Convert rod to fathom Online | Free Length Converter

Rod

A rod is a traditional unit of length used in land measurement and surveying. It is equal to 16.5 feet, 5.5 yards, or exactly 5.0292 meters.

Also known as a pole or perch, the rod dates back to medieval England and was commonly used for measuring land and agricultural plots. It is closely related to other units such as the chain (which is 4 rods) and the furlong (which is 40 rods).

Key conversions:

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  1 rod = 16.5 feet

  
  
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  1 rod = 5.5 yards

  
  
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  1 rod = 5.0292 meters

  
  
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  4 rods = 1 chain

  
  
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  40 rods = 1 furlong

  
  

Though largely replaced by metric units today, the rod is still occasionally used in surveying and legal descriptions of land, especially in the United States and the UK.

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:

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  1 fathom = 6 feet

  
  
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  1 fathom ≈ 1.8288 meters

  
  
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  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depth more precisely, the fathom remains a traditional unit in nautical contexts, especially in maritime charts and historical references.