Length conversion chart
Convert between metric and imperial lengths: inches, feet, yards, and miles against centimetres, metres, and kilometres. Use the exact factors below, or round for quick estimates.
Imperial to metric
| Imperial | Metric equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | 2.54 cm |
| 1 foot | 30.48 cm (0.3048 m) |
| 1 yard | 0.9144 m |
| 1 mile | 1.609 km |
Metric to imperial
| Metric | Imperial equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1 centimetre | 0.3937 inches |
| 1 metre | 3.281 feet (1.094 yd) |
| 1 kilometre | 0.6214 miles |
Within imperial
| Unit | Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1 foot | 12 inches |
| 1 yard | 3 feet (36 inches) |
| 1 mile | 5,280 feet (1,760 yd) |
The inch is defined as exactly 2.54 centimetres, which makes every imperial-to-metric length conversion exact rather than approximate. To convert miles to kilometres, multiply by about 1.609; to go the other way, multiply kilometres by about 0.621.
Need other conversions?
See the Metric Conversion Chart and the Area Conversion Chart.
Metric and imperial
Metric lengths scale by powers of ten, so converting within metric just moves the decimal. Imperial units use fixed factors, twelve inches to a foot, three feet to a yard, and converting between the systems needs the bridging factors in the tables. The inch-to-centimetre value is exact by definition; the rest follow from it.
Quick estimates
For mental math, a metre is roughly three and a quarter feet, a kilometre is about six tenths of a mile, and an inch is about two and a half centimetres. These rounded values are close enough for everyday use, though for precise work the full factors should be used.
FAQ
How many centimetres are in an inch?
Exactly 2.54 centimetres. The inch is defined in terms of the centimetre, so this conversion is exact.
How do I convert miles to kilometres?
Multiply miles by 1.609. So 5 miles is about 8 kilometres.
How many feet are in a mile?
5,280 feet, which is also 1,760 yards.