Rods to Feet Converter

Instantly convert rods (rd) to feet (ft) using the standard US survey value. Includes reverse feet → rods.

Enter rods, poles, or perches

ft = rods × 16.5

Reverse: Feet → Rods

33 ft should give 2 rods

rods = ft ÷ 16.5

Current factor: 1 rod = 16.5 ft

This is the value used in most US/UK historical land records. The “survey” option differs only in the 6th decimal place.

Quick rods → feet table

Rods Feet Notes
0.58.25Half rod
116.50Standard rod/pole/perch
233.002 rods = 33 ft
466.004 rods = 1 chain
10165.00Long survey line

What is a rod?

A rod is an old surveying length equal to 5.5 yards. Since 1 yard = 3 feet, we get:

1 rod = 5.5 × 3 ft = 16.5 ft

Rods are convenient because they divide nicely into chains and miles used in classic land surveying.

Formulas

Feet = Rods × 16.5

Example: 3 rods × 16.5 = 49.5 feet

Rods = Feet ÷ 16.5

Example: 99 feet ÷ 16.5 = 6 rods

FAQ

1. Are rods, poles, and perches the same?

Yes. In most English-speaking surveying traditions they all refer to 16.5 feet.

2. Why is there a “survey” option?

Some US datasets use a survey foot (slightly different from the international foot). We’ve added it to match tools like unitconverters.net and survey tables.

3. How does this relate to chains and miles?

4 rods = 1 chain (66 ft). 80 chains = 1 mile. This is why 16.5 ft was picked — it creates a neat hierarchy.