How to use the Length converter
- 1Type a length into the value box.
- 2Choose the unit you have (for example feet) and the unit you want (for example centimeters).
- 3Read the converted value, or check the table below it, which lists the same length in every supported unit.
- 4Copy the result, or press swap to convert in the other direction.
How it works
Every unit is stored as an exact number of meters. An inch is exactly 0.0254 m, a foot is 0.3048 m, a yard is 0.9144 m and a statute mile is 1,609.344 m, all fixed by the 1959 international yard and pound agreement. A nautical mile is exactly 1,852 m, originally based on one minute of latitude.
To convert, your value is turned into meters and then into the target unit. The table repeats that for every unit, from nanometers and micrometers up to kilometers and miles, which is handy when you are not sure which unit a form or drawing expects.
Formulas
cm = in × 2.54 · m = ft × 0.3048 · km = mi × 1.6093441 ft = 12 in · 1 yd = 3 ft · 1 mi = 1,760 yd = 5,280 ft1 nmi = 1,852 m ≈ 1.15078 miWorked examples
Height: 5 ft 10 in in centimeters
- 15 ft × 12 = 60 in, plus 10 in = 70 in
- 270 × 2.54 = 177.8
5 ft 10 in is 177.8 cm.
Marathon distance in miles
- 142.195 km ÷ 1.609344 ≈ 26.2188
A marathon is about 26.22 miles (26 miles 385 yards).
A 55-inch TV in centimeters
- 155 × 2.54 = 139.7
139.7 cm, measured diagonally across the screen.
How do I convert centimeters to feet and inches?
Divide the centimeters by 2.54 to get total inches, then divide by 12. The whole number is feet and the remainder is inches. For 180 cm: 180 ÷ 2.54 ≈ 70.87 in; 70.87 ÷ 12 = 5 remainder 10.87, so 180 cm is about 5 ft 10.9 in.
Common length conversions
- 1 inch = 2.54 cm = 25.4 mm
- 1 foot = 30.48 cm
- 1 meter ≈ 3.28084 feet ≈ 39.37 inches
- 1 yard = 0.9144 m
- 1 kilometer ≈ 0.621371 miles
- 1 mile = 1.609344 km
- 5 km ≈ 3.107 miles; 10 km ≈ 6.214 miles
Frequently asked questions
How many centimeters are in an inch?
Exactly 2.54. This has been the international definition of the inch since 1959, so it is not an approximation.
How many feet are in a meter?
About 3.28084. A quick mental estimate is to multiply meters by 3 and add 10%, which gives 3.3.
Is a nautical mile longer than a regular mile?
Yes. A nautical mile is 1,852 m, about 15% longer than a statute mile of 1,609.344 m. Ships and aircraft use it because it relates directly to degrees of latitude.
What is the difference between a US survey foot and an international foot?
The US survey foot was about 2 parts per million longer and was used in some US land surveys. It was officially retired at the end of 2022; this converter uses the international foot of exactly 0.3048 m.
Why do some converters give 1 mile = 1.6 km?
That is a rounded shortcut. Over a 100-mile trip it underestimates the distance by about 0.9 km, which is why this tool keeps the exact factor.