Convert Furlong to Fathom (fur → ftm)
The furlong is a traditional eighth-of-a-mile unit, still used in horse racing across the United Kingdom and the United States.
Furlong to Fathom Conversion Table
10 common values| Furlong | Fathom |
|---|---|
| 1 fur | 110 ftm |
| 5 fur | 550 ftm |
| 10 fur | 1,100 ftm |
| 25 fur | 2,750 ftm |
| 50 fur | 5,500 ftm |
| 100 fur | 11,000 ftm |
| 250 fur | 27,500 ftm |
| 500 fur | 55,000 ftm |
| 1,000 fur | 110,000 ftm |
| 5,000 fur | 550,000 ftm |
How to Convert Furlong to Fathom Manually
Step by StepConverting furlongs to fathoms is straightforward: multiply by the conversion factor. Follow these three steps to do it by hand or in your head.
- 1Take your value in furlongsStart with the number of furlongs (fur) you want to convert.
- 2Multiply by 110The conversion factor from fur to ftm is 110. Multiply your value by this number.
- 3Read the result in fathomsThe result is your value in fathoms (ftm).
Formula
Multiply the value in furlongs by 110. For the reverse direction, multiply by 0.009091.
ftm = fur × 110fur = ftm × 0.009091Tips
Use these in everyday conversions- 1 furlong = 1/8 mile = 10 chains = 220 yards.
- Convert quickly: 8 furlongs = 1 mile = 1.609 km.
- Furlongs are used almost exclusively in horse racing — elsewhere they are largely historical.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these- Assuming furlongs appear in modern road distances — they do not.
- Confusing furlongs with fathoms (a nautical depth unit).
- Using 200 m as a shortcut when accuracy matters — the true value is 201.168 m.
About Furlong and Fathom
What is the Furlong?
The furlong equals exactly 201.168 meters or one eighth of a mile (220 yards). The unit's name comes from the Old English 'furh' (furrow) and 'lang' (long), reflecting its origin as the length of a furrow that an ox team could plow without resting. Formalized in medieval England, the furlong was standardized as 40 rods or 660 feet during agricultural land measurement. Today, the furlong's primary modern use is in horse racing across the United Kingdom, the United States, and several Commonwealth countries — race distances are quoted in furlongs (a 6-furlong sprint is ¾ of a mile). It also appears in old land deeds, particularly in Britain. The furlong relates to the mile (8 furlongs = 1 mile), the yard (220 yd = 1 furlong), and the meter (≈201 m).
- Flat racing and National Hunt distances in the UK
- Thoroughbred racing in the US and Canada
- Historical land measurement in England
The Epsom Derby is run over 1 mile and 4 furlongs (about 2.4 km). The Kentucky Derby is 10 furlongs.
What is the Fathom?
The fathom equals exactly 1.8288 meters or 6 feet and is the traditional marine depth unit. The word derives from the Old English 'fæðm,' meaning the span of outstretched arms — historically the distance a sailor could measure rope by stretching it from fingertip to fingertip. Used since antiquity for sounding water depth (lowering a weighted line and counting fathom marks), the fathom remains common in nautical charts, diving manuals, and marine literature. Famous from Mark Twain's pen name (a riverboat lead's call meaning 'safe water,' 2 fathoms or 12 feet) and Shakespeare's 'full fathom five,' the unit retains cultural resonance. Modern oceanographic science prefers the meter, but the fathom persists in fishing, recreational diving, and historical maritime contexts. The fathom relates to the foot (1 fathom = 6 ft) and the yard (1 fathom = 2 yd).
- Water depth on older US nautical charts
- Maritime literature and historical navigation
- Sport diving and scuba depth references in the US
A "mark twain" reading — made famous by the Mississippi riverboats — meant 2 fathoms (3.66 m) of water, the minimum safe depth.