Convert Earth polar radius to chain Online | Free Length Converter

Earth Polar Radius

The Earth's polar radius is the distance from the center of the Earth to the North or South Pole. It measures the Earth’s radius along its rotational axis.

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  Its value is approximately 6,356.8 kilometers (about 3,949.9 miles).

  
  
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  The Earth is an oblate spheroid, so the polar radius is slightly shorter than the equatorial radius due to the planet's flattening at the poles.

  
  
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  This measurement is crucial for geodesy, understanding Earth’s shape, and satellite navigation.

  
  

Key facts:

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  Polar radius ≈ 6,356.8 km

  
  
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  Smaller than equatorial radius by about 21.3 km

  
  
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  Important for precise Earth modeling and mapping

  
  

The difference between the polar and equatorial radius reflects the Earth’s rotation and its effect on the planet’s shape.

Chain

A chain is a unit of length traditionally used in land surveying. The most common version is the Gunter’s chain, which equals 66 feet or 22 yards, approximately 20.1168 meters.

The chain was introduced by English clergyman Edmund Gunter in the 17th century to simplify land measurement. One chain consists of 100 links, each 0.66 feet long. It became a standard unit in British and American land surveying and was instrumental in defining land areas, especially in the U.S. Public Land Survey System.

Key Conversions:

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  1 chain = 66 feet

  
  
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  1 chain = 22 yards

  
  
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  1 chain ≈ 20.1168 meters

  
  
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  10 chains = 1 furlong

  
  
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  80 chains = 1 mile

  
  

Though now largely replaced by metric units and modern surveying tools, the chain still appears in older land deeds, maps, and rural property descriptions.