Convert Fathom to Barleycorn
Convert fathoms to barleycorns instantly. 1 fathom = 215.9999991496 barleycorn — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Barleycorn to Fathom converter for the reverse conversion.
Units explained
Fathom
A fathom is an Imperial unit of length equal to 6 feet or exactly 1.8288 meters. It is used almost exclusively for measuring water depth in maritime contexts.
The fathom derives from the Old English word fæthm, meaning "the embracing arms" — the distance between the fingertips of a person's outstretched arms. Standardized at 6 feet in English maritime tradition.
Fathoms are used in nautical depth charts, scuba diving, oceanography, and maritime literature. Despite metrication efforts, fathoms remain common in English-language nautical charts and recreational diving.
Old English origin (predating 1066); standardized at 6 feet by English maritime tradition; fixed at 1.8288 m exactly via the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement.
Barleycorn
A barleycorn is an Imperial unit of length equal to one third of an inch (about 8.47 mm). It is the basis of UK shoe sizing and is one of the oldest English length units still in use.
The barleycorn derives from the average length of a grain of barley as a natural reference. Standardised at exactly 1/3 inch by the Statute of Edward II in 1324, which used three barleycorns to define an inch.
Barleycorns are the foundation of UK and US children's shoe sizing — each whole size differs by one barleycorn. Also occasionally referenced in horse-handling and historical English literature.
Standardised in 1324 by the Statute of Edward II at 1/3 inch; the value became exact in 1959 when the inch was fixed at 25.4 mm.
Fathom to Barleycorn conversion formula
The relationship between fathoms and barleycorns:
To convert fathoms to barleycorns, multiply the value in fathoms by 215.9999991496. To reverse, multiply barleycorns by 0.0046296296.
How to use this converter
Type a value into the calculator. The result in barleycorns updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Barleycorn to Fathom converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert fathoms to barleycorns
- Write down the value in fathoms (ftm).
- Multiply that value by the factor 215.9999991496.
- The product is the equivalent value in barleycorns (barleycorn).
- To reverse, multiply the barleycorn value by 0.0046296296.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 ftm to barleycorn:
1 × 215.9999991496 = 215.9999991496 barleycorn
Example 2 — Convert 100 ftm to barleycorn:
100 × 215.9999991496 = 21599.9999149606 barleycorn
Real-world example — Body height conversion (reverse direction)
You measure 1.75 fathoms tall and need to fill in a gym membership form or medical record that asks for height in barleycorns. This is the most-used everyday length conversion in metric-using countries.
1.75 ftm × 215.9999991496 = 377.9999985118 barleycorn
Real-world example — Pet and accessory dimensions
A 3-fathom dog leash equals a tidy round value in barleycorns. Pet-supply shopping frequently mixes the two units across product specifications.
3 ftm × 215.9999991496 = 647.9999974488 barleycorn
Real-world example — Fabric and tailoring
One fathom of fabric converts to a value in barleycorns commonly used for seam allowances. Garment patterns frequently switch between the two units on a single instruction sheet.
1 ftm × 215.9999991496 = 215.9999991496 barleycorn
Fathom to Barleycorn conversion table
Standard reference values for converting fathoms to barleycorns:
| Fathom [ftm] | Barleycorn [barleycorn] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 2.1599999915 |
| 0.1 | 21.599999915 |
| 1 | 215.9999991496 |
| 2 | 431.9999982992 |
| 3 | 647.9999974488 |
| 4 | 863.9999965984 |
| 5 | 1079.999995748 |
| 10 | 2159.9999914961 |
| 20 | 4319.9999829921 |
| 30 | 6479.9999744882 |
| 40 | 8639.9999659843 |
| 50 | 10799.9999574803 |
| 100 | 21599.9999149606 |
| 500 | 107999.9995748032 |
| 1000 | 215999.9991496063 |
Frequently asked questions
How many barleycorns is 1 fathom?
How do I convert fathoms to barleycorns?
How do I convert barleycorns back to fathoms?
How many barleycorns is 100 fathoms?
Popular length unit conversions
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Metric / SI (7 units)
Imperial / US Customary (26 units)
Nautical (1 units)
Sources & references
Conversion factor (1 ftm = 215.9999991496 barleycorn) verified against the following authoritative sources:
- BIPM — The International System of Units (SI Brochure 9th ed.)
Official BIPM publication defining the seven SI base units (including the meter) and the rules for their use. The global authority on units of measurement.
- NIST — Guide to the SI
US National Institute of Standards and Technology reference covering the SI base and derived units with definitions and usage rules for US technical practice.
- NIST Special Publication 811 — Guide for the Use of the International System of Units
Detailed NIST guide covering exact conversion factors between SI and US customary units along with formatting and rounding conventions.
- NIST — Refinement of values for the yard and pound (Federal Register 1959)
The treaty (signed by US
- International Astronomical Union — System of Astronomical Constants
The IAU defines astronomical units including the AU (149597870700 m exactly) light-year and parsec used in astronomy and astrophysics.