Catenary Calculator

Set chain length, water depth, chain size and force. The curve view shows seabed contact when force is below lift-off force.

Mathematical Concepts & Equations Used →

Chain Curve

10 mm (2.3 kg/m)

Distance from anchor (x) vs chain height above seabed (y).

Horizontal Force to Just Lift Last Link at 20+2d Scope

Force required to just lift the last chain link off the seabed when using the recommended scope (20m + 2 × depth), for each chain size. Note the minimum around 10-12m — deeper anchoring with more chain needs less force to lift the last link.

Chain Length and Scope vs Water Depth (when last link is just lifted)

Red line: chain length. Blue line: scope ratio.