Convert Fathom (fath) to Aln (aln) instantly.
About these units
Fathom (fath)
A fathom is equal to 6 feet and is historically associated with maritime measurement. Its origins may lie in the approximate span of a fully outstretched human arms, which was convenient for measuring rope lengths by hand aboard ships. Sailors used the fathom to estimate water depth through weighted lines, giving rise to the practice of "sounding" the depths. The fathom became a cornerstone unit in nautical life because it fits the human scale while also being large enough to measure significant underwater distances. Charts, sonar readings, and older depth gauges frequently utilized fathoms, although modern equipment increasingly displays depths in meters. Still, many mariners—particularly in regions using imperial measurements—continue to think instinctively in fathoms when estimating safe anchoring or navigating shallow waters. The unit persists as an important piece of maritime history and remains in active use by traditional sailors, divers, and some fishing industries. Its survival reflects the enduring cultural heritage of nautical practice.
Aln (aln)
The aln was a traditional Swedish unit of length equal to roughly 59.4 cm, though its exact value varied slightly by region and period. It belongs to the broader family of "ell" measurements used across Europe, originally based on the length of a human forearm. The aln played a crucial role in Swedish commerce, especially in the textile industry, where cloth was measured by stretching it along standardized rods or boards marked in aln lengths. Because such goods were often woven locally and traded regionally, the aln helped regulate and unify commercial practices before the adoption of the metric system. Although obsolete today, the aln survives in historical texts, architectural references, and Scandinavian museum records. Understanding the aln helps scholars interpret pre-modern construction records, land measurements, and traditional clothing industries, revealing a great deal about everyday life in early Sweden.