A physical measuring device consisting of heavy wire links, traditionally used to measure horizontal distances in the field. The standard Gunter's chain contains 100 links and measures exactly 66 feet, a length that makes area calculations in acres mathematically simple. Although steel tapes and electronic distance measurement have replaced the physical tool, surveyors still use the word to describe measuring a distance or referring to the 66-foot unit in historical deeds.
The old deed calls for a distance of five chains and twenty links along the stone wall.
Ten square chains equal exactly one acre, which is why the 66-foot length was universally adopted for public land surveys.
Also heard as
- Gunter's chain
Do not mix it up with
- Engineer's chain: A standard Gunter's chain is 66 feet long, while an engineer's chain is 100 feet long.
Related terms
link
A historic unit of length equal to 7.92 inches, representing one segment of a surveyor's chain.
Chainage
The cumulative distance measured along a baseline, such as the centerline of a road or railway.
Engineer's chain
A historic distance-measuring tool exactly one hundred feet long, divided into one hundred links.
Chainman
A survey crew member responsible for holding the measuring tape, prism, or leveling rod.