What is a fathom (US survey)?

The US survey fathom is a unit of length equal to 6 US survey feet, used primarily in nautical and hydrographic contexts to measure water depths and line lengths.

What is a chain (US survey)?

The US survey chain is a traditional length unit equal to 66 US survey feet, historically used in U.S. land surveying and subdivided into 100 links.

Why convert fathoms to chains?

Converting fathoms to chains helps reconcile measurements from maritime surveys with those from land surveying for integrated mapping and data analysis.

How to Convert from Fathom (US survey) [fath] to Chain (US survey) [ch]

Learn how to convert length measurements from the US survey fathom to the US survey chain using this easy-to-use online converter. Understand the units' definitions, usage, and conversion process.

Fathom (US survey) [fath]

Chain (US survey) [ch]

Please check your input. It must be a valid numeric value.

Fathom (US survey) [fath] to Chain (US survey) [ch] Conversion Table

Fathom (US survey) [fath]	Chain (US survey) [ch]

Custom Unit Conversion Table Generator – Instant Printable Conversion Tables

Start Value

Enter the starting number (positive decimal or integer ≥ 0). Example: 0.1, 1, 5.

End Value

Enter the ending number (positive decimal or integer > Start Value). Example: 10, 50, 100.

Interval

Enter the step size (positive decimal > 0 and < End Value – Start Value). Example: 1.0, 2.5.

Fathom (US survey) [fath] to Chain (US survey) [ch] Conversion Table
Fathom (US survey) [fath]	Chain (US survey) [ch]

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What Is This Tool?

This converter allows you to convert length values from the US survey fathom, a unit used in nautical and hydrographic measurements, to the US survey chain, traditionally employed in U.S. land surveying and cadastral work. It helps integrate legacy survey data involving these specific length units.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the value in fathoms (US survey) you wish to convert
Select fathom (US survey) as the input unit and chain (US survey) as the output unit
Click the convert button to obtain the equivalent measurement in chains (US survey)

Key Features

Converts length measurements from US survey fathoms to US survey chains accurately based on established conversion rates
Applicable for maritime, hydrographic, and land surveying contexts involving historical US survey units
Browser-based tool requiring no installation, accessible anytime for quick unit conversion
Supports reconciliation of nautical and land survey data for mapping and GIS applications

Examples

10 fathoms (US survey) converts to approximately 0.909090909 chains (US survey)
5 fathoms (US survey) converts to approximately 0.4545454545 chains (US survey)

Common Use Cases

Recording water depths, soundings, or line lengths in nautical and hydrographic surveys
Interpreting distances in historical U.S. land deeds, cadastral surveys, and property boundaries
Converting legacy survey measurements for mapping, GIS, and land navigation
Reconciling maritime data with land survey measurements for integrated analysis

Tips & Best Practices

Double-check unit selections before conversion to ensure accuracy
Be aware of the slight difference between the US survey fathom and the international fathom when precision matters
Use the tool to help standardize legacy measurement data into modern units for easier interpretation
Consider the context of the measurement—nautical or land surveying—for proper application

Limitations

The US survey fathom differs slightly from the international fathom, so exact precision may be affected
Historical data may involve legacy survey standards that could introduce rounding or small discrepancies
Conversion accuracy depends on the exactness of original measurement data and selected units

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fathom (US survey)?: The US survey fathom is a unit of length equal to 6 US survey feet, used primarily in nautical and hydrographic contexts to measure water depths and line lengths.
What is a chain (US survey)?: The US survey chain is a traditional length unit equal to 66 US survey feet, historically used in U.S. land surveying and subdivided into 100 links.
Why convert fathoms to chains?: Converting fathoms to chains helps reconcile measurements from maritime surveys with those from land surveying for integrated mapping and data analysis.

Key Terminology

Fathom (US survey): A unit of length equal to 6 US survey feet, used in nautical and hydrographic contexts for measuring water depths and line lengths.
Chain (US survey): A traditional length unit equal to 66 US survey feet, historically used in land surveying and divided into 100 links.
US survey foot: A unit of length used in US survey measurements, forming the basis for units like the fathom and chain in the US survey system.

Quick Knowledge Check

What does one US survey fathom equal in US survey chains?

1.1 chains

0.0909090909 chains

6 chains

In which context is the US survey chain primarily used?

Hydrographic surveys

U.S. land surveying and cadastral work

Nautical navigation

Why is it important to note the difference between the US survey fathom and the international fathom?

Because they represent different units of area

Because slight differences affect precision in exact measurements

Because one is used only for weight measurements

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