Length · Unit Converter

Convert Cable to Pole

Convert cables to poles instantly. 1 cable = 36.8249423368 pole — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Pole to Cable 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

Cable

What is a cable?

A cable is a nautical unit of length equal to one tenth of a nautical mile (exactly 185.2 m). It is used in maritime navigation for short-distance descriptions.

Origin of the cable

The cable derives from the historical length of a ship's anchor cable. Standardised at one tenth of an international nautical mile in 1929.

Where it is used

Cables are used in modern maritime navigation when describing short distances between vessels, anchoring depths, and harbor manoeuvres. Common in naval and yachting contexts.

When and where it was developed

Standardised at 1/10 nautical mile by the International Hydrographic Organization in 1929.

Imperial / US Customary

Pole

What is a 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.

Origin of the pole

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.

Where it is used

Poles appear in historical land records, particularly older US public-land surveys. Functionally identical to rod and perch in all calculations.

When and where it was developed

Medieval English surveying origin; identical to the rod since 1620; became exact via the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement.

Cable to Pole conversion formula

The relationship between cables and poles:

1 cable = 36.8249423368 pole
1 pole = 0.0271555076 cable

To convert cables to poles, multiply the value in cables by 36.8249423368. To reverse, multiply poles by 0.0271555076.

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 Cable converter for the reverse direction.

Step-by-step: convert cables to poles

  1. Write down the value in cables (cable).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 36.8249423368.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in poles (pole).
  4. To reverse, multiply the pole value by 0.0271555076.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 cable to pole:
1 × 36.8249423368 = 36.8249423368 pole

Example 2 — Convert 100 cable to pole:
100 × 36.8249423368 = 3682.4942336753 pole

Cable to Pole conversion table

Standard reference values for converting cables to poles:

Cable [cable]Pole [pole]
0.010.3682494234
0.13.6824942337
136.8249423368
273.6498846735
3110.4748270103
4147.299769347
5184.1247116838
10368.2494233675
20736.4988467351
301104.7482701026
401472.9976934701
501841.2471168377
1003682.4942336753
50018412.4711683767
100036824.9423367534

Frequently asked questions

How many poles is 1 cable?
1 cable equals 36.8249423368 pole.
How do I convert cables to poles?
Multiply the value in cables by 36.8249423368 to get poles.
How do I convert poles back to cables?
Multiply the value in poles by 0.0271555076, or use the Pole to Cable converter.
How many poles is 100 cables?
100 cables equals 3682.4942336753 poles, because 100 × 36.8249423368 = 3682.4942336753.

Convert Cable to other length units

Show all Cable conversions

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 cable = 36.8249423368 pole) verified against the following authoritative sources:

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