Precision Utility
Length
Converter
Supported
8 Units
Results
Instant Convert
Convert between metric and imperial length units instantly. Enter a value, choose your units and see the result straight away. Supports millimetres, centimetres, metres, kilometres, inches, feet, yards and miles.
Conversion Input
Converted Result
3.28084 ft
Input Value
1
From Unit
Metres
To Unit
Feet
Conversion Factor
3.28084
How the length converter works
Enter the value you want to convert in the input field. Then choose the unit you're converting from and the unit you want to convert to. The result updates instantly as you type or change units.
All conversions run through metres as a base unit. Your input is first converted to metres, then from metres to the target unit. This two-step approach keeps every conversion accurate and consistent across all 8 supported units.
Use the swap button to quickly reverse the conversion direction. The converter handles both metric units (millimetres, centimetres, metres, kilometres) and imperial units (inches, feet, yards, miles).
What you need to know about length units
The UK uses a mix of metric and imperial measurements in daily life. Road signs show miles, property listings use square feet, but most official and scientific measurements are metric. Understanding both systems is essential.
Key conversion facts:
- 1 inch = 2.54 cm exactly (international definition since 1959)
- 1 foot = 12 inches = 0.3048 metres
- 1 yard = 3 feet = 0.9144 metres
- 1 mile = 1,760 yards = 1.609344 kilometres
- 1 kilometre = 1,000 metres; 1 metre = 100 cm = 1,000 mm
The metric system's base-10 structure makes internal conversions simple. Imperial conversions require memorising specific ratios. This converter removes that hassle entirely.
Frequently asked questions
How many centimetres are in an inch?
There are exactly 2.54 centimetres in one inch. This is an internationally agreed definition, making it one of the few conversion factors that is exact rather than approximate.
How do I convert miles to kilometres?
Multiply the number of miles by 1.609344. For example, 10 miles equals approximately 16.09 kilometres. For a quick estimate, multiply miles by 1.6.
What is the difference between metric and imperial units?
Metric units (millimetres, centimetres, metres, kilometres) are based on powers of 10, making conversions within the system straightforward. Imperial units (inches, feet, yards, miles) use varying conversion factors — 12 inches in a foot, 3 feet in a yard, 1,760 yards in a mile.
How many feet are in a metre?
One metre equals approximately 3.28084 feet. Conversely, one foot is exactly 0.3048 metres. This conversion is commonly needed in construction, property measurements and athletics.
Why does the UK use both metric and imperial?
The UK officially adopted the metric system for most purposes but retained imperial for specific uses. Road distances and speed limits use miles, beer is sold in pints, and many people still think in feet and inches for height. This dual system means conversions are part of everyday life.
How accurate is this length converter?
This converter uses internationally defined conversion factors and displays results up to 6 significant figures. All conversions pass through metres as the base unit, ensuring consistent accuracy across all 8 supported units.