How many meters is 1 fathom?

One fathom equals exactly 1.8288 meters. Since 1 fathom = 6 feet and 1 foot = 0.3048 m, multiply 6 by 0.3048.

How do I convert fathoms to meters?

Multiply fathoms by 1.8288. For example, 100 fathoms = 182.88 meters. For quick estimation, multiply fathoms by 1.83.

Are nautical charts switching from fathoms to meters?

Yes. The IHO has recommended meters for chart depths since the 1960s. Most new charts use meters, but many legacy charts still show fathoms. Mariners must be comfortable with both units and this conversion.

Fathoms to Meters (ftm to m) Converter

1 ftm = 1.8288 m

1 Fathom equals 1.8288 Meters (1 ftm = 1.8288 m). Convert Fathoms to Meters with formula, table, and examples.

One fathom equals exactly 1.8288 meters. This is the most important fathom conversion for modern use, as international nautical charts are transitioning from fathoms to meters. The International Hydrographic Organization recommends meters for chart depths, making this conversion essential for marine navigation.

How to Convert Fathoms to Meters

m = ftm × 1.8288

Multiply the value in Fathoms by 1.8288

Take your value in Fathoms
Multiply by 1.8288
Read the result in Meters

Common Fathoms to Meters Conversions

Fathoms (ftm)	Meters (m)	Status
0.25 ftm	0.4572 m
0.5 ftm	0.9144 m
1 ftm	1.8288 m
2 ftm	3.6576 m
5 ftm	9.144 m
10 ftm	18.288 m
20 ftm	36.576 m
50 ftm	91.44 m
100 ftm	182.88 m
200 ftm	365.76 m
500 ftm	914.4 m
1,000 ftm	1,828.8 m
6,000 ftm	10,972.8 m

Good to Know About Fathoms to Meters Conversion

This is the one fathom conversion that every mariner needs to know. The transition from fathom charts to meter charts is one of the last metrication battles still being fought, decades after most countries switched to metric on land.

Fathoms to Meters: What You Need to Know

A 10-fathom depth is 18.288 meters. The Titanic rests at about 2,066 fathoms (3,779 m). Average ocean depth is about 2,000 fathoms (3,658 m). When reading older British Admiralty charts (in fathoms) alongside modern metric charts (in meters), this conversion is performed constantly by mariners worldwide.

What is a Fathom? ftm

Exactly 6 feet (1.8288 m). Traditionally used to measure water depth in nautical contexts. Originally based on the span of outstretched arms.

Imperial water depth nautical marine charts

Learn more about Fathom →

What is a Meter? m

The base unit of length in the International System of Units (SI). Used worldwide as the standard measure of distance.

Metric construction athletics navigation

Learn more about Meter →

Going the other way? Use our Meters to Fathoms converter.

Fathoms to Meters FAQ

One fathom equals exactly 1.8288 meters. Since 1 fathom = 6 feet and 1 foot = 0.3048 m, multiply 6 by 0.3048.
Multiply fathoms by 1.8288. For example, 100 fathoms = 182.88 meters. For quick estimation, multiply fathoms by 1.83.
Yes. The IHO has recommended meters for chart depths since the 1960s. Most new charts use meters, but many legacy charts still show fathoms. Mariners must be comfortable with both units and this conversion.

Non-Frequently Asked Questions About Fathoms to Meters

Questions nobody should ask - but someone did.

The French revolutionaries who designed the metric system wanted a clean decimal system based on the Earth. The fathom (1.8288 m) is based on a man's arm span, which is not decimal, not French, and not scientific. The meter won on ideology.
Almost exactly. 2 fathoms = 3.6576 meters. Close enough that 'about 3.7 meters' works for casual conversion. For diving safety, round UP: better to think you have less clearance than more.
The US Navy officially switched to meters and feet in the 1990s, but fathoms persist in practice. British Admiralty charts used fathoms until 2000. Old habits die hard on the open sea, where tradition outweighs tidy metric conversion.