How many fathoms is 1 inch?

One inch equals exactly 1/72 of a fathom (approximately 0.01389 fathoms).

How many inches are in 1 fathom?

One fathom contains exactly 72 inches (6 feet x 12 inches/foot).

When would I convert inches to fathoms?

When reading nautical charts that show depth in fathoms alongside equipment specifications in inches, such as anchor chain diameter or mooring line width.

Inches to Fathoms (in to ftm) Converter

1 in = 0.0139 ftm

1 Inch equals 0.0139 Fathoms (1 in = 0.0139 ftm). Convert Inches to Fathoms with formula, table, and examples.

One inch equals exactly 1/72 of a fathom, or approximately 0.01389 fathoms. Since 1 fathom = 6 feet = 72 inches, the ratio is clean. The inch measures everyday objects; the fathom measures ocean depth. Both are English units from the foot-based system.

How to Convert Inches to Fathoms

ftm = in ÷ 72

Divide the value in Inches by 72

Take your value in Inches
Divide by 72
Read the result in Fathoms

Common Inches to Fathoms Conversions

Inches (in)	Fathoms (ftm)	Status
1 in	0.0139 ftm
5 in	0.0694 ftm
10 in	0.1389 ftm
12 in	0.1667 ftm
24 in	0.3333 ftm
36 in	0.5 ftm
48 in	0.6667 ftm
72 in	1 ftm
100 in	1.3889 ftm
200 in	2.7778 ftm
500 in	6.9444 ftm
1,000 in	13.8889 ftm
5,000 in	69.4444 ftm

Good to Know About Inches to Fathoms Conversion

On a ship, anchor chain links are measured in inches. Deployed chain length is measured in fathoms. Both describe the same chain at different scales: the link's width in inches, the chain's length in fathoms.

Inches to Fathoms: What You Need to Know

A fathom contains exactly 72 inches. A 12-inch (1 foot) measurement is 1/6 of a fathom. A recreational dive limit of 130 feet (1,560 inches) is about 21.67 fathoms. Converting between inches and fathoms is needed when interpreting nautical equipment specifications alongside depth charts.

What is a Inch? in

An imperial unit of length equal to exactly 2.54 centimeters. Commonly used in the US and UK for screen sizes, body measurements, and construction.

Imperial Us-customary screen sizes construction (US) body measurements

Learn more about Inch →

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 →

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

Inches to Fathoms FAQ

One inch equals exactly 1/72 of a fathom (approximately 0.01389 fathoms).
One fathom contains exactly 72 inches (6 feet x 12 inches/foot).
When reading nautical charts that show depth in fathoms alongside equipment specifications in inches, such as anchor chain diameter or mooring line width.

Non-Frequently Asked Questions About Inches to Fathoms

Questions nobody should ask - but someone did.

A bathtub is about 16 inches (40 cm) deep, which is 0.222 fathoms. You bathe in less than a quarter fathom of water. Shakespeare's 'full fathom five' is 27 times deeper than your bath. Your bath is not dramatic enough for poetry.