ChessmateGet the appFile and rank
A file is a vertical column labelled a through h, and a rank is a horizontal row numbered 1 through 8.
A square name combines its file and rank. The square e4 is on the e-file and the fourth rank.
Files and ranks form board coordinates
Files are the eight vertical columns named a through h. Ranks are the eight horizontal rows numbered 1 through 8. Joining one file letter and one rank number gives every square a unique coordinate.
| Coordinate | Meaning |
|---|---|
e-file | Every square from e1 through e8 |
4th rank | Every square from a4 through h4 |
e4 | The intersection of the e-file and 4th rank |
Coordinates stay fixed when the board flips
From White's side, a1 is the lower-left square and h1 is the lower-right square. A digital board viewed from Black's side reverses the visual order, but a1 remains a1 and every move keeps the same notation.