Fathom is a length unit used to express distance, size or travel range in practical measurement work.
The fathom originally measured the span of a person's outstretched arms. Fixed at 6 feet (1.8288 m), it has long been used for water depth on nautical charts.
Measurement system: Metric, imperial and internationally standardized length usage. SI equivalent: 1 ftm = 1.8288 m.
Fathom facts
- Unit name
- Fathom
- Symbol
- ftm
- Category
- Length
- Measurement system
- Metric, imperial and internationally standardized length usage
- SI equivalent
- 1 ftm = 1.8288 m
- Common uses
- Distance, dimensions, navigation and physical measurement
Definition of the fathom
Fathom is a length unit used to express distance, size or travel range in practical measurement work.
Measurement system and SI relationship
Metric, imperial and internationally standardized length usage
SI equivalent: 1 ftm = 1.8288 m
History of the fathom
The fathom originally measured the span of a person's outstretched arms. Fixed at 6 feet (1.8288 m), it has long been used for water depth on nautical charts.
Where is the fathom used?
Distance, dimensions, navigation and physical measurement