How to convert length
- Type a number in the Value box.
- Choose its unit under From.
- Every other unit updates instantly. Tap Copy next to the one you need.
The row for the unit you started with is highlighted, so it's easy to see what you converted from.
Exact conversion factors
The imperial units in this converter are defined exactly in metric terms by international agreement, so conversions are exact rather than approximate:
| Unit | In metres |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | 0.0254 m (2.54 cm) |
| 1 foot | 0.3048 m (12 inches) |
| 1 yard | 0.9144 m (3 feet) |
| 1 mile | 1,609.344 m (1,760 yards) |
| 1 nautical mile | 1,852 m |
Handy reference
| Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|
| 1 cm | 0.394 inches |
| 1 m | 3.281 feet, 39.37 inches |
| 1 km | 0.621 miles |
| 5 km | 3.107 miles (a "5K" run) |
| 42.195 km | 26.219 miles (a marathon) |
Height in feet and inches
Height is often given in feet and inches, such as 5'7". To convert centimetres to that format, convert to inches, then divide by 12. The whole number is feet and the remainder is inches. For example, 170 cm is 66.93 inches: 5 feet and 6.93 inches, usually rounded to 5'7".
Screen sizes
Phone, tablet and TV screen sizes are measured diagonally in inches. A 6.7-inch phone screen is about 17 cm corner to corner. Type the size in inches here to see it in centimetres.
Related tools
For area, such as room or plot sizes, use the area converter. For speeds, use the speed converter. Conversions happen instantly in your browser.