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Fathom Conversion Table
This comprehensive fathom conversion table shows how various units relate to fathoms, a traditional unit of nautical depth measurement. Use this reference for quick conversions between fathoms and other common length units.
| Conversion | To Unit | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| Fathoms to meters | Meters | 1.8288 |
| Fathoms to kilometers | Kilometers | 0.0018288 |
| Fathoms to centimeters | Centimeters | 182.88 |
| Fathoms to millimeters | Millimeters | 1828.8 |
| Fathoms to micrometers | Micrometers | 1828800 |
| Fathoms to nanometers | Nanometers | 1828800000 |
| Fathoms to picometers | Picometers | 1828800000000 |
| Fathoms to angstroms | Angstroms | 18288000000000 |
| Fathoms to inches | Inches | 72 |
| Fathoms to feet | Feet | 6 |
| Fathoms to yards | Yards | 2 |
| Fathoms to miles | Miles | 0.00113636 |
| Fathoms to nautical miles | Nautical Miles | 0.000987473 |
| Fathoms to cable lengths | Cable Lengths | 0.0987473 |
| Fathoms to light-years | Light-years | 1.9314e-16 |
This fathom conversion reference table provides accurate conversion factors for both metric (SI) units and imperial units. All values are based on internationally recognized standards for maximum precision in scientific and engineering applications.
What is a Fathom?
The fathom (symbol: fathom) is a unit of length in the imperial and US customary systems, equal to 6 feet or approximately 1.8288 meters. It is primarily used for measuring the depth of water and is based on the length of a man's outstretched arms. The word "fathom" comes from the Old English "fæðm" meaning "outstretched arms".
Although largely replaced by metric units in most of the world, the fathom is still used in nautical contexts, particularly in the United States. Our fathom conversion tool helps you easily convert between fathoms and other units. For example, 1 fathom equals exactly 6 feet or 72 inches.
What is the SI of Fathom?
The fathom is not an SI unit. In the International System of Units (SI), the base unit for length is the meter. However, 1 fathom is defined as exactly 1.8288 meters. All other length units in the metric system are derived from the meter, making it essential for SI units conversion:
- Kilometer (km) = 1,000 meters = 546.807 fathoms
- Centimeter (cm) = 0.01 meters = 0.00546807 fathoms
- Millimeter (mm) = 0.001 meters = 0.000546807 fathoms
- Micrometer (µm) = 0.000001 meters = 5.46807e-7 fathoms
- Nanometer (nm) = 0.000000001 meters = 5.46807e-10 fathoms
What are Fathoms Used For?
Fathoms are used primarily in nautical contexts for measuring water depth. As a traditional unit for marine navigation, fathoms provide a convenient scale for underwater measurements. For all nautical distance conversions:
Marine Navigation
Charting water depths for safe passage of ships and boats. For example, a chart might indicate a channel with a minimum depth of 10 fathoms (60 feet) for large vessels.
Oceanography
Recording measurements of ocean depths and underwater features. For example, describing the depth of a submarine canyon at 500 fathoms (914.4 meters).
Fishing Industry
Measuring fishing line depths and fish locations. For example, setting a fishing line at 5 fathoms (30 feet) to target bottom-dwelling species.
Diving Operations
Planning scuba diving and underwater operations. For example, specifying a dive to 20 fathoms (120 feet) to explore a shipwreck.
Etymology and History
The word "fathom" comes from the Old English "fæðm" meaning "outstretched arms", which itself derives from the Proto-Germanic "*fathmaz". The unit was originally defined as the distance between a man's outstretched fingertips, roughly 6 feet. This anthropometric measurement was common in many ancient cultures and provided a convenient unit for maritime use.
The fathom was standardized in the 19th century as exactly 6 feet or 1.8288 meters. Although largely superseded by metric units in most applications, the fathom remains in use for nautical depth measurements, particularly in the United States and Canada. This evolution reflects the transition from traditional anthropometric units to standardized international measurements, while preserving certain traditional units in specialized contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the fathom used for water depth?
The fathom was historically used for water depth because it represented a convenient human-scale measurement that was easy to visualize and estimate. Based on the span of a person's outstretched arms, it provided a practical unit for maritime navigation. Though largely replaced by meters in most countries, the fathom remains in use for nautical depth measurements, particularly in the United States.
How accurate is the fathom definition?
The modern definition of the fathom is exactly 6 feet or 1.8288 meters, making it a precise unit. This definition, established in the 19th century, relates the fathom to the internationally recognized foot. While not an SI unit, the fixed relationship to meters ensures accurate conversions for all nautical distance conversions.
What's the difference between fathom and foot?
A fathom is exactly 6 times longer than a foot. Specifically, 1 fathom equals 6 feet or 72 inches. While the foot is a general-purpose unit of length, the fathom is specifically used for measuring water depth. Both are imperial units, but the fathom is more specialized for nautical applications, whereas the foot is used in a wide range of contexts.
How do I convert fathoms to other units?
Use our fathom conversion calculators above, or multiply by the appropriate conversion factor. For example, to convert fathoms to feet, multiply by 6; to convert fathoms to meters, multiply by 1.8288. For detailed instructions on converting fathoms to meters, visit our fathom to meter converter. Our tool also handles conversions to nautical miles and other units.
What are common uses for fathom conversion?
Fathom conversion is essential in marine navigation (charting water depths), oceanography (recording sea floor measurements), commercial fishing (setting net depths), and diving operations (planning dive depths). Whether calculating safe passage for a ship or determining fishing line depths, our fathom converter tool simplifies these specialized nautical tasks.
How does fathom conversion differ from meter conversion?
While the meter is the SI base unit for length with a definition based on the speed of light, the fathom is a traditional unit specifically for nautical depth measurement. The fathom has a fixed relationship to the meter (1 fathom = 1.8288 meters), but is used in a more specialized context. Our nautical distance converters handle both these units along with other related measurements like nautical miles and cable lengths.
Can I convert very small or very large measurements in fathoms?
Yes, our fathom converter handles both extremely small and large measurements with precision. For microscopic work, convert nanometers to fathoms (1 nm = 5.46807e-10 fathoms). For large distances, convert fathoms to nautical miles (1 nmi = 1012.69 fathoms). Our smart rounding feature ensures readable results for all scales.
Is your fathom conversion tool free to use?
Yes, our fathom conversion calculator is completely free with no registration required. Simply enter your value, select your target unit, and get instant, accurate results. We believe precise measurement conversion should be accessible to everyone, from recreational boaters to professional oceanographers working on complex marine projects.