Decameter to Fathom Converter

A decameter (dam) is a unit of length in the metric system equal to 10 meters. It serves as an intermediate unit between meters and hectometers.

The decameter was part of the original metric system established in 1795. The prefix 'deca-' comes from the Greek word 'deka' meaning 'ten'. Despite being part of the original system, it has seen very limited practical adoption.

Decameters are rarely used in practical applications. They may occasionally appear in some technical or scientific contexts, but meters and kilometers are generally preferred for most measurements that would fall within the decameter range.

A fathom is a unit of length primarily used for measuring the depth of water, equal to 6 feet or approximately 1.83 meters. It represents the span of a person's outstretched arms.

The fathom derives from the Old English 'fæthm' meaning 'outstretched arms' or 'embrace'. It was originally based on the distance between the fingertips of a person's outstretched arms, typically about 6 feet. It has been used for measuring water depth since ancient times.

Fathoms are still used in some maritime contexts for measuring water depth, particularly in traditional sailing and fishing communities. However, meters are increasingly preferred for official nautical charts and modern navigation systems.