Meters to Links Converter

meter to link - How to convert m to lnk

Converting meters to links helps connect the metric system to one of the most important historical surveying units. Though rarely used today, the link (lnk) remains significant in land surveying records, property deeds, and historical mapping. Jetcalculator’s Length Converter makes it easy to convert meters to links instantly without manual calculation.

Understanding the Units – Meter and Link

The meter (m), adopted globally in the 18th century, is the foundation of the SI unit system, defined today by the speed of light. It is the most widely used measurement for science, engineering, and commerce. 

For scaling up to larger distances, the Meters to Kilometers Converter is ideal for quick conversions.

The link (lnk) is an old surveying unit, created by Edmund Gunter in the early 17th century as part of his Gunter’s chain system. One link equals 0.66 feet (7.92 inches), or 0.201168 meters. There are 100 links in a Gunter’s chain, making it convenient for surveying large tracts of land. Though largely replaced by metric and imperial systems, links are still referenced in historic land records and older legal documents.

How to Convert Meter to Link

Since 1 link equals 0.201168 meters, the conversion is simple:

Links = Meters ÷ 0.201168

For example:
10 meters = 10 ÷ 0.201168 ≈ 49.7 links.

Conversion Table – Meter to Link

Did You Know?

• The Burj Khalifa stands at 828 meters, which equals roughly 4,115 links, showing how historical and modern units intersect.

• The Olympic running track measures 400 meters, or nearly 1,986 links per lap.

• The Great Wall of China, stretching 21,196,000 meters, would measure about 105,400,000 links in length.

• Links appear in the Domesday Book (1086) through later transcriptions, as medieval land surveys relied on early chain systems.

• Some property deeds in North America and Europe still use links, as land boundaries were first recorded using Gunter’s chain.

• The link’s length (0.201168 meters) was chosen so that 10 square chains = 1 acre, streamlining land measurement for centuries.

The Link in Early Land Surveys

In the 17th and 18th centuries, as European powers colonized and mapped new territories, the link became a cornerstone of surveying. Gunter’s chain — 66 feet long, divided into 100 links — was used by surveyors to measure everything from farmland to colonial boundaries. This system standardized measurements, allowing for consistent property divisions, tax assessments, and land sales across continents.

Historic surveys, such as those mapping the Thirteen Colonies in America, were recorded entirely in chains and links. These records still shape modern property lines, proving that while the link has faded from daily use, it remains a crucial part of land history.

Conclusion

Converting meters to links bridges modern metric precision with one of surveying’s most influential historical tools. With 1 link equal to 0.201168 meters, this conversion is invaluable for interpreting old maps, deeds, and surveying records.

If you need more unit comparisons, our conversion calculators can help convert between metric, imperial, and historical units quickly.