Procedures· are developed for estimating geometry and load distribution in a chain connected from a floating object t·o a fixed anchor beneath the seabed. Previously published information on this subj ect has been restricted to a discussion of resistance of soil to movement of chain normal to the chain path. This paper expands the theory to include procedures for considering tangential resistance of soil to movement of the chain, the effective weight of chain in soil, and the general case of chain entering the s oil at an angle.The more rigorous treatment of chain behavior in s oil yields s:ril.allerToads on anchor s. These smaller loads could result in savings on installation costs for anchors. A parameter study is included to snow the influence of several variables on chain loads at the anchor.