Why is 22 Yards Called a Chain in Measurement?

Discover the origin of the term 'chain' in measurement, including its historical significance.

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22 yards is called a chain because it historically represents a standard unit of length used in land measurement. The term originates from a surveyor's chain, which consists of 100 links, each link being 7.92 inches long, summing up to 22 yards. This measurement technique was widely adopted and thus became a standard in various fields, including cricket.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is a surveyor's chain? A surveyor's chain is a measuring tool used in land surveying, historically comprised of 100 links to measure distances.
  2. How is a chain related to cricket? In cricket, the term 'chain' relates to the measurement of the pitch, which is 22 yards long.
  3. What are other units used in land measurement? Other units include feet, meters, acres, and hectares, each serving different purposes in measurement.