Cable Length to Angstrom Converter
Convert cable lengths to angstroms with our free online length converter.
Quick Answer
1 Cable Length = 1.852000e+12 angstroms
Formula: Cable Length × conversion factor = Angstrom
Use the calculator below for instant, accurate conversions.
Our Accuracy Guarantee
All conversion formulas on UnitsConverter.io have been verified against NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) guidelines and international SI standards. Our calculations are accurate to 10 decimal places for standard conversions and use arbitrary precision arithmetic for astronomical units.
Cable Length to Angstrom Calculator
How to Use the Cable Length to Angstrom Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Cable Length).
- The converted value in Angstrom will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Length category.
- Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Cable Length to Angstrom: Step-by-Step Guide
Converting Cable Length to Angstrom involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Cable Length = 1.8520e+12 angstromsExample Calculation:
Convert 10 cable lengths: 10 × 1.8520e+12 = 1.8520e+13 angstroms
Disclaimer: For Reference Only
These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.
Not for professional use. Results should be verified before use in any critical application. View our Terms of Service for more information.
Need to convert to other length units?
View all Length conversions →What is a Cable Length and a Angstrom?
A Cable Length (symbol cb), often shortened to cable, is a nautical unit of length, traditionally related to the length of a ship's anchor cable. While its exact length has varied historically and geographically, it is now most commonly defined internationally as one-tenth of a nautical mile (1/10 NM).
This standard definition equates to:
- 185.2 meters (m)
- Approximately 607.61 feet (ft)
- Approximately 202.54 yards (yd)
Other historical definitions based on the fathom also exist.
The Angstrom (symbol Å) is a non-SI unit of length equal to exactly 10⁻¹⁰ meters (one ten-billionth of a meter) or 0.1 nanometers (nm). While not part of the modern International System of Units (SI), it remains widely used in various scientific fields due to its convenient scale for atomic and molecular dimensions.
The Angstrom provides a direct way to express sizes at the sub-nanometer level without resorting to fractions or powers of ten. For example, expressing a carbon-carbon bond as "1.54 Å" is more intuitive than "0.154 nm" or "154 pm" for scientists working at the atomic scale.
Relationship to other units:
- 1 Angstrom = 0.1 nanometers (nm)
- 1 Angstrom = 100 picometers (pm)
- 1 Angstrom = 0.0001 micrometers (μm)
- 10 Angstroms = 1 nanometer
- 10 billion Angstroms = 1 meter
Special character note: The proper symbol is Å (capital A with a ring above), not simply "A". This distinguishes it from amperes (A) and other uses of the letter A in scientific notation.
Convert Angstroms to Other Units →
Note: The Cable Length is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Angstrom belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Cable Length and Angstrom
The unit originated from the practical length of a ship's anchor cable (or "shot" of chain) used in the age of sail. Anchor cables were typically manufactured in standard lengths that could be shackled together. This length provided a convenient unit for measuring distances related to anchoring and maneuvering close to shore or other vessels.
However, the length was not universally standardized:
- In the British Royal Navy, a cable was traditionally defined as 100 fathoms (equivalent to 600 feet or 182.88 meters).
- In the U.S. Navy, it was often defined as 120 fathoms (equivalent to 720 feet or 219.456 meters).
With the international adoption of the nautical mile (defined as 1852 meters), defining the cable as exactly one-tenth of this value (185.2 m) created a convenient, decimal-based relationship and became the most common modern standard, sometimes referred to as the "international cable length".
The Angstrom unit is named after the Swedish physicist Anders Jonas Ångström (1814–1874), one of the founders of the science of spectroscopy. Ångström made groundbreaking contributions to understanding electromagnetic radiation and atomic emission spectra.
In 1868, Ångström published a chart of the solar spectrum, expressing the wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation in sunlight as multiples of 10⁻¹⁰ meters. This scale proved extraordinarily convenient for expressing:
- Atomic radii (typically 0.5-3 Å)
- Chemical bond lengths (typically 1-2 Å)
- Wavelengths of X-rays (1-10 Å)
- Crystal lattice spacings (2-10 Å)
The Angstrom quickly became the standard unit in crystallography, chemistry, and atomic physics throughout the early 20th century. X-ray crystallography, developed by Max von Laue, William Henry Bragg, and William Lawrence Bragg in the 1910s, relied heavily on Angstrom measurements for determining crystal structures.
When the International System of Units (SI) was established in 1960, the Angstrom was officially deprecated in favor of:
- Nanometer (nm) = 10⁻⁹ m (preferred for 0.1-100 nm scales)
- Picometer (pm) = 10⁻¹² m (preferred for atomic-scale measurements)
Despite this official change, the Angstrom persists robustly in scientific literature for several reasons:
- Historical data: Decades of crystallography and spectroscopy literature use Angstroms
- Convenient scale: Atomic dimensions typically fall in the 0.5-5 Å range—easy to work with
- Established conventions: Many scientific fields developed their nomenclature around Angstroms
- Software and databases: Crystallographic databases (PDB, CIF) often default to Angstroms
Today, you will find Angstroms in:
- Protein Data Bank (PDB) files for biomolecular structures
- X-ray diffraction data and crystallographic information files (CIF)
- Chemistry textbooks for bond lengths and atomic radii
- Materials science publications for thin film thickness and surface studies
Learn More About Scientific Units →
Common Uses and Applications: cable lengths vs angstroms
Explore the typical applications for both Cable Length (imperial/US) and Angstrom (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for cable lengths
The cable length, particularly the 1/10 NM definition, remains in use in specific maritime contexts:
- Nautical Navigation & Ship Handling: Measuring short distances at sea, such as the distance between ships in formation, distance off a navigational hazard, distance to a pier, estimating anchor drag, or describing the scope (length) of anchor cable paid out.
- Hydrographic Surveying: Historically used on nautical charts, although meters are now the primary international standard for depth and short distances on modern charts.
- Naval Terminology: Persists in naval traditions and communications for describing close ranges.
- Historical Context: Encountered in older maritime texts, logs, charts, and naval records.
When to Use angstroms
1. Crystallography
Crystallographers use Angstroms as the standard unit for crystal structure determination via X-ray, neutron, or electron diffraction. The spacing between atomic planes (d-spacings) in crystals typically ranges from 1-10 Å, making the Angstrom the natural unit. Crystallographic Information Files (CIF) and crystallography software default to Angstrom units.
Convert Crystal Measurements →
2. Atomic and Molecular Physics
Physicists measuring atomic radii, ionic radii, and atomic orbital sizes use Angstroms because typical atomic dimensions fall in the 0.5-5 Å range. Quantum mechanics calculations often output electron densities and orbital sizes in Angstroms for convenient interpretation.
3. Chemistry and Bond Lengths
Chemists specify molecular structures with bond lengths in Angstroms. Chemical databases, molecular modeling software, and computational chemistry programs (like Gaussian, ORCA, and VASP) typically use Angstrom coordinates. This convention allows for easy comparison across decades of chemical literature.
Calculate Molecular Dimensions →
4. Structural Biology
Protein crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) express protein structures in Angstroms. The Protein Data Bank (PDB)—the worldwide repository of 3D biological macromolecular structures—uses Angstroms as the standard coordinate unit. Resolutions of protein structures are also reported in Angstroms (e.g., "2.5 Å resolution").
Convert Protein Measurements →
5. X-ray Spectroscopy
X-ray wavelengths naturally fall in the 0.1-100 Å range, making Angstroms the convenient unit for X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and synchrotron radiation experiments. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) also references wavelengths in Angstroms.
6. Thin Film Technology
Materials scientists characterize thin films, coatings, and surface layers in Angstroms, particularly for films thinner than 100 Å (10 nm). Atomic layer deposition (ALD), molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), and physical vapor deposition (PVD) processes often specify thicknesses in Angstroms for precision.
7. Surface Science
Surface scientists studying adsorption, catalysis, and surface reconstruction use Angstroms to measure adsorbate heights, surface step heights (typically 2-4 Å), and interlayer spacings. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) data are often expressed in Angstroms vertically.
Additional Unit Information
About Cable Length (cb)
What are the different values for a cable length?
The value depends on the definition being used:
- International Standard: 1 cable = 1/10 nautical mile = 185.2 meters ≈ 607.61 feet. (Most common modern definition)
- British Traditional: 1 cable = 100 fathoms = 182.88 meters = 600 feet.
- US Traditional: 1 cable = 120 fathoms = 219.456 meters = 720 feet.
Always clarify which definition is intended if precision is critical, though the 1/10 NM version is generally assumed today unless otherwise specified.
How many meters are in a standard cable length?
The internationally recognized standard cable length is exactly 185.2 meters.
How many feet are in a standard cable length?
The internationally recognized standard cable length is approximately 607.61 feet. The traditional British cable was 600 ft, and the traditional US cable was 720 ft.
Is the cable length related to the nautical mile?
Yes, the most common modern definition establishes a direct relationship: 1 cable length = 1/10 nautical mile.
Is the cable length an SI unit?
No, the cable length is not an SI unit. It is a traditional nautical unit derived from maritime practice and later linked to the nautical mile. The corresponding SI unit for length is the meter (m).
Is the cable length still used today?
Yes, while meters and nautical miles are standard for most navigation, the cable length (especially the 1/10 NM definition) is still actively used in specific maritime applications like anchoring, close maneuvering, naval operations, and sometimes in recreational boating contexts. It serves as a convenient subdivision of the nautical mile.
About Angstrom (Å)
How many Angstroms are in a meter?
There are 10,000,000,000 (ten billion) Angstroms in one meter (1 m = 10¹⁰ Å). Conversely, 1 Angstrom = 10⁻¹⁰ meters.
To visualize this enormous number: if you lined up 10 billion atoms side by side (each about 1 Å in radius), they would span approximately 1 meter.
Examples:
- 1 meter = 10,000,000,000 Å
- 1 millimeter = 10,000,000 Å
- 1 micrometer = 10,000 Å
- 1 nanometer = 10 Å
How many Angstroms are in a nanometer?
There are exactly 10 Angstroms (Å) in one nanometer (nm). Therefore, 1 Å = 0.1 nm.
This 10:1 ratio makes conversions straightforward:
- 1 nm = 10 Å
- 5 nm = 50 Å
- 0.5 nm = 5 Å
- 0.15 nm = 1.5 Å
Memory trick: Think "A nanometer is 10 Angstroms" (the number 10 is hidden in "ten").
Convert Angstroms to Nanometers →
Is the Angstrom an SI unit?
No, the Angstrom is not part of the International System of Units (SI). The official SI unit for length at this scale is:
- Nanometer (nm) = 10⁻⁹ m (for 0.1-1000 nm scales)
- Picometer (pm) = 10⁻¹² m (for atomic-scale measurements)
Relationship: 1 Å = 0.1 nm = 100 pm
The SI system officially deprecated the Angstrom in 1960, but it remains widely used in crystallography, chemistry, and physics due to historical convention and its convenient scale for atomic dimensions.
Why is the Angstrom still used if it is not an SI unit?
The Angstrom persists due to:
1. Historical Convention: Decades of scientific literature (1868-present) use Angstroms. Converting all historical data would be impractical.
2. Convenient Scale: Atomic radii typically range from 0.5-3 Å—easy whole numbers. In nanometers, these become 0.05-0.3 nm (more decimal places).
3. Established Databases: Major scientific databases default to Angstroms:
- Protein Data Bank (PDB): all coordinates in Angstroms
- Crystallographic Information Files (CIF): lattice parameters in Angstroms
- Chemical structure databases: bond lengths in Angstroms
4. Software Defaults: Most crystallography and molecular modeling software uses Angstroms as the default unit.
5. Intuitive Communication: Saying "1.5 Angstroms" is often clearer than "150 picometers" or "0.15 nanometers" in research discussions.
What fields commonly use Angstroms?
The Angstrom remains common in:
Primary fields:
- Crystallography: X-ray, neutron, and electron diffraction for crystal structure determination
- Structural Biology: Protein and nucleic acid structure determination (PDB files)
- Chemistry: Molecular geometry, bond lengths, and computational chemistry
- Atomic Physics: Atomic radii, orbital sizes, and spectroscopy
Secondary fields:
- Materials Science: Thin films, surface science, and nanostructures
- Spectroscopy: X-ray wavelengths and absorption spectra
- Microscopy: Electron microscopy and scanning probe microscopy
- Semiconductor Physics: Historical or informal references to feature sizes
Compare Different Scientific Units →
How do you type the Angstrom symbol (Å)?
Typing the proper Angstrom symbol Å varies by platform:
Windows:
- Hold Alt and type 0197 on numeric keypad: Å
- Or use Character Map application
Mac:
- Option + Shift + A: Å
Linux:
- Compose key + A + A: Å
- Or Ctrl + Shift + U, then type 00C5, then Enter
HTML/Web:
- HTML entity:
Å→ Å - Unicode:
Å→ Å
LaTeX:
\AAor\r{A}→ Å
Microsoft Word:
- Insert → Symbol → select Å
- Or AutoCorrect: type (A) and it may convert automatically
If the symbol is unavailable, write "Angstrom" or abbreviate as "Ang" in informal contexts.
What is the difference between Angstrom and picometer?
An Angstrom (Å) equals 10⁻¹⁰ meters, while a picometer (pm) equals 10⁻¹² meters. This means 1 Angstrom = 100 picometers.
Scale comparison:
- Angstrom scale: atomic radii, bond lengths (0.5-5 Å = 50-500 pm)
- Picometer scale: ultra-precise bond length measurements, nuclear radii
Examples:
- Hydrogen atom radius: 0.53 Å = 53 pm
- C-H bond length: 1.09 Å = 109 pm
- C-C single bond: 1.54 Å = 154 pm
Usage differences:
- Angstroms: Traditional in chemistry and crystallography (though not SI-compliant)
- Picometers: Official SI unit, required by some journals and standards bodies
Many scientists prefer Angstroms for convenience (whole numbers), while formal SI publications require picometers or nanometers.
Convert Angstroms to Picometers →
How is Angstrom used in protein crystallography?
In protein crystallography, the Angstrom is the standard unit for:
1. Atomic Coordinates: PDB files list x, y, z coordinates of every atom in Angstroms.
2. Resolution: The quality of diffraction data is expressed in Angstroms:
- High resolution: <1.5 Å (individual atoms clearly visible)
- Medium resolution: 1.5-3.0 Å (backbone and side chains visible)
- Low resolution: >3.0 Å (overall fold visible, details limited)
3. Bond Lengths: Standard bond lengths used for structure refinement:
- C-C: 1.54 Å
- C-N: 1.47 Å
- C-O: 1.43 Å
4. Crystal Lattice: Unit cell dimensions (a, b, c axes) are given in Angstroms, typically 50-200 Å.
5. B-factors: Atomic displacement parameters are in Ų (square Angstroms).
Example: "The structure was solved at 2.1 Å resolution with unit cell dimensions a=62.3 Å, b=78.5 Å, c=91.2 Å."
Convert Crystallography Units →
Can I convert Angstroms to inches?
Yes, but it is extremely impractical. Angstroms measure atomic scales, while inches measure everyday objects—a difference of 10 billion!
Conversion: 1 Angstrom = 3.937 × 10⁻⁹ inches (about 0.000000004 inches)
Or inversely: 1 inch = 254,000,000 Å (254 million Angstroms)
Example: A carbon atom with radius 0.77 Å = 0.000000003 inches. This is why scientists use metric units—Angstroms, nanometers, and picometers are far more practical for atomic-scale work.
Convert Angstroms to Practical Units →
Why is it called Angstrom and not Ångström?
The English spelling "Angstrom" is a simplified version of the Swedish name "Ångström" to accommodate keyboards and alphabets without special characters.
Proper Swedish spelling: Anders Jonas Ångström (with the Swedish letter "Å")
Common variations:
- Angstrom (English, without diacritics)
- Ångström (Swedish/original spelling)
- Ångstrom (mixed form)
All refer to the same unit and the same physicist. The symbol Å remains universal across languages, representing both the unit and the first letter of Ångström's name (with the ring above).
In scientific writing, either "Angstrom" or "Ångström" is acceptable, though the simplified "Angstrom" is more common in English-language publications.
Conversion Table: Cable Length to Angstrom
| Cable Length (cb) | Angstrom (Å) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 926,000,000,000 |
| 1 | 1,852,000,000,000 |
| 1.5 | 2,778,000,000,000 |
| 2 | 3,704,000,000,000 |
| 5 | 9,260,000,000,000 |
| 10 | 18,520,000,000,000 |
| 25 | 46,300,000,000,000 |
| 50 | 92,600,000,000,000 |
| 100 | 185,200,000,000,000 |
| 250 | 463,000,000,000,000 |
| 500 | 926,000,000,000,000 |
| 1,000 | 1,852,000,000,000,000 |
People Also Ask
How do I convert Cable Length to Angstrom?
To convert Cable Length to Angstrom, enter the value in Cable Length in the calculator above. The conversion will happen automatically. Use our free online converter for instant and accurate results. You can also visit our length converter page to convert between other units in this category.
Learn more →What is the conversion factor from Cable Length to Angstrom?
The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Cable Length and Angstrom. You can find the exact conversion formula and factor on this page. Our calculator handles all calculations automatically. See the conversion table above for common values.
Can I convert Angstrom back to Cable Length?
Yes! You can easily convert Angstrom back to Cable Length by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Angstrom to Cable Length converter page. You can also explore other length conversions on our category page.
Learn more →What are common uses for Cable Length and Angstrom?
Cable Length and Angstrom are both standard units used in length measurements. They are commonly used in various applications including engineering, construction, cooking, and scientific research. Browse our length converter for more conversion options.
For more length conversion questions, visit our FAQ page or explore our conversion guides.
Helpful Conversion Guides
Learn more about unit conversion with our comprehensive guides:
📚 How to Convert Units
Step-by-step guide to unit conversion with practical examples.
🔢 Conversion Formulas
Essential formulas for length and other conversions.
⚖️ Metric vs Imperial
Understand the differences between measurement systems.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Learn about frequent errors and how to avoid them.
All Length Conversions
Other Length Units and Conversions
Explore other length units and their conversion options:
- Meter (m) • Cable Length to Meter
- Kilometer (km) • Cable Length to Kilometer
- Hectometer (hm) • Cable Length to Hectometer
- Decimeter (dm) • Cable Length to Decimeter
- Centimeter (cm) • Cable Length to Centimeter
- Millimeter (mm) • Cable Length to Millimeter
- Inch (in) • Cable Length to Inch
- Foot (ft) • Cable Length to Foot
- Yard (yd) • Cable Length to Yard
- Mile (mi) • Cable Length to Mile
Verified Against Authority Standards
All conversion formulas have been verified against international standards and authoritative sources to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability.
National Institute of Standards and Technology — Official US standards for length measurements
Bureau International des Poids et Mesures — International System of Units official documentation
Last verified: December 3, 2025