A fathom is six feet.
Fathoms to Hands Converter — ftm to hh
Convert Fathom (ftm) to Hand (hh) using the exact conversion factor (1 fathom = 18 hand). See the formula, worked examples, and conversion table.
Fathoms to Hands converter
Converter
Length Converter
Convert SI, imperial, US customary, astronomical, scientific, and historical length units.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
A hand is four inches, often used for horse height.
Result = input x 1.8288 / 0.1016.
Length uses the meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Fathoms to Hands
Fathom and Hand both measure length. Specifically: A fathom is six feet, and a hand is four inches, often used for horse height.
Formula
hands = fathoms × 18
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 fathom equals 1.8288 base units, and 1 hand equals 0.1016 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct fathom-to-hand factor of 18.
Simple example
1 ftm × 18 = 18 hh
1 fathom = 18 hands.
Real-world example
10 ftm × 18 = 180 hh
10 fathoms = 180 hands.
Conversion table
| Fathom (ftm) | Hand (hh) |
|---|---|
| 1 ftm | 18 hh |
| 5 ftm | 90 hh |
| 10 ftm | 180 hh |
| 21.0975 ftm | 379.755 hh |
| 42.195 ftm | 759.51 hh |
| 100 ftm | 1,800 hh |
Reverse conversion: Hand to Fathom
18 hh × 0.05555555556 = 1 ftm
18 hands = 1 fathom.
fathoms = hands × 0.0555555555556
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Hand to Fathom.
Understanding the Fathom (ftm)
A fathom is six feet.
Understanding the Hand (hh)
A hand is four inches, often used for horse height.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many hands are in 1 fathom?
1 fathom equals 18 hands, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert fathom to hand?
Multiply the fathom value by 18. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert hand back to fathom?
Use the reverse factor: 1 hand equals 0.0555555556 fathoms. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a fathom?
Fathom (ftm) is a unit of length.
What is a hand?
Hand (hh) is a unit of length.
Is the fathom to hand conversion exact?
Yes. Both fathom and hand are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 18 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.