Convert Fathom (fath) to Arpent (arpent) 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.
Arpent (arpent)
The arpent is a French unit of length and area, historically used in France and French colonial territories like Louisiana and Canada. As a length, it was roughly 58.47 meters, while as an area unit it varied regionally but was commonly used for agricultural plots. The arpent was central to land measurement, urban planning, and agriculture, particularly in colonies where standard French units were imposed. It helped define plots for farming, taxation, and property distribution, often in combination with other traditional French units such as the perche. Although largely replaced by metric units, the arpent remains significant for historians, geographers, and legal scholars interpreting colonial-era land documents and property records.