Length · Unit Converter

Convert Link to Fathom

Convert links to fathoms instantly. 1 link = 0.11 fathom — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Fathom to Link 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

Link

What is a link?

A link is an Imperial unit of length equal to 7.92 inches (201.168 mm) — exactly 1/100 of a surveyor's chain. It is the smallest unit in the chain-based survey measurement system.

Origin of the link

The link was defined by Edmund Gunter in 1620 as part of his 22-yard surveying chain. He divided the chain into 100 links specifically to enable easy decimal arithmetic when computing parcel areas.

Where it is used

Links appear in historical US and UK land survey documents (especially pre-1900). Modern surveyors generally use feet or meters but legacy deed records and government land surveys still cite acreage in chains and links.

When and where it was developed

Defined by Edmund Gunter in 1620; standardised as 7.92 inches via the chain definition; became exact via the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement.

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.

Link to Fathom conversion formula

The relationship between links and fathoms:

1 lk = 0.11 ftm
1 ftm = 9.0909090909 lk

To convert links to fathoms, multiply the value in links by 0.11. To reverse, multiply fathoms by 9.0909090909.

How to use this converter

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

Step-by-step: convert links to fathoms

  1. Write down the value in links (lk).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 0.11.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in fathoms (ftm).
  4. To reverse, multiply the fathom value by 9.0909090909.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 lk to ftm:
1 × 0.11 = 0.11 ftm

Example 2 — Convert 100 lk to ftm:
100 × 0.11 = 11 ftm

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 lk × 0.11 = 0.11 ftm

Real-world example — Adult height conversion

A 1.8-link-tall person measures a value in fathoms 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 lk × 0.11 = 0.198 ftm

Real-world example — Fabric purchase length

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

2 lk × 0.11 = 0.22 ftm

Link to Fathom conversion table

Standard reference values for converting links to fathoms:

Link [lk]Fathom [ftm]
0.010.0011
0.10.011
10.11
20.22
30.33
40.44
50.55
101.1
202.2
303.3
404.4
505.5
10011
50055
1000110

Frequently asked questions

How many fathoms is 1 link?
1 link equals 0.11 fathom.
How do I convert links to fathoms?
Multiply the value in links by 0.11 to get fathoms.
How do I convert fathoms back to links?
Multiply the value in fathoms by 9.0909090909, or use the Fathom to Link converter.
How many fathoms is 100 links?
100 links equals 11 fathoms, because 100 × 0.11 = 11.

Convert Link to other length units

Show all Link conversions

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 lk = 0.11 ftm) verified against the following authoritative sources:

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