Convert femtometer to fathom Online | Free Length Converter

Switch units
   

Femtometer


A femtometer (fm) is a unit of length in the metric system, equal to one-quadrillionth of a meter (1 fm = 10⁻¹⁵ meters). It is also known as a fermi, named after the physicist Enrico Fermi. Femtometers are used to measure extremely small distances at the subatomic level, such as the size of protons, neutrons, and atomic nuclei. For example, the radius of a proton is about 0.84 femtometers. This unit is commonly used in nuclear physics and particle physics, but it's far too small for everyday measurements.


Fathom


A fathom is a unit of length traditionally used to measure the depth of water. It equals 6 feet or approximately 1.8288 meters.


Originating from the Old English word fæðm, meaning "to embrace" or "outstretched arms," the fathom was based on the average distance between a person's outstretched arms. It has been widely used by sailors and navigators to estimate sea depths and underwater distances.


Key facts:



  • 1 fathom = 6 feet



  • 1 fathom ≈ 1.8288 meters



  • 1 fathom = 2 yards



Though modern sonar and electronic instruments now measure depth more precisely, the fathom remains a traditional unit in nautical contexts, especially in maritime charts and historical references.




No conversions available for length.

Convert femtometer to Other Length Units