Convert Ken (ken) to Chain (US Survey) (ch (US)) instantly.
About these units
Ken (ken)
The ken is a traditional Japanese unit of length, typically about 1.8 meters, though historically it ranged from 1.6 to 1.9 meters depending on the era and region. The ken is deeply tied to traditional Japanese architecture, especially temple and shrine construction. In classic building design, the ken measured the spacing between pillars in wooden structures. Because Japanese architecture emphasizes modularity and harmonious proportions, the ken allowed builders to create spaces that were both structurally efficient and aesthetically consistent. Many tatami room layouts are also derived from ken-based proportions. Beyond architecture, the ken carried symbolic importance in religious and cultural contexts. Temples were often laid out using ken multiples, reinforcing a sense of order, symmetry, and sacred geometry. Even though modern Japan uses the metric system, the ken persists in the restoration and preservation of historical buildings.
Chain (US Survey) (ch (US))
The US Survey Chain is defined as 66 US Survey Feet (~20.1168 meters), aligning with the historic Gunter's chain but adapted to the US survey foot. It is used primarily in cadastral surveys, property delineation, and historical land records. Surveyors employ the chain for practical measurements of fields, lots, and infrastructure layouts. The unit's subdivision into 100 links simplifies area calculation, as 10 square chains equal one acre, maintaining continuity with older surveying systems. Even today, engineers and surveyors working with legacy data encounter the US survey chain in historical deeds, maps, and legal descriptions. Its precision ensures consistency when reconciling pre-modern measurements with modern coordinates.