Convert Fathom (fath) to League (Statute) (st.league) 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.
League (Statute) (st.league)
The statute league was historically defined as 3 statute miles (~4.828 km). It originated as a measure of distance a person could travel on foot in about an hour. Leagues were widely used in exploration, mapping, and maritime navigation prior to the universal adoption of standardized miles and kilometers. They also appear extensively in literature, conveying narrative distances in a way more relatable to the human scale. Though obsolete in modern usage, the statute league provides cultural and historical context for maps, journals, and records from the 16th through 19th centuries.