Rope to Link (Gunter's) Converter
Convert ropes to links with our free online length converter.
Quick Answer
1 Rope = 30.30303 links
Formula: Rope × conversion factor = Link (Gunter's)
Use the calculator below for instant, accurate conversions.
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All conversion formulas on UnitsConverter.io have been verified against NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) guidelines and international SI standards. Our calculations are accurate to 10 decimal places for standard conversions and use arbitrary precision arithmetic for astronomical units.
Rope to Link (Gunter's) Calculator
How to Use the Rope to Link (Gunter's) Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Rope).
- The converted value in Link (Gunter's) will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Length category.
- Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Rope to Link (Gunter's): Step-by-Step Guide
Converting Rope to Link (Gunter's) involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Rope = 30.30303 linksExample Calculation:
Convert 10 ropes: 10 × 30.30303 = 303.0303 links
Disclaimer: For Reference Only
These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.
Not for professional use. Results should be verified before use in any critical application. View our Terms of Service for more information.
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View all Length conversions →What is a Rope and a Link (Gunter's)?
The Rope is an historical English unit of length, primarily used in surveying and sometimes in building or architecture. Its length was typically defined as 20 feet.
This equates to:
- 6.096 meters (m)
- Approximately 6.67 yards (yd)
Unlike more standardized surveying units like the chain, the rope's length could sometimes vary by region or specific use, but 20 feet is the most commonly cited value.
The Link, specifically Gunter's Link (symbol li), is a unit of length historically used in surveying, particularly within the imperial and U.S. customary systems. It is defined as exactly 1/100th of a Gunter's chain.
One Gunter's link is equivalent to:
- 0.01 Gunter's chains
- 7.92 inches (in)
- 0.66 feet (ft) (exactly 2/3 of a foot)
- 0.22 yards (yd)
- 0.04 rods (also called poles or perches)
- 0.201168 meters (m) (exactly)
- 20.1168 centimeters (cm)
A Gunter's chain itself measures 66 feet, 22 yards, 4 rods, or 20.1168 meters.
Note: The Rope is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Link (Gunter's) belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Rope and Link (Gunter's)
The origin of the Rope unit likely stems directly from the use of actual ropes of a predetermined length for measuring land or distances in medieval England and potentially earlier. Before the widespread adoption of more durable and precise measuring tools like metal chains (such as Gunter's chain, introduced in the 17th century), knotted or marked ropes served as practical, albeit less accurate, instruments for surveyors.
The length of 20 feet provided a convenient measure for certain types of land division or construction layout. However, ropes were susceptible to stretching, shrinking (when wet), and wear, leading to inconsistencies. This lack of precision contributed to its gradual replacement by the rod (16.5 feet) and the chain (66 feet) for official surveying work. The Rope unit fell into obsolescence as measurement standards became more rigorous and legally defined.
The link, as part of Gunter's chain, was devised by the English clergyman and mathematician Edmund Gunter around 1620. He introduced a measuring chain that was 66 feet long and divided into 100 links. This system was revolutionary for surveyors because its decimal nature (100 links per chain) simplified calculations, especially for area. Land area could be easily calculated in square chains and then converted to acres, as 10 square chains equal exactly 1 acre. Gunter's chain and its links became the standard tools for land surveying in England and later throughout the British Empire and the United States for centuries.
Common Uses and Applications: ropes vs links
Explore the typical applications for both Rope (imperial/US) and Link (Gunter's) (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for ropes
The Rope is now an obsolete unit, but historically it was used for:
- Land Surveying: Measuring property boundaries, fields, and plots of land, particularly in older or less formal surveys.
- Building and Construction: Laying out foundations or measuring lengths in large-scale construction projects in historical contexts.
- Agriculture: Estimating field sizes or row lengths.
- Nautical Measurement (Less Common): Occasionally, "rope" might refer to specific lengths used on ships, but this is distinct from the land surveying unit and often context-dependent (similar to a "cable length").
When to Use links
The Gunter's link is now largely obsolete but was historically significant:
- Land Surveying: It was the fundamental unit for measuring property boundaries and land parcels in English-speaking countries for over 300 years.
- Cartography: Used in creating maps and plats based on surveys.
- Land Records: Measurements in links (and chains) frequently appear in older property deeds, historical surveys, and legal descriptions of land. Understanding the link is crucial for interpreting these documents.
- Agriculture: The system was tied to the definition of the acre, a common unit of land area.
Its use declined dramatically with the adoption of the metric system and the advent of more precise surveying technologies like steel tapes, theodolites, Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM), and GPS.
Additional Unit Information
About Rope (rope)
How long is a Rope?
The most common definition for the historical English Rope unit is 20 feet, which is exactly 6.096 meters.
How does the Rope compare to other surveying units?
- Rod (or Pole, Perch): 1 Rod = 16.5 feet. Therefore, 1 Rope ≈ 1.21 Rods.
- Gunter's Chain: 1 Chain = 66 feet = 4 Rods. Therefore, 1 Chain = 3.3 Ropes.
- Foot: 1 Rope = 20 feet.
- Yard: 1 Rope ≈ 6.67 yards.
Was the Rope a standardized unit?
No, it was not rigorously standardized like later units such as the foot or the Gunter's chain. While 20 feet was a common value, variations could exist, and the physical nature of a rope made it inherently less precise than metal instruments.
Is the Rope unit still used today?
No, the Rope as a formal unit of length is obsolete. Modern surveying uses meters, feet, and occasionally chains or rods in specific legal contexts (like older land deeds in the US), but not the Rope.
Is the Rope an SI unit?
No, the Rope is not an SI unit. It is a traditional English unit. The SI base unit for length is the meter (m).
About Link (Gunter's) (li)
How long is a Gunter's Link?
One Gunter's Link is equal to:
- 7.92 inches
- 0.66 feet (2/3 ft)
- 0.201168 meters
- 20.1168 centimeters
How many links are in a Gunter's chain?
There are exactly 100 links in one Gunter's chain.
How long is a Gunter's Chain?
One Gunter's chain is equal to:
- 100 links
- 66 feet
- 22 yards
- 4 rods (or poles, perches)
- 1/10th of a furlong
- 1/80th of a statute mile
- 20.1168 meters
How does the link relate to the acre?
The link is directly related to the acre through the Gunter's chain. An acre is defined as 10 square chains. Since 1 chain = 100 links:
- 1 acre = 10 × (100 links)² = 10 × 10,000 square links = 100,000 square links. This decimal relationship greatly simplified area calculations for surveyors using the chain.
Is the link an SI unit?
No, the Gunter's link is not an SI unit. It is part of the traditional imperial and U.S. customary systems. The corresponding SI unit for length is the meter (m).
Is the Gunter's link still used today?
No, the Gunter's link is rarely used in modern surveying practice. Its primary relevance today is in historical contexts, particularly when interpreting old land deeds, surveys, and maps created using Gunter's system. Modern surveying relies on meters or feet, measured with advanced electronic equipment.
Why was it called a 'link'?
It was called a 'link' because Gunter's chain was literally constructed from 100 physical metal links connected by rings. Each link served as a unit of measurement.
Conversion Table: Rope to Link (Gunter's)
| Rope (rope) | Link (Gunter's) (li) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 15.152 |
| 1 | 30.303 |
| 1.5 | 45.455 |
| 2 | 60.606 |
| 5 | 151.515 |
| 10 | 303.03 |
| 25 | 757.576 |
| 50 | 1,515.152 |
| 100 | 3,030.303 |
| 250 | 7,575.758 |
| 500 | 15,151.515 |
| 1,000 | 30,303.03 |
People Also Ask
How do I convert Rope to Link (Gunter's)?
To convert Rope to Link (Gunter's), enter the value in Rope in the calculator above. The conversion will happen automatically. Use our free online converter for instant and accurate results. You can also visit our length converter page to convert between other units in this category.
Learn more →What is the conversion factor from Rope to Link (Gunter's)?
The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Rope and Link (Gunter's). You can find the exact conversion formula and factor on this page. Our calculator handles all calculations automatically. See the conversion table above for common values.
Can I convert Link (Gunter's) back to Rope?
Yes! You can easily convert Link (Gunter's) back to Rope by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Link (Gunter's) to Rope converter page. You can also explore other length conversions on our category page.
Learn more →What are common uses for Rope and Link (Gunter's)?
Rope and Link (Gunter's) are both standard units used in length measurements. They are commonly used in various applications including engineering, construction, cooking, and scientific research. Browse our length converter for more conversion options.
For more length conversion questions, visit our FAQ page or explore our conversion guides.
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Verified Against Authority Standards
All conversion formulas have been verified against international standards and authoritative sources to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability.
National Institute of Standards and Technology — Official US standards for length measurements
Bureau International des Poids et Mesures — International System of Units official documentation
Last verified: December 3, 2025