Fathoms to Inches
An instant fathoms-to-inches converter, with the formula and a reference table below.
| Fathoms | Inches |
|---|---|
| 1 ftm | 72 in |
| 2 ftm | 144 in |
| 3 ftm | 216 in |
| 5 ftm | 360 in |
| 10 ftm | 720 in |
| 25 ftm | 1800 in |
| 50 ftm | 3600 in |
| 100 ftm | 7200 in |
How to use
- Enter a value in the Fathoms field.
- The Inches figure appears immediately — no button to press.
- Typing in the Inches field converts back to Fathoms the same way.
- Use the reference table for the values that come up most often.
Fathoms to Inches formula
To convert fathoms to inches, multiply by 72.
in = ftm × 72
Put another way, one fathom is exactly 72 inches.
Why this factor: the fathom and the inch are both defined against the meter, so dividing one definition by the other gives 72 directly. Both definitions are set out in full below.
To go the other way, divide by 72 — or use the Inches to Fathoms converter, which is the same calculation reversed.
Worked example
Given 12 ftm, multiplying by 72 yields 864 in.
12 ftm × 72 = 864 in
The converter above does this for any value you type, in either direction.
What is a fathom?
A fathom is six feet, the traditional unit for water depth.
Definition: Six international feet, so exactly 1.8288 meters.
Where it is used: Nautical charts, depth soundings, and anchor and cable lengths.
What is an inch?
An inch is one twelfth of a foot, used for small dimensions and for screen and wheel sizes globally.
Definition: Exactly 25.4 millimeters since the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement — an exact, not approximate, relation.
Where it is used: Screen diagonals, pipe and fastener sizes, tire and wheel diameters, and print layout worldwide.
Fathoms vs Inches
The fathom is a specialized unit while the inch is an imperial unit. That is why the factor between them is not a round number: the two systems were defined independently and only later tied together by exact agreement.
Frequently asked questions
How many inches are in a fathom?
One fathom equals 72 inches.
What is the formula to convert fathoms to inches?
Multiply the number of fathoms by 72. To reverse it, divide by 72 instead.
How do I convert inches back to fathoms?
Divide by 72, which is the same as multiplying by 0.0138888889.
How many inches are in 10 fathoms?
10 ftm works out to 720 in.
How is the fathom defined?
Six international feet, so exactly 1.8288 meters.