Several well-known equations of state developed for hard spheres are reviewed and applied to describe the properties of hard-sphere chains. Two different types of bonding terms that account for chain connectivity are adapted for hard-sphere-chain equations. Each model is then compared with computer simulation data for hard spheres and hard-sphere chains. For hard spheres, the Carnahan-Starling and Kolafa models best describe the computer simulation data. For hard-sphere chains, the accuracy of predictions from each model strongly depends on the choice of bonding terms.