Miles to Fathoms
Type a value in either box to convert between miles and fathoms. The factor is 880.
| Miles | Fathoms |
|---|---|
| 1 mi | 880 ftm |
| 2 mi | 1760 ftm |
| 3 mi | 2640 ftm |
| 5 mi | 4400 ftm |
| 10 mi | 8800 ftm |
| 25 mi | 22000 ftm |
| 50 mi | 44000 ftm |
| 100 mi | 88000 ftm |
How to use
- Enter a value in the Miles field.
- The Fathoms figure appears immediately — no button to press.
- Typing in the Fathoms field converts back to Miles the same way.
- Use the reference table for the values that come up most often.
Miles to Fathoms formula
The factor from miles to fathoms is 880.
ftm = mi × 880
Put another way, one mile is exactly 880 fathoms.
Why this factor: the mile and the fathom are both defined against the meter, so dividing one definition by the other gives 880 directly. Both definitions are set out in full below.
To go the other way, divide by 880 — or use the Fathoms to Miles converter, which is the same calculation reversed.
Worked example
Take 5 mi and multiply by the factor 880: the result is 4400 ftm.
5 mi × 880 = 4400 ftm
The converter above does this for any value you type, in either direction.
What is a mile?
The statute mile is the standard long-distance unit in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Definition: Defined as 5,280 feet, which since the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement makes it exactly 1,609.344 meters.
Where it is used: US and UK road signs, speed limits, running races, and vehicle odometers.
Worth knowing: Distinct from the nautical mile (1,852 m), which is about 15% longer and used at sea and in the air.
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.
Miles vs Fathoms
The mile is an imperial unit while the fathom is a specialized 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 fathoms are in a mile?
One mile equals 880 fathoms.
What is the formula to convert miles to fathoms?
Multiply the number of miles by 880. To reverse it, divide by 880 instead.
How do I convert fathoms back to miles?
Divide by 880, which is the same as multiplying by 0.00113636364.
How many fathoms are in 10 miles?
10 mi works out to 8800 ftm.
Is there anything to watch out for with miles?
Distinct from the nautical mile (1,852 m), which is about 15% longer and used at sea and in the air.
How is the mile defined?
Defined as 5,280 feet, which since the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement makes it exactly 1,609.344 meters.