Chain
Definition and meaning of Chain in real estate.
A chain is a historical unit of land measurement equal to 66 feet, which is widely used in older survey descriptions and legal property deeds in the United States.
In more detail
Also known as Gunter's chain, this measurement tool was developed in the seventeenth century and consists of 100 metal links. Because older land parcels were mapped using this system, modern surveyors and real estate professionals must frequently convert chains to feet to verify boundaries. One chain equals 4 rods or 66 feet, and 80 chains equal 1 mile.
In some regions, such as parts of Virginia, historical variations of the chain existed, meaning researchers must confirm local customs when interpreting older deeds.
Key facts
| Category | Legal, Titles & Closing |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Gunter's chain |
| Standard length | 66 feet or 100 links |
| Historical usage | Common in early American land surveys and metes and bounds descriptions |
While reviewing an old property deed, a land surveyor notes that the northern boundary is described in chains, which he converts to feet to mark the modern property line.
Frequently asked questions
How many feet are in a real estate survey chain?
A standard surveying chain is exactly 66 feet long. However, historically, some regional variations existed, such as two-pole chains in parts of Virginia that were half the standard length.
Why is the chain measurement still important in real estate today?
Many property boundaries in the United States are still based on deeds written over a century ago. Modern title searches and boundary disputes often require reading these historical records and converting chains to feet.