10 chains = 220 yards = 1/8 mile) in medieval times.

Where it is used

Furlongs are the standard distance unit in horse racing (e.g., 'The race is 8 furlongs'), historical English farming and surveying, and occasional poetic or rhetorical usage. Modern racing courses worldwide list distances in furlongs.

When and where it was developed

Medieval English farming origin; standardised at 660 feet; remains the official distance unit in flat-racing thoroughbred horse races worldwide.

Imperial / US Customary

Rod

What is a rod?

A rod is an Imperial unit of length equal to 16.5 feet (about 5.03 m). It is also called a perch or pole. Used historically in English and American land surveying.

Origin of the rod

The rod derives from medieval English land-surveying practice. Standardised at 16.5 feet (= 25 links of a surveyor's chain = 1/4 chain) by Edmund Gunter in 1620.

Where it is used

Rods are the standard unit in legacy US public-land-survey records, where lot dimensions are typically expressed in rods and chains. Modern surveyors generally use feet or meters but legacy deeds remain in rods.

When and where it was developed

Defined by Edmund Gunter in 1620 as 16.5 feet via the chain-based survey system; became exact via the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement.

Furlong to Rod conversion formula

The relationship between furlongs and rods:

1 fur = 40 rd
1 rd = 0.025 fur

To convert furlongs to rods, multiply the value in furlongs by 40. To reverse, multiply rods by 0.025.

How to use this converter

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

Step-by-step: convert furlongs to rods

  1. Write down the value in furlongs (fur).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 40.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in rods (rd).
  4. To reverse, multiply the rod value by 0.025.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 fur to rd:
1 × 40 = 40 rd

Example 2 — Convert 100 fur to rd:
100 × 40 = 4000 rd

Furlong to Rod conversion table

Standard reference values for converting furlongs to rods:

Furlong [fur]Rod [rd]
0.010.4
0.14
140
280
3120
4160
5200
10400
20800
301200
401600
502000
1004000
50020000
100040000

Frequently asked questions

How many rods is 1 furlong?
1 furlong equals 40 rod.
How do I convert furlongs to rods?
Multiply the value in furlongs by 40 to get rods.
How do I convert rods back to furlongs?
Multiply the value in rods by 0.025, or use the Rod to Furlong converter.
How many rods is 100 furlongs?
100 furlongs equals 4000 rods, because 100 × 40 = 4000.

Convert Furlong to other length units

Show all Furlong conversions

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 fur = 40 rd) verified against the following authoritative sources:

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