What Is This Tool?
This converter transforms length values measured in cubit (UK), a historical anthropic unit, into fathom (US survey) [fath], a nautical unit used for measuring depths and line lengths. It helps bridge the gap between historical and maritime measurement systems.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the length value in cubit (UK) in the input field.
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Select 'cubit (UK)' as the original unit and 'fathom (US survey) [fath]' as the target unit.
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Click the convert button to see the length expressed in fathoms (US survey).
Key Features
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Converts from cubit (UK), based on ancient anthropic length standards, to US survey fathoms used in nautical contexts.
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Supports understanding and translating historical, archaeological, and maritime data.
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Browser-based and simple to use with clear conversion results.
Examples
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4 cubits (UK) converts to approximately 1 fathom (US survey) [fath].
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10 cubits (UK) converts to approximately 2.5 fathoms (US survey) [fath].
Common Use Cases
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Interpreting and recording lengths in historical and archaeological reports.
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Translating historical texts or biblical measurements into modern nautical units.
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Measuring water depths and line lengths on legacy hydrographic surveys and nautical charts.
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Converting anchor cable or mooring line lengths in maritime operations.
Tips & Best Practices
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Verify the historical context when converting cubit (UK) values due to variability by period and location.
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Use this tool to assist in bridging historical measurements with nautical and survey data effectively.
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Be aware of slight differences between US survey fathom and international fathom when precision is critical.
Limitations
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Cubit (UK) length varies historically, causing potential inconsistencies in conversions.
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The US survey fathom differs slightly from the international fathom unit, affecting exact standardization.
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Both units are non-SI and not universally standardized for modern technical measurements.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why does the length of a cubit vary?
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The cubit is a historical anthropic measure whose length changed depending on the period and locality, leading to different interpretations.
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What contexts is the fathom (US survey) used in?
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It is mainly used in nautical and hydrographic fields for measuring water depths, soundings, and cable lengths.
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Can this tool be used for modern technical measurements?
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No, both cubit (UK) and fathom (US survey) are non-SI units with regional variations, limiting their use in strict modern measurement scenarios.
Key Terminology
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Cubit (UK)
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A historical unit of length roughly based on the arm length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, commonly about 18 inches.
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Fathom (US survey) [fath]
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A nautical non-SI length unit equal to 6 US survey feet, used for measuring depths and line lengths in maritime contexts.