Length Conversion - Convert Meters, Feet, Inches, and More
Length Converter
Convert length measurements between different units quickly and accurately
Convert Length
Popular Length Conversions
Quickly convert between the most commonly used length units.
Understanding Length Measurements
Length measurement is one of the most fundamental aspects of the International System of Units (SI). The meter (m) serves as the base unit for length in the SI system, while various other units are used in different contexts and regions worldwide. Understanding length conversions is essential for fields ranging from construction and engineering to everyday measurements.
Common Length Units
Metric Units
- Millimeter (mm) - 1/1000 of a meter
- Centimeter (cm) - 1/100 of a meter
- Meter (m) - Base unit
- Kilometer (km) - 1000 meters
Imperial Units
- Inch (in) - 1/12 of a foot
- Foot (ft) - 12 inches
- Yard (yd) - 3 feet
- Mile (mi) - 5280 feet
Common Applications
| Field | Common Units | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Meters, feet, inches | Building dimensions, material measurements |
| Engineering | Millimeters, centimeters | Precision measurements, technical drawings |
| Navigation | Kilometers, miles | Distance calculations, route planning |
Conversion Tips
- For precise conversions, always use the exact conversion factors
- When converting between systems, consider the context and required precision
- Remember that 1 inch equals exactly 2.54 centimeters
- For rough estimates, 1 meter is approximately 3.28 feet
Length Conversions
| Conversion | Formula | Quick Answer |
|---|---|---|
| meter to feet | 1 meter = 3.28084 feet | Multiply meters by 3.28084 |
| feet to meter | 1 foot = 0.3048 meters | Multiply feet by 0.3048 |
| inch to cm | 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters | Multiply inches by 2.54 |
| cm to inch | 1 centimeter = 0.393701 inches | Multiply centimeters by 0.393701 |
| mm to inch | 1 millimeter = 0.0393701 inches | Multiply millimeters by 0.0393701 |
| inch to mm | 1 inch = 25.4 millimeters | Multiply inches by 25.4 |
| km to miles | 1 kilometer = 0.621371 miles | Multiply kilometers by 0.621371 |
| miles to km | 1 mile = 1.60934 kilometers | Multiply miles by 1.60934 |
| yard to meter | 1 yard = 0.9144 meters | Multiply yards by 0.9144 |
| meter to yard | 1 meter = 1.09361 yards | Multiply meters by 1.09361 |
Our length conversion tool provides accurate conversions between all common units of length, making it easy to switch between metric and imperial measurements. Whether you're working on a construction project, planning a trip, or need precise measurements for technical work, our converter ensures accuracy and ease of use.
Length Conversion Questions
Everything you need to know about length measurements and conversions
What's the difference between metric and imperial length units?
Metric units (meters, centimeters, millimeters) are based on powers of 10, making them easier to convert. Imperial units (feet, inches, yards, miles) are based on historical measurements and have more complex relationships. Metric is used worldwide except in the US, Myanmar, and Liberia.
How do I convert between feet and inches to meters?
To convert feet to meters, multiply by 0.3048. For inches to meters, multiply by 0.0254. For example: 6 feet = 6 × 0.3048 = 1.83 meters. To convert 6'2" (74 inches), multiply 74 × 0.0254 = 1.88 meters.
What is a nautical mile and why is it different?
A nautical mile (1,852 meters) is based on the Earth's circumference and equals one minute of latitude. It's used in marine and aviation navigation because it relates directly to the Earth's geometry, making it more practical for navigation than statute miles (1,609 meters).
Why are there 12 inches in a foot instead of 10?
The foot was divided into 12 inches because 12 has many divisors (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12), making it easy to create fractions like 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, and 1/6 of a foot. This was practical for trade and construction before decimal systems became common.
How precise should length measurements be?
Precision depends on your needs. For everyday measurements, millimeters or 1/16 inches are usually sufficient. For scientific work, micrometers or nanometers might be needed. Construction typically uses millimeters (metric) or 1/16" (imperial). Our converter provides up to 10 decimal places for maximum precision.
What's the difference between surveyor's feet and standard feet?
The US Survey Foot (1200/3937 meters ≈ 0.3048006 m) differs slightly from the International Foot (exactly 0.3048 m). This small difference (2 parts per million) matters in large-scale surveying and mapping but is negligible for everyday use.
How do I measure distances I can't reach directly?
Use indirect methods: triangulation (measuring angles from known points), laser rangefinders, or photogrammetry. For very large distances, GPS coordinates can give you precise measurements. For heights, you can use trigonometry with angles and known distances.
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