Convert Barleycorn to Fathom
Convert barleycorns to fathoms instantly. 1 barleycorn = 0.0046296296 fathom — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Fathom to Barleycorn converter for the reverse conversion.
Units explained
Barleycorn
A barleycorn is an Imperial unit of length equal to one third of an inch (about 8.47 mm). It is the basis of UK shoe sizing and is one of the oldest English length units still in use.
The barleycorn derives from the average length of a grain of barley as a natural reference. Standardised at exactly 1/3 inch by the Statute of Edward II in 1324, which used three barleycorns to define an inch.
Barleycorns are the foundation of UK and US children's shoe sizing — each whole size differs by one barleycorn. Also occasionally referenced in horse-handling and historical English literature.
Standardised in 1324 by the Statute of Edward II at 1/3 inch; the value became exact in 1959 when the inch was fixed at 25.4 mm.
Fathom
A fathom is an Imperial unit of length equal to 6 feet or exactly 1.8288 meters. It is used almost exclusively for measuring water depth in maritime contexts.
The fathom derives from the Old English word fæthm, meaning "the embracing arms" — the distance between the fingertips of a person's outstretched arms. Standardized at 6 feet in English maritime tradition.
Fathoms are used in nautical depth charts, scuba diving, oceanography, and maritime literature. Despite metrication efforts, fathoms remain common in English-language nautical charts and recreational diving.
Old English origin (predating 1066); standardized at 6 feet by English maritime tradition; fixed at 1.8288 m exactly via the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement.
Barleycorn to Fathom conversion formula
The relationship between barleycorns and fathoms:
To convert barleycorns to fathoms, multiply the value in barleycorns by 0.0046296296. To reverse, multiply fathoms by 215.9999991496.
How to use this converter
Type a value into the calculator. The result in fathoms updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Fathom to Barleycorn converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert barleycorns to fathoms
- Write down the value in barleycorns (barleycorn).
- Multiply that value by the factor 0.0046296296.
- The product is the equivalent value in fathoms (ftm).
- To reverse, multiply the fathom value by 215.9999991496.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 barleycorn to ftm:
1 × 0.0046296296 = 0.0046296296 ftm
Example 2 — Convert 100 barleycorn to ftm:
100 × 0.0046296296 = 0.4629629648 ftm
Real-world example — Children's height milestones
A 150-barleycorn-tall child measures a value in fathoms that's commonly used for theme-park ride height requirements when travelling between countries that use different measurement units.
150 barleycorn × 0.0046296296 = 0.6944444472 ftm
Real-world example — Body height conversion
You enter your height as 180 barleycorns into an international job or visa application. The form then asks for the same value in fathoms — converting between these adjacent units is one of the most-used length conversions globally.
180 barleycorn × 0.0046296296 = 0.8333333366 ftm
Real-world example — Furniture and large objects
A 72-barleycorn piece of furniture converts to a value in fathoms that's easier to mentally compare with room dimensions. This is the typical workflow when shopping internationally and product specs use a different unit than your room measurements.
72 barleycorn × 0.0046296296 = 0.3333333346 ftm
Barleycorn to Fathom conversion table
Standard reference values for converting barleycorns to fathoms:
| Barleycorn [barleycorn] | Fathom [ftm] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 4.62963e-5 |
| 0.1 | 0.000462963 |
| 1 | 0.0046296296 |
| 2 | 0.0092592593 |
| 3 | 0.0138888889 |
| 4 | 0.0185185186 |
| 5 | 0.0231481482 |
| 10 | 0.0462962965 |
| 20 | 0.092592593 |
| 30 | 0.1388888894 |
| 40 | 0.1851851859 |
| 50 | 0.2314814824 |
| 100 | 0.4629629648 |
| 500 | 2.3148148239 |
| 1000 | 4.6296296479 |
Frequently asked questions
How many fathoms is 1 barleycorn?
How do I convert barleycorns to fathoms?
How do I convert fathoms back to barleycorns?
How many fathoms is 100 barleycorns?
Popular length unit conversions
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Metric / SI (4 units)
Imperial / US Customary (26 units)
Sources & references
Conversion factor (1 barleycorn = 0.0046296296 ftm) verified against the following authoritative sources:
- BIPM — The International System of Units (SI Brochure 9th ed.)
Official BIPM publication defining the seven SI base units (including the meter) and the rules for their use. The global authority on units of measurement.
- NIST — Guide to the SI
US National Institute of Standards and Technology reference covering the SI base and derived units with definitions and usage rules for US technical practice.
- NIST Special Publication 811 — Guide for the Use of the International System of Units
Detailed NIST guide covering exact conversion factors between SI and US customary units along with formatting and rounding conventions.
- NIST — Refinement of values for the yard and pound (Federal Register 1959)
The treaty (signed by US
- International Astronomical Union — System of Astronomical Constants
The IAU defines astronomical units including the AU (149597870700 m exactly) light-year and parsec used in astronomy and astrophysics.