How to use the length converter
Type any distance into Value and choose the units to convert between. The result updates immediately, and the reference table shows the equivalent length in all metric, imperial, and nautical units at once.
Metric, Imperial & Nautical length units
Since the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement, Imperial and US customary length units have been defined by exact mathematical ratios to the metric meter:
- Metric (SI): millimeter (
1 mm = 0.001 m), centimeter (1 cm = 0.01 m), meter (1 m), and kilometer (1 km = 1,000 m). - Imperial & US Customary: inch (
1 in = 25.4 mmexactly), foot (1 ft = 12 in = 0.3048 m), yard (1 yd = 3 ft = 0.9144 m), and statute mile (1 mi = 1,760 yd = 5,280 ft = 1,609.344 m). - Nautical: 1 international nautical mile (
nmi) equals exactly 1,852 meters (approximately 1.15078 statute miles or 6,076.12 feet).
Common length conversions
| From Unit | To Metric | To Imperial / US |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Inch (in) | 2.54 cm (25.4 mm) | 0.083333 ft |
| 1 Foot (ft) | 30.48 cm (0.3048 m) | 12 in |
| 1 Yard (yd) | 0.9144 m (91.44 cm) | 3 ft (36 in) |
| 1 Meter (m) | 100 cm (1,000 mm) | 3.28084 ft (39.37008 in) |
| 1 Kilometer (km) | 1,000 m | 0.621371 mi (3,280.84 ft) |
| 1 Mile (mi) | 1.609344 km (1,609.344 m) | 5,280 ft (1,760 yd) |
| 1 Nautical mile (nmi) | 1.852 km (1,852 m) | 1.150779 mi (6,076.12 ft) |
Frequently asked questions
- How many centimeters are in an inch?
- There are exactly 2.54 centimeters (25.4 millimeters) in 1 inch, as defined by the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement.
- How do I convert meters to feet and inches?
- 1 meter equals approximately 3.28084 feet (or 39.37008 inches). Conversely, 1 foot equals exactly 0.3048 meters (30.48 centimeters).
- What is the difference between a statute mile and a nautical mile?
- A statute (land) mile is 5,280 feet, or exactly 1,609.344 meters (about 1.609 km). A nautical mile—used in aviation and maritime navigation—is based on one minute of latitude and equals exactly 1,852 meters (about 1.1508 statute miles).