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Length Converter

Convert between metric, imperial, and nautical units of length.

Convert
Type in either field — the other updates instantly.
Result
1 m = 3.28083989501 ft
1 m =

3.28083989501 ft

All units

  • Millimetermm1,000
  • Centimetercm100
  • Meterm1
  • Kilometerkm0.001
  • Inchin39.3700787402
  • Footft3.28083989501
  • Yardyd1.09361329834
  • Milemi0.000621371192237
  • Nautical mileNM0.000539956803456

How the Length Converter works

Every unit is stored as an exact factor of the metre, the SI base unit of length. A value is converted to metres first and then to the target unit, which keeps rounding error to a minimum.

Imperial factors use the 1959 international definitions, so one inch is exactly 0.0254 m and one nautical mile is exactly 1,852 m.

Formulas used

General
target = value × factor(from) ÷ factor(to)
Inches to cm
cm = in × 2.54
Miles to km
km = mi × 1.609344

How to use the Length Converter in 3 steps

  1. Step 1

    Choose the unit you are converting from and the unit you want.

  2. Step 2

    Type a value into either field; the other updates instantly.

  3. Step 3

    Use Swap units to reverse the conversion, or copy any row from the full conversion table.

Frequently asked questions

How many centimetres are in an inch?

Exactly 2.54 centimetres. The inch has been defined as 25.4 millimetres since 1959.

How do I convert feet to metres?

Multiply the number of feet by 0.3048. For example, 10 ft × 0.3048 = 3.048 m.

What is the difference between a mile and a nautical mile?

A statute mile is 1,609.344 m while a nautical mile is 1,852 m. Nautical miles are used in aviation and shipping because one nautical mile approximates one minute of latitude.

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