Table of content
foot to link – How to convert ft to li
The conversion from foot to link connects the familiar imperial system with traditional surveying practices. The foot is widely used in construction and daily life, while the link was once central in land measurement as part of Gunter’s chain. Learning how to convert ft to li helps interpret historical survey records and adapt them for modern contexts.
What is a Foot (ft)?
A foot equals 12 inches or exactly 0.3048 meters. It is a common imperial unit used in architecture, personal height, real estate, and construction.
What is a Link (li)?
A link is a surveying unit equal to 0.66 feet or 7.92 inches. It was introduced by Edmund Gunter in the 17th century as part of his measuring chain, with 100 links making one chain.
How to Convert ft to li
The formula is:
link = foot × 1.51515
For example, let’s convert 20 ft into links:
link = 20 × 1.51515 = 30.303 li
So, 20 ft ≈ 30.3 li.
For more conversions, you can try the Length Converter or explore more options in the Conversion Tools.
.jpg)
Do you know?
-
A Gunter’s chain was 66 feet long, divided into 100 links, making land division straightforward.
-
Many early American property deeds and maps were recorded in chains and links.
-
The link equals exactly 0.201168 meters in metric terms.
-
The foot was internationally standardized in 1959 at exactly 0.3048 meters.
.jpg)
Surveying and Land Records
The link was vital in colonial-era surveying, especially in North America and Britain. Land deeds often described boundaries in chains and links, requiring modern conversions into feet or meters to interpret them accurately.
For example, a record describing 500 links equals 330 feet. Converting between the two ensures old maps and deeds can still be read today.
Keeping History Connected
The conversion from foot to link bridges a practical everyday unit with a piece of surveying history. While the link is no longer in everyday use, it remains important for historians, surveyors, and archivists studying property records.
By applying this quick formula, you can connect modern measurements in feet with the surveying language of the past.
