Fathom to Millimeter Converter

Convert fathoms to millimeters with our free online length converter.

Quick Answer

1 Fathom = 1828.8 millimeters

Formula: Fathom × conversion factor = Millimeter

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.

Last verified: February 2026Reviewed by: Sam Mathew, Software Engineer

Fathom to Millimeter Calculator

How to Use the Fathom to Millimeter Calculator:

  1. Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Fathom).
  2. The converted value in Millimeter will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
  3. Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Length category.
  4. Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
Share:

How to Convert Fathom to Millimeter: Step-by-Step Guide

Converting Fathom to Millimeter involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.

Formula:

1 Fathom = 1828.8 millimeters

Example Calculation:

Convert 10 fathoms: 10 × 1828.8 = 1.8288e+4 millimeters

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.

What is a Fathom and a Millimeter?

The Six-Foot Maritime Standard

The fathom is defined as exactly 6 feet in the imperial and U.S. customary measurement systems.

Precise equivalents:

  • 6 feet (by definition)
  • 2 yards (6 ft ÷ 3 ft/yd)
  • 72 inches (6 ft × 12 in/ft)
  • 1.8288 meters (exactly, using 1 ft = 0.3048 m)
  • 182.88 centimeters

Historical basis: The arm span of an average man with arms fully outstretched, measured from fingertip to fingertip.

Arm Span Origins

Old English "fæthm":

  • Primary meaning: To embrace, encircle with outstretched arms
  • Secondary meaning: The distance between fingertips when arms are extended

Practical measurement: Sailors hauling in sounding lines (weighted ropes for measuring depth) would pull hand-over-hand, with each arm span representing one fathom. This created a natural counting method:

  1. Drop weighted line overboard
  2. Haul in, counting arm spans
  3. Number of arm spans = depth in fathoms

Standardization necessity: Since arm spans varied (5.5-6.5 feet typically), maritime commerce required a fixed standard. The British settled on exactly 6 feet, matching the standardized foot of 12 inches.

Nautical Charts and Depth Contours

Fathom lines: Nautical charts show depth contours (lines connecting points of equal depth) traditionally measured in fathoms.

Common contour intervals:

  • 1, 2, 3, 5, 10 fathoms: Shallow coastal waters
  • 20, 50, 100 fathoms: Coastal navigation
  • 500, 1,000 fathoms: Deep ocean

Chart notation: Depths written as plain numbers on charts (e.g., "45") indicate 45 fathoms unless otherwise specified. Modern charts often include a note: "Depths in fathoms" or "Depths in meters."

Anchor Cable and Chain

Shackle: One "shackle" of anchor chain traditionally equals 15 fathoms (90 feet / 27.43 m) in the Royal Navy and many navies worldwide.

Anchoring depth rule: Ships typically anchor with a scope (ratio of chain length to water depth) of 5:1 to 7:1 for safety.

Example:

  • Water depth: 10 fathoms (60 feet)
  • Required chain: 50-70 fathoms (300-420 feet)
  • That's 3.3 to 4.7 shackles

The millimeter (symbol: mm) is a unit of length in the metric system equal to one-thousandth of a meter (1/1,000 m) or one-tenth of a centimeter (1/10 cm). It is used for precise measurements in engineering, manufacturing, and everyday applications.

Key relationships:

  • 1 millimeter = 0.001 meters (m)
  • 1 millimeter = 0.1 centimeters (cm)
  • 10 millimeters = 1 centimeter
  • 1,000 millimeters = 1 meter
  • 1 millimeter ≈ 0.03937 inches (about 1/25th inch)
  • 25.4 millimeters = 1 inch (exactly)

The prefix "milli-":

  • From Latin "mille" meaning "thousand"
  • SI prefix denoting 10⁻³ (one-thousandth)
  • Also used in: milligram (mg), milliliter (mL), millisecond (ms)

Visual perspective (how big is it?):

  • 1 mm = Thickness of a credit card
  • 2 mm = Thickness of a US dime
  • 5 mm = Thickness of a pencil lead (mechanical)
  • 10 mm = Width of an adult fingernail
  • 25.4 mm = Exactly one inch

Convert between length units: mm converter

Note: The Fathom is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Millimeter belongs to the metric (SI) system.

History of the Fathom and Millimeter

Ancient Maritime Practices (Pre-9th Century)

Mediterranean and Northern European sailors: Ancient mariners measured rope and depth using body-based units:

  • Cubit: Elbow to fingertip (~18 inches)
  • Pace: Two steps (~5 feet)
  • Arm span: Outstretched arms (~6 feet)

Sounding lead: A heavy weight (lead sinker) attached to a marked line, dropped overboard to measure depth. Sailors counted arm spans as they hauled the line back aboard.

Old English Documentation (9th-11th Centuries)

Earliest references: Anglo-Saxon texts use "fæthm" for measuring rope lengths and describing distances.

Beowulf (8th-11th century): The epic poem mentions "fæthmas" in describing ocean depths and ship measurements.

Viking influence: Old Norse "faðmr" (similar arm-span measurement) influenced English usage through Viking contact and trade.

Medieval Standardization (13th-15th Centuries)

Edward I (1272-1307): English law under Edward I began standardizing measurements, including the fathom at 6 feet.

Admiralty regulations: The emerging Royal Navy needed consistent rope, sail, and depth measurements for shipbuilding and navigation.

Rope making: British rope makers sold cordage by the fathom, with standard lengths for anchor cables (120 fathoms = 1 cable length in some contexts).

Age of Exploration (15th-17th Centuries)

Navigation charts: Early nautical charts (portolan charts) began incorporating depth soundings in fathoms.

Captain James Cook (1768-1779): Cook's Pacific voyages produced meticulous charts with fathom-based depth measurements. His charts became templates for British Admiralty standards.

Example - HMS Endeavour soundings: Cook's logs record depths like "15 fathoms, sandy bottom" or "No bottom at 100 fathoms" (indicating depths exceeding 600 feet).

British Admiralty Charts (19th Century)

Hydrographic Office (founded 1795): The British Admiralty Hydrographic Office systematized global nautical chart production, standardizing fathoms for depth.

Matthew Fontaine Maury (1806-1873): American oceanographer Maury collaborated with the British to create standardized depth charts using fathoms, mapping ocean currents and depths.

Cable-laying expeditions: Transatlantic telegraph cable projects (1850s-1860s) required precise fathom-based depth surveys. HMS Agamemnon and USS Niagara charted the Atlantic floor in fathoms before laying the 1858 cable.

U.S. Navy Adoption (19th-20th Centuries)

Inherited British standards: The U.S. Navy adopted British maritime practices, including fathom-based charts and anchor cable measurements.

U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey: Founded in 1807 (originally "Survey of the Coast"), it produced nautical charts in fathoms for American waters.

World War II: Submarine warfare and amphibious operations relied heavily on fathom-based depth charts. USS submarines operated in waters charted in fathoms.

Metrication Movement (20th Century-Present)

International Hydrographic Organization (IHO, founded 1921): Recommended global adoption of metric system for nautical charts.

Gradual transition:

  • 1970s-1980s: Most nations began publishing new charts in meters
  • UK Admiralty: Converted most charts to meters by the 1990s
  • U.S. NOAA: Many American charts still use fathoms, particularly for coastal waters

Mixed usage today: Modern electronic chart systems (ECDIS) allow display in either fathoms or meters, accommodating mariners accustomed to either system.

  • Metric System Origins: The millimeter was defined as a subunit of the meter when the metric system was established in France during the late 18th century (1790s). As measurement standardization progressed, the need for decimal subdivisions of the meter became clear.

  • Industrial Revolution: The millimeter became essential during the 19th century Industrial Revolution as:

    • Precision machining required fine tolerances
    • Interchangeable parts manufacturing emerged
    • Engineering drawings needed standard units
    • Technical specifications became international
  • Engineering Adoption: By the mid-19th century, engineers and machinists worldwide adopted millimeters as the standard for:

    • Machine tool specifications
    • Tolerance requirements (±0.1 mm common)
    • Technical drawing dimensions
    • Quality control measurements
  • Scientific Standardization: The millimeter became standard in scientific research for:

    • Laboratory equipment calibration
    • Microscopy measurements
    • Specimen documentation
    • Experimental apparatus dimensions
  • SI Formalization: When the International System of Units (SI) was established in 1960, the millimeter was confirmed as an official subdivision of the meter, forming part of the coherent decimal system.

  • Modern Manufacturing: The 20th century saw millimeters become universal in:

    • Automotive engineering specifications
    • Electronics manufacturing (PCB design)
    • Aerospace tolerances
    • Medical device specifications
    • Consumer product dimensions
  • Global Standard: Today, millimeters are the primary unit for precision measurements in virtually every country except the United States (which uses both mm and inches). Even in the US, many technical fields have adopted millimeters as standard.

Common Uses and Applications: fathoms vs millimeters

Explore the typical applications for both Fathom (imperial/US) and Millimeter (metric) to understand their common contexts.

Common Uses for fathoms

1. Nautical Charts and Hydrography

Depth soundings: Nautical charts mark depths in fathoms, particularly on U.S. and older British charts.

Contour lines: Lines connecting equal depths (e.g., the 10-fathom line) help mariners avoid shallow areas.

Chart abbreviations:

  • fms: Fathoms
  • fm: Fathom
  • No bottom at 100 fms: Depth exceeds 100 fathoms (600 feet)

2. Anchoring and Mooring

Anchor scope: Mariners calculate how much anchor chain to deploy based on water depth in fathoms.

Rule of thumb: Deploy 5-7 times the water depth in calm conditions, 7-10 times in storms.

Example:

  • Depth: 8 fathoms
  • Calm weather scope (5:1): 40 fathoms of chain
  • Storm scope (10:1): 80 fathoms of chain

3. Commercial Fishing

Net depth: Fishermen describe trawl net depths in fathoms.

Example: "Running trawl at 50 fathoms" (300 feet deep)

Fishing line: Deep-sea fishing lines measured in fathoms to target specific depths.

4. Recreational Boating and Diving

Depth sounders: Many recreational boat depth finders display fathoms (though meters and feet are increasingly common).

Dive planning: Divers reference depth in fathoms on nautical charts when planning dive sites.

5. Submarine Operations

Periscope depth: Submarines traditionally use fathoms for depth control.

Example: "Dive to 20 fathoms" (120 feet)

Historical note: WWII submarine logs recorded depths in fathoms; modern submarines use meters.

6. Maritime Literature and Tradition

Nautical expressions:

  • "To fathom something" = to understand its depth (metaphorically)
  • "Unfathomable" = too deep to measure or comprehend

Sailing instructions: Traditional pilot books use fathoms for approach depths and anchorage recommendations.

When to Use millimeters

The millimeter is the standard unit for precise measurements across multiple fields:

Engineering & Machining

Precise measurement requirements for manufacturing, quality control, and technical specifications. Essential for maintaining tolerances in mechanical parts.

Why millimeters in engineering:

  • Decimal system (easy calculations)
  • International standard (ISO)
  • Suitable precision range
  • Compatible with CNC machinery
  • Standard drawing units

Applications:

  • Machine tool specifications
  • Part tolerances (±0.05 mm common)
  • Technical drawing dimensions
  • CAD/CAM software units
  • Quality inspection reports

Convert for technical work: mm to inches | mm to cm


Technical Design & Drafting

Standard measurement unit for architectural, mechanical, and technical drawings worldwide.

Drawing Standards:

  • ISO standards use millimeters
  • Engineering drawings in mm
  • Architecture plans (many countries)
  • Product design specifications
  • Patent drawings (international)

Why mm for drawings:

  • Eliminates fractions (unlike inches)
  • Scales easily (1:10, 1:100, etc.)
  • International communication
  • CAD software standard

Electronics & PCB Design

Measuring component sizes, trace widths, and circuit board dimensions in electronic manufacturing.

PCB Design:

  • Trace width: 0.25-1 mm
  • Component footprints: mm specifications
  • Hole diameters: 0.6-1.2 mm
  • Board thickness: 1.6 mm standard
  • Component spacing: mm grid

Component Specs:

  • All modern ICs specified in mm
  • Resistor/capacitor sizes (mm codes)
  • Connector dimensions
  • Display module sizes

Meteorology & Climate

Measuring rainfall amounts with precision, essential for weather forecasting, agriculture, and climate research.

Rain Gauges:

  • Standard measurement unit worldwide
  • Collected in graduated cylinders (mm scale)
  • Automated weather stations use mm
  • Historical records in mm
  • Climate data standardized

Importance:

  • Drought assessment
  • Flood prediction
  • Agricultural planning
  • Water resource management
  • Climate change tracking

Use our mm converter for scientific calculations.


Manufacturing & Quality Control

Inspecting product dimensions and ensuring parts meet specifications within required tolerances.

QC Measurements:

  • Caliper readings in mm
  • Micrometer measurements
  • Coordinate measuring machines (CMM)
  • Surface profile measurements
  • Dimensional inspection reports

Industries:

  • Automotive parts
  • Aerospace components
  • Medical devices
  • Consumer electronics
  • Precision instruments

Jewelry & Watchmaking

Specifying sizes of gems, watch cases, and jewelry components with precision.

Why jewelers use mm:

  • International gem standard
  • Precise size communication
  • Watch industry standard
  • Setting specifications
  • Customer communication

Measurements:

  • Gemstone dimensions
  • Ring widths and thicknesses
  • Watch case diameters
  • Bracelet link sizes
  • Clasp dimensions

Medical Measurements

Documenting precise measurements in diagnostics, surgery planning, and treatment monitoring.

Clinical Uses:

  • Imaging measurements (CT, MRI, X-ray)
  • Tumor size tracking
  • Surgical planning
  • Needle specifications
  • Medical device dimensions

Why mm in medicine:

  • International standard
  • Appropriate precision
  • Imaging system default
  • Research compatibility
  • Treatment standardization

Additional Unit Information

About Fathom (fath)

How many feet are in a fathom?

Exactly 6 feet = 1 fathom.

This is the defining relationship. The fathom was standardized to 6 feet during medieval English measurement standardization.

How many meters are in a fathom?

1 fathom = 1.8288 meters (exactly).

This conversion uses the international foot definition: 1 foot = 0.3048 meters (exactly).

Calculation: 6 feet × 0.3048 m/ft = 1.8288 m

Is the fathom an SI unit?

No, the fathom is not an SI unit.

It belongs to the imperial and U.S. customary systems. The SI unit of length is the meter.

International usage: The International Hydrographic Organization recommends meters for nautical charts, but fathoms remain legal and common in U.S. and some British waters.

Is the fathom still commonly used today?

Yes, in specific maritime contexts, especially in the United States.

Still common:

  • U.S. NOAA nautical charts (many coastal charts)
  • Recreational boating in the U.S.
  • Commercial fishing fleets
  • Maritime tradition and literature

Declining usage:

  • International shipping (uses meters)
  • Most modern navies (switched to meters)
  • New chart production (increasingly metric)

Result: Fathoms persist in American waters and traditional maritime communities but are gradually being replaced by meters in international contexts.

Where does the word "fathom" come from?

From Old English "fæthm" (outstretched arms, embrace).

Etymology:

  • Proto-Germanic: *faþmaz (embrace, armful)
  • Old English: fæthm (span of outstretched arms)
  • Middle English: fadme, fathme
  • Modern English: fathom

Original meaning: The distance between fingertips when a person extends both arms horizontally—roughly 6 feet for an average man.

Verb form: "To fathom" originally meant "to measure depth with outstretched arms," later metaphorically "to comprehend deeply" (exploring the depths of understanding).

Why are anchor chains measured in shackles, not fathoms?

Both are used, but shackles are standard for large vessels.

Shackle definition: 1 shackle = 15 fathoms = 90 feet = 27.43 meters

Reason: Anchor chains are physically connected with shackle links every 15 fathoms. These physical shackles allow disconnection for maintenance and provide visual/tactile markers when deploying chain.

Usage:

  • Small vessels: Anchor chain length in fathoms
  • Large vessels and navies: Anchor chain length in shackles

Example: "Deploy 5 shackles" = 75 fathoms = 450 feet of chain

How deep is "full fathom five"?

5 fathoms = 30 feet = 9.144 meters.

Shakespeare's The Tempest: Ariel's song describes a drowned man lying at the bottom, 5 fathoms below the surface.

Context: 30 feet is deep enough that:

  • Surface light barely reaches the body
  • Free diving without equipment is challenging
  • The body would be difficult to recover without specialized equipment

This depth creates the eerie, unreachable quality of Ariel's description.

Can I convert my depth sounder from fathoms to meters?

Yes, most modern depth sounders (fishfinders, chartplotters) allow unit selection.

Typical options:

  • Feet
  • Fathoms
  • Meters

How to change (general steps):

  1. Access settings menu
  2. Find "Units" or "Depth Units"
  3. Select preferred unit (fathoms, feet, or meters)
  4. Save settings

Check manual: Specific instructions vary by manufacturer (Garmin, Lowrance, Raymarine, Furuno, etc.).

What's the difference between fathoms and cable lengths?

Both are nautical length units, but they measure different things:

Fathom:

  • 6 feet / 1.8288 meters
  • Primarily for depth measurement

Cable length:

  • UK: 608 feet = 185.3 meters (1/10 nautical mile)
  • US (historical): 720 feet = 219.5 meters (120 fathoms)
  • Primarily for horizontal distance (anchor cable, ship-to-ship spacing)

Confusion: The term "cable" sometimes referred to 100 or 120 fathoms of anchor cable, but the standardized "cable length" unit differs from this.

Do submarines still use fathoms?

Historically yes, but modern submarines use meters.

World War II era: U.S. and British submarines recorded depths in fathoms (e.g., "Dive to 50 fathoms").

Modern practice:

  • U.S. Navy: Switched to feet and meters for submarine operations
  • International: Nearly all modern navies use meters

Reason for change: International standardization, digital instrumentation, and NATO interoperability drove metrication.

About Millimeter (mm)

How many millimeters are in a centimeter?

There are exactly 10 millimeters (mm) in 1 centimeter (cm).

Conversion:

  • 1 cm = 10 mm
  • To convert cm to mm: multiply by 10
  • To convert mm to cm: divide by 10

Examples:

  • 5 cm = 50 mm
  • 2.5 cm = 25 mm
  • 75 mm = 7.5 cm

Memory aid: "Centi-" means 1/100 meter, "milli-" means 1/1,000 meter, so 10 mm = 1 cm.

Use our cm to mm converter for instant conversions.

How many millimeters are in a meter?

There are exactly 1,000 millimeters (mm) in 1 meter (m).

Conversion:

  • 1 m = 1,000 mm
  • To convert m to mm: multiply by 1,000
  • To convert mm to m: divide by 1,000

Examples:

  • 0.5 m = 500 mm
  • 1.5 m = 1,500 mm
  • 2,750 mm = 2.75 m

Remember: "Milli-" means one-thousandth, so it takes 1,000 mm to make 1 meter.

Convert: mm to meters | meters to mm

What does 'milli' mean in millimeter?

The prefix 'milli-' denotes one-thousandth (1/1,000).

Meaning:

  • Comes from Latin "mille" meaning "thousand"
  • In metric system: milli- = 10⁻³ = 1/1,000
  • 1 millimeter = 1/1,000 of a meter = 0.001 m

Other "milli-" units:

  • Milligram (mg) = 1/1,000 gram
  • Milliliter (mL) = 1/1,000 liter
  • Millisecond (ms) = 1/1,000 second
  • Milliamp (mA) = 1/1,000 ampere

Pattern: Always divide by 1,000 to get the base unit.

How thick is 1 millimeter?

1 millimeter is very thin - about the thickness of:

Common objects:

  • Credit card: 0.76 mm (slightly thinner)
  • US dime: 1.35 mm (slightly thicker)
  • 10 sheets of paper: ~1 mm
  • Paperclip wire: ~1 mm diameter
  • Mechanical pencil lead (0.7mm): Slightly thinner

Visual comparison:

  • Thinner than a US penny (1.55 mm)
  • About 1/25th of an inch (0.04 inches)
  • 10 millimeters = 1 cm = width of fingernail

To visualize: Look at the edge of a credit card - that's less than 1 mm.

How many mm in an inch?

1 inch = 25.4 millimeters exactly (by international agreement).

This is a defined conversion (not an approximation):

  • 1 inch ≡ 25.4 mm (exact)
  • 1 mm = 1/25.4 inch ≈ 0.03937 inches

Common conversions:

  • 1 inch = 25.4 mm
  • 2 inches = 50.8 mm
  • 3 inches = 76.2 mm
  • 4 inches = 101.6 mm
  • 12 inches (1 foot) = 304.8 mm

Reverse examples:

  • 10 mm ≈ 0.394 inches
  • 25 mm ≈ 0.984 inches (almost 1 inch)
  • 50 mm ≈ 1.969 inches (almost 2 inches)

Memory trick: 25 mm is almost 1 inch (close enough for quick estimates).

Use our inch to mm converter for precise conversions.

What is 10mm in real life?

10 millimeters = 1 centimeter - about the width of an adult fingernail.

Common 10mm objects:

  • Fingernail width (adult index finger)
  • AA battery diameter: 14 mm (close)
  • Small marble: ~10-15 mm diameter
  • M10 bolt diameter: 10 mm
  • Thick cardboard: ~10 mm

Comparisons:

  • Just under 0.4 inches (0.394 inches exactly)
  • Thickness of 100 sheets of paper
  • About 3/8 inch (slightly larger)

In measurements:

  • Camera/phone thickness: Often 7-10 mm
  • Watch case thickness: Often 10-12 mm
  • Pencil diameter: ~7-8 mm (10mm would be thick)

How do you read a metric ruler?

Metric rulers are divided into centimeters (cm) and millimeters (mm):

Reading steps:

  1. Large numbers: Centimeters (0, 1, 2, 3...)
  2. Long lines: Each centimeter mark
  3. Short lines: Millimeters (10 per cm)
  4. Count: From zero to your measurement point

Example reading:

  • Between 3 and 4 cm, at the 7th small line = 3.7 cm or 37 mm
  • At the 15th cm mark = 15 cm or 150 mm

Tips:

  • 10 small marks = 1 cm
  • Each small mark = 1 mm
  • Halfway between cm marks = 5 mm
  • Read to nearest 0.5 mm for precision

Reporting:

  • Small objects: Use mm (e.g., "15 mm")
  • Larger objects: Use cm (e.g., "15.5 cm")
  • Both are correct, choose clearer one

What tools measure millimeters?

Many tools measure in millimeters:

Hand Tools:

  • Metric ruler: Basic measurement to 1 mm
  • Metric tape measure: Construction/carpentry
  • Caliper: Precision to 0.01 mm (digital/vernier)
  • Micrometer: Very precise, to 0.001 mm
  • Depth gauge: Measuring depths and heights

Digital Tools:

  • Digital caliper: Easy reading, 0.01 mm precision
  • Laser distance meter: Millimeter accuracy
  • Height gauge: Vertical measurements
  • Coordinate measuring machine (CMM): Industrial precision

Specialized Tools:

  • Feeler gauge: Thin strips in mm thicknesses
  • Thread gauge: Checking thread pitch (mm)
  • Bore gauge: Internal diameter measurement
  • Pin gauge: Precision hole measurement

Which to use:

  • Ruler: General purpose (±0.5 mm)
  • Caliper: Precision work (±0.01 mm)
  • Micrometer: Very tight tolerances (±0.001 mm)

Is mm smaller than cm?

Yes, millimeters (mm) are smaller than centimeters (cm).

Relationship:

  • 1 cm = 10 mm
  • 1 mm = 0.1 cm
  • Millimeter is 10 times smaller than centimeter

Scale comparison:

  • Largest: meter (m)
  • Middle: centimeter (cm) = 1/100 m
  • Smallest: millimeter (mm) = 1/1,000 m

Visual:

  • Width of fingernail: 1 cm = 10 mm
  • Thickness of dime: 1.35 mm (can't easily express in cm)

When to use each:

  • Use mm: Small, precise measurements (< 100 mm)
  • Use cm: Medium measurements (1-100 cm)
  • Use m: Large measurements (> 1 meter)

Example:

  • Pencil length: 19 cm or 190 mm (19 cm clearer)
  • Wire diameter: 2 mm (not 0.2 cm - awkward)

How much rain is 1mm?

1 millimeter of rain means 1 mm depth of water would cover a flat surface if none drained away.

What it means:

  • 1 mm rain = 1 liter per square meter of water
  • Light drizzle might produce 1-2 mm/hour
  • Barely enough to wet the ground thoroughly

Rain intensity scale:

  • Trace-1 mm: Very light drizzle
  • 1-2 mm: Light rain
  • 2-5 mm: Light to moderate rain
  • 5-10 mm: Moderate rain
  • 10-20 mm: Heavy rain
  • 20-50 mm: Very heavy rain
  • >50 mm: Extreme rainfall (per hour)

Practical impact:

  • 1 mm: Barely wets surfaces
  • 10 mm: Significant watering
  • 25 mm: Heavy rain event
  • 100 mm: Major storm (in 24 hours)

Measurement:

  • Rain gauge collects water
  • Depth measured in mm
  • Standard worldwide for weather reporting

Conversion Table: Fathom to Millimeter

Fathom (fath)Millimeter (mm)
0.5914.4
11,828.8
1.52,743.2
23,657.6
59,144
1018,288
2545,720
5091,440
100182,880
250457,200
500914,400
1,0001,828,800

People Also Ask

How do I convert Fathom to Millimeter?

To convert Fathom to Millimeter, enter the value in Fathom 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 Fathom to Millimeter?

The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Fathom and Millimeter. 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 Millimeter back to Fathom?

Yes! You can easily convert Millimeter back to Fathom by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Millimeter to Fathom converter page. You can also explore other length conversions on our category page.

Learn more →

What are common uses for Fathom and Millimeter?

Fathom and Millimeter 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.

All Length Conversions

Meter to KilometerMeter to HectometerMeter to DecimeterMeter to CentimeterMeter to MillimeterMeter to InchMeter to FootMeter to YardMeter to MileMeter to Nautical MileMeter to MicrometerMeter to NanometerMeter to Light YearMeter to Astronomical UnitMeter to ParsecMeter to AngstromMeter to Point (Typography)Meter to Mil/ThouMeter to FathomMeter to FurlongMeter to Link (Gunter's)Meter to PaceMeter to SpanMeter to DigitMeter to Cable LengthMeter to EllMeter to FingerMeter to Roman MileMeter to StadionMeter to Chi (Chinese)Meter to Shaku (Japanese)Meter to Li (Chinese)Meter to ToiseMeter to BoltMeter to RopeMeter to SmootMeter to SajeneMeter to KenMeter to WaMeter to VaraMeter to AlnMeter to Cubit (Royal/Egyptian)Meter to VerstaMeter to ArpentMeter to Ri (Japanese)Meter to KlafterMeter to YojanaMeter to SkeinKilometer to MeterKilometer to HectometerKilometer to DecimeterKilometer to CentimeterKilometer to MillimeterKilometer to InchKilometer to FootKilometer to YardKilometer to MileKilometer to Nautical MileKilometer to MicrometerKilometer to NanometerKilometer to Light YearKilometer to Astronomical UnitKilometer to ParsecKilometer to AngstromKilometer to Point (Typography)Kilometer to Mil/ThouKilometer to FathomKilometer to FurlongKilometer to Link (Gunter's)Kilometer to PaceKilometer to SpanKilometer to DigitKilometer to Cable LengthKilometer to EllKilometer to FingerKilometer to Roman MileKilometer to StadionKilometer to Chi (Chinese)Kilometer to Shaku (Japanese)Kilometer to Li (Chinese)Kilometer to ToiseKilometer to BoltKilometer to RopeKilometer to SmootKilometer to SajeneKilometer to KenKilometer to WaKilometer to VaraKilometer to AlnKilometer to Cubit (Royal/Egyptian)Kilometer to VerstaKilometer to ArpentKilometer to Ri (Japanese)Kilometer to KlafterKilometer to YojanaKilometer to SkeinHectometer to MeterHectometer to KilometerHectometer to DecimeterHectometer to CentimeterHectometer to MillimeterHectometer to InchHectometer to FootHectometer to YardHectometer to MileHectometer to Nautical MileHectometer to MicrometerHectometer to NanometerHectometer to Light YearHectometer to Astronomical UnitHectometer to ParsecHectometer to AngstromHectometer to Point (Typography)Hectometer to Mil/ThouHectometer to FathomHectometer to FurlongHectometer to Link (Gunter's)Hectometer to PaceHectometer to SpanHectometer to Digit

Verified Against Authority Standards

All conversion formulas have been verified against international standards and authoritative sources to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability.

NIST Guide for the Use of SI

National Institute of Standards and TechnologyOfficial US standards for length measurements

SI Brochure

Bureau International des Poids et MesuresInternational System of Units official documentation

Last verified: February 19, 2026