Length · Unit Converter

Convert Fathom to Furlong

Convert fathoms to furlongs instantly. 1 fathom = 0.0090909091 furlong — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Furlong to Fathom converter for the reverse conversion.

Written by Sunith Babu L, Ph.D., Lead Engineer Reviewed by Girish V Kulkarni Ph.D.
Length category 2 min read Published Last reviewed Updated

Units explained

Imperial / US Customary

Fathom

What is a 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.

Origin of the fathom

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.

Where it is used

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.

When and where it was developed

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.

Imperial / US Customary

Furlong

What is a furlong?

A furlong is an Imperial unit of length equal to 660 feet, or exactly one eighth of a mile (about 201.17 m). It is the longest unit in the traditional English farm-and-survey system.

Origin of the furlong

The furlong derives from Old English furh (furrow) + lang (long) — originally the length of a furrow in a typical medieval English open field. Standardised at 660 feet (= 10 chains = 220 yards = 1/8 mile) in medieval times.

Where it is used

Furlongs are the standard distance unit in horse racing (e.g., 'The race is 8 furlongs'), historical English farming and surveying, and occasional poetic or rhetorical usage. Modern racing courses worldwide list distances in furlongs.

When and where it was developed

Medieval English farming origin; standardised at 660 feet; remains the official distance unit in flat-racing thoroughbred horse races worldwide.

Fathom to Furlong conversion formula

The relationship between fathoms and furlongs:

1 ftm = 0.0090909091 fur
1 fur = 110 ftm

To convert fathoms to furlongs, multiply the value in fathoms by 0.0090909091. To reverse, multiply furlongs by 110.

How to use this converter

Type a value into the calculator. The result in furlongs updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Furlong to Fathom converter for the reverse direction.

Step-by-step: convert fathoms to furlongs

  1. Write down the value in fathoms (ftm).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 0.0090909091.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in furlongs (fur).
  4. To reverse, multiply the furlong value by 110.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 ftm to fur:
1 × 0.0090909091 = 0.0090909091 fur

Example 2 — Convert 100 ftm to fur:
100 × 0.0090909091 = 0.9090909091 fur

Real-world example — Fabric purchase length

Two fathoms of fabric equals a value in furlongs essential for tailors and textile buyers sourcing material from international suppliers that quote in different units.

2 ftm × 0.0090909091 = 0.0181818182 fur

Real-world example — Maritime depth conversion

A 10-fathom sounding depth converts cleanly into furlongs. Recreational divers and sailors translate between the two units whenever they read legacy charts against modern depth-sounder displays.

10 ftm × 0.0090909091 = 0.0909090909 fur

Real-world example — Reference scenario in case of fallback

Conversion between human-scale length units is the everyday workflow of architecture, athletics, and apparel design — three of the most common contexts that span metric and imperial systems.

1 ftm × 0.0090909091 = 0.0090909091 fur

Fathom to Furlong conversion table

Standard reference values for converting fathoms to furlongs:

Fathom [ftm]Furlong [fur]
0.019.090909e-5
0.10.0009090909
10.0090909091
20.0181818182
30.0272727273
40.0363636364
50.0454545455
100.0909090909
200.1818181818
300.2727272727
400.3636363636
500.4545454545
1000.9090909091
5004.5454545455
10009.0909090909

Frequently asked questions

How many furlongs is 1 fathom?
1 fathom equals 0.0090909091 furlong.
How do I convert fathoms to furlongs?
Multiply the value in fathoms by 0.0090909091 to get furlongs.
How do I convert furlongs back to fathoms?
Multiply the value in furlongs by 110, or use the Furlong to Fathom converter.
How many furlongs is 100 fathoms?
100 fathoms equals 0.9090909091 furlongs, because 100 × 0.0090909091 = 0.9090909091.

Convert Fathom to other length units

Show all Fathom conversions

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 ftm = 0.0090909091 fur) verified against the following authoritative sources:

Results are provided for general reference. Verify critical measurements against an authoritative standard.