Length Converter
Convert between meters, kilometers, miles, feet, inches and 10 more length units instantly.
Length Converter — input your values
What does this conversion calculator do?
The length converter translates any distance between the most common metric, imperial and nautical units — from millimeters and inches up to kilometers, miles and even light-years.
It uses the meter as a fixed reference base: every unit is converted to meters first and then to the target unit, guaranteeing the same answer in both directions.
Formula and variables
One inch = 2.54 cm exactly; one mile = 1,609.344 m exactly.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| factor(from) | How many meters one 'from' unit equals |
| factor(to) | How many meters one 'to' unit equals |
Worked example
Convert 10 kilometers into miles.
- 1 km = 1000 m, so 10 km = 10 × 1000 = 10,000 m.
- 1 mile = 1,609.344 m, so 10,000 ÷ 1,609.344 ≈ 6.2137.
Answer: 10 km ≈ 6.21 miles.
Tips and common mistakes
Tips
- Use the conversion table to find quick references for common pairs like km→mi (÷1.609) or m→ft (×3.281).
- For rough mental math: 1 mile ≈ 1.6 km, and 1 meter ≈ 3.28 feet.
- Check whether your project uses international or US survey feet — they differ by about 1.6 cm per mile.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Confusing meters and yards: 1 yard = 0.9144 m, not 1 m.
- Dividing when you should multiply — always verify with a known pair like 1 m = 3.28 ft.
- Mixing up nautical miles (1,852 m) with statute miles (1,609 m).
Length Converter — frequently asked questions
How many feet are in a meter?
One meter equals approximately 3.28084 feet, or 39.37 inches. So 10 meters ≈ 32.8 feet.
How do I convert kilometers to miles?
Divide kilometers by 1.609344. For example, 100 km ÷ 1.609344 ≈ 62.14 miles.
What's the difference between a mile and a nautical mile?
A statute mile is 1,609.344 meters; a nautical mile is 1,852 meters (one minute of latitude). Nautical miles are used in aviation and shipping.
Is an inch exactly 2.54 cm?
Yes — since 1959, the international inch is defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters.
How many millimeters are in an inch?
Exactly 25.4 millimeters. This is a handy conversion for DIY and engineering work.
What is a light-year in meters?
One light-year is about 9.461 × 10¹⁵ meters (9,460,730,472,580,800 m) — the distance light travels in one year.