Fathoms to Meters
Type a value in either box to convert between fathoms and meters. The factor is 1.8288.
| Fathoms | Meters |
|---|---|
| 1 ftm | 1.8288 m |
| 2 ftm | 3.6576 m |
| 3 ftm | 5.4864 m |
| 5 ftm | 9.144 m |
| 10 ftm | 18.288 m |
| 25 ftm | 45.72 m |
| 50 ftm | 91.44 m |
| 100 ftm | 182.88 m |
How to use
- Enter a value in the Fathoms field.
- The Meters figure appears immediately — no button to press.
- Typing in the Meters field converts back to Fathoms the same way.
- Use the reference table for the values that come up most often.
Fathoms to Meters formula
To convert fathoms to meters, multiply by 1.8288.
m = ftm × 1.8288
Why this factor: the fathom and the meter are both defined against the meter, so dividing one definition by the other gives 1.8288 directly. Both definitions are set out in full below.
To go the other way, divide by 1.8288 — or use the Meters to Fathoms converter, which is the same calculation reversed.
Worked example
Take 5 ftm and multiply by the factor 1.8288: the result is 9.144 m.
5 ftm × 1.8288 = 9.144 m
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 a meter?
The meter is the SI base unit of length — the reference every other length unit is now defined against.
Definition: Since 1983 the meter has been defined by fixing the speed of light in vacuum at exactly 299,792,458 meters per second, so a meter is the distance light travels in 1/299,792,458 of a second.
Where it is used: Universal in science, engineering and everyday measurement everywhere except the United States.
Fathoms vs Meters
The fathom is a specialized unit while the meter is an SI 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 meters are in a fathom?
One fathom equals 1.8288 meters.
What is the formula to convert fathoms to meters?
Multiply the number of fathoms by 1.8288. To reverse it, divide by 1.8288 instead.
How do I convert meters back to fathoms?
Divide by 1.8288, which is the same as multiplying by 0.546806649.
How many meters are in 10 fathoms?
10 ftm works out to 18.288 m.
How is the fathom defined?
Six international feet, so exactly 1.8288 meters.