Convert Fathom to Pole
Convert fathoms to poles instantly. 1 fathom = 0.3636363636 pole — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Pole 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.
Pole
A pole is an Imperial unit of length identical to the rod and perch — 16.5 feet (about 5.03 m). The names are regional and historical variants for the same measurement.
The pole derives from medieval English land-surveying. The name comes from the physical wooden pole used by surveyors to lay out the unit on the ground.
Poles appear in historical land records, particularly older US public-land surveys. Functionally identical to rod and perch in all calculations.
Medieval English surveying origin; identical to the rod since 1620; became exact via the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement.
Fathom to Pole conversion formula
The relationship between fathoms and poles:
To convert fathoms to poles, multiply the value in fathoms by 0.3636363636. To reverse, multiply poles by 2.75.
How to use this converter
Type a value into the calculator. The result in poles updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Pole to Fathom converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert fathoms to poles
- Write down the value in fathoms (ftm).
- Multiply that value by the factor 0.3636363636.
- The product is the equivalent value in poles (pole).
- To reverse, multiply the pole value by 2.75.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 ftm to pole:
1 × 0.3636363636 = 0.3636363636 pole
Example 2 — Convert 100 ftm to pole:
100 × 0.3636363636 = 36.3636363636 pole
Real-world example — Adult height conversion
A 1.8-fathom-tall person measures a value in poles that converts the height to the unit favoured by American forms, schools, or driver's licences. This is daily routine for anyone living between metric and imperial systems.
1.8 ftm × 0.3636363636 = 0.6545454545 pole
Real-world example — Fabric purchase length
Two fathoms of fabric equals a value in poles essential for tailors and textile buyers sourcing material from international suppliers that quote in different units.
2 ftm × 0.3636363636 = 0.7272727273 pole
Real-world example — Maritime depth conversion
A 10-fathom sounding depth converts cleanly into poles. Recreational divers and sailors translate between the two units whenever they read legacy charts against modern depth-sounder displays.
10 ftm × 0.3636363636 = 3.6363636364 pole
Fathom to Pole conversion table
Standard reference values for converting fathoms to poles:
| Fathom [ftm] | Pole [pole] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 0.0036363636 |
| 0.1 | 0.0363636364 |
| 1 | 0.3636363636 |
| 2 | 0.7272727273 |
| 3 | 1.0909090909 |
| 4 | 1.4545454545 |
| 5 | 1.8181818182 |
| 10 | 3.6363636364 |
| 20 | 7.2727272727 |
| 30 | 10.9090909091 |
| 40 | 14.5454545455 |
| 50 | 18.1818181818 |
| 100 | 36.3636363636 |
| 500 | 181.8181818182 |
| 1000 | 363.6363636364 |
Frequently asked questions
How many poles is 1 fathom?
How do I convert fathoms to poles?
How do I convert poles back to fathoms?
How many poles is 100 fathoms?
Popular length unit conversions
Convert Fathom to other length units
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Metric / SI (7 units)
Imperial / US Customary (26 units)
Nautical (1 units)
Sources & references
Conversion factor (1 ftm = 0.3636363636 pole) 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 Hydrographic Organization — Resolution on the Nautical Mile
International authority that standardised the nautical mile at exactly 1852 m in 1929 — the value adopted worldwide for sea and air navigation.