Convert between metric and imperial length units with precision. Get instant results for meters, feet, inches, kilometers, miles, and more.
The metric system is a decimal-based system of measurement used worldwide. It's based on units of 10, making conversions straightforward.
The imperial system is primarily used in the United States and has historical roots in British measurements.
A length converter is a tool that lets you quickly convert between different units of length. This includes metric units like centimeters, meters, and kilometers, as well as imperial units like inches, feet, yards, and miles. Whether you need to convert cm to inches, miles to km, or feet to meters, this guide will explain how to do it with formulas and examples.
Length conversion means changing a measurement from one unit of length to another. There are two main systems:
Metric system – uses millimeters (mm), centimeters (cm), meters (m), and kilometers (km).
Imperial/US customary system – uses inches (in), feet (ft), yards (yd), and miles (mi).
A length converter calculator does the math instantly. However, knowing the formulas makes it easy to check your results and understand how the units relate.
Formula: inches = centimeters ÷ 2.54
Example: 30 cm ÷ 2.54 = 11.81 inches
1 inch equals exactly 2.54 centimeters.
Formula: centimeters = inches × 2.54
Example: 10 inches × 2.54 = 25.4 cm
Formula: feet = centimeters ÷ 30.48
Example: 180 cm ÷ 30.48 = 5.91 feet
Formula: centimeters = feet × 30.48
Example: 6 feet × 30.48 = 182.88 cm
Formula: feet = meters × 3.28084
Example: 2 meters × 3.28084 = 6.56168 feet
Formula: meters = feet ÷ 3.28084
Example: 10 feet ÷ 3.28084 = 3.048 meters
Formula: kilometers = miles × 1.60934
Example: 5 miles × 1.60934 = 8.0467 km
Formula: miles = kilometers ÷ 1.60934
Example: 10 km ÷ 1.60934 = 6.2137 miles
Formula: miles = meters ÷ 1609.34
Example: 5000 meters ÷ 1609.34 = 3.10686 miles
Formula: inches = meters × 39.3701
Example: 2 meters × 39.3701 = 78.7402 inches
Formula: meters = yards × 0.9144
Example: 50 yards × 0.9144 = 45.72 meters
Formula: yards = meters ÷ 0.9144
Example: 20 meters ÷ 0.9144 = 21.872 yards
Formula: miles = feet ÷ 5280
Example: 10,560 feet ÷ 5280 = 2 miles
Formula: inches = centimeters ÷ 2.54
Example: 50 cm ÷ 2.54 = 19.685 inches
Formula: centimeters = inches × 2.54
Example: 15 inches × 2.54 = 38.1 cm
1 inch equals 2.54 centimeters exactly.
The metric system is based on powers of 10, making it easy to move between units:
1 millimeter = 0.1 centimeter
1 centimeter = 0.01 meter
1 meter = 0.001 kilometer
Example: 2500 meters ÷ 1000 = 2.5 km
While you can do these calculations manually, a length converter calculator saves time and reduces mistakes. Simply enter your number, select the units, and get the converted value instantly.
| From Unit | To Unit | Conversion Factor |
|---|---|---|
| cm | inches | ÷ 2.54 |
| inches | cm | × 2.54 |
| cm | feet | ÷ 30.48 |
| feet | cm | × 30.48 |
| meters | feet | × 3.28084 |
| feet | meters | ÷ 3.28084 |
| miles | km | × 1.60934 |
| km | miles | ÷ 1.60934 |
| meters | miles | ÷ 1609.34 |
| meters | inches | × 39.3701 |
| yards | meters | × 0.9144 |
| meters | yards | ÷ 0.9144 |
| feet | miles | ÷ 5280 |
The easiest way is to use an online length converter calculator. You enter the number, choose the units, and get the converted value instantly.
inches = centimeters ÷ 2.54. Example: 25 cm ÷ 2.54 = 9.84 inches.
centimeters = inches × 2.54. Example: 8 inches × 2.54 = 20.32 cm.
meters = feet ÷ 3.28084. Example: 12 ft ÷ 3.28084 = 3.6576 m.
1 meter equals 3.28084 feet.
1 inch equals 2.54 centimeters exactly.
feet = centimeters ÷ 30.48. Example: 170 cm ÷ 30.48 = 5.577 feet.
1 mile equals 1609.34 meters.
kilometers = miles × 1.60934. Example: 3 miles × 1.60934 = 4.82802 km.
miles = kilometers ÷ 1.60934. Example: 10 km ÷ 1.60934 = 6.21371 miles.
yards = meters ÷ 0.9144. Example: 50 m ÷ 0.9144 = 54.6807 yards.
meters = yards × 0.9144. Example: 30 yards × 0.9144 = 27.432 meters.
A metric conversion length calculator changes one metric unit to another, like meters to centimeters.
The metric system uses meters, centimeters, and kilometers. The imperial system uses inches, feet, yards, and miles.
Yes, a unit converter for length works for anything from millimeters to miles.
If it uses correct conversion factors, it will be accurate to several decimal places.
inches = meters × 39.3701. Example: 2 m × 39.3701 = 78.7402 inches.
miles = feet ÷ 5280. Example: 10,560 ft ÷ 5280 = 2 miles.
It’s the process of converting one length unit into another.
Yes, many people use a length conversion calculator to convert kilometers to miles for travel planning.
Countries like the United States use miles, while most countries use kilometers.
Yes: 1 inch = 2.54 cm, 1 foot = 30.48 cm, 1 yard = 0.9144 m, 1 mile = 1.60934 km.
They mean the same thing; “cm to inches” is shorter to say.
Yes, both mean centimeters to inches, divide by 2.54.
Multiply meters by 3.28084 and keep 4 decimal places for accuracy.
Yes, a length conversion table lists pre-calculated values for quick reference.