Length Converter
Convert between different units of length and distance instantly.
Understanding Length Units
Length is one of the fundamental dimensions in physics and everyday life. Different regions and applications use different unit systems, making conversion essential for international communication for science, travel, and commerce.
Metric System
The metric system is based on the meter and uses decimal prefixes:
- Kilometer (km): 1,000 meters
- Meter (m): Base unit
- Centimeter (cm): 0.01 meters
- Millimeter (mm): 0.001 meters
Imperial System
- Mile: 5,280 feet or 1.609 km
- Yard: 3 feet or 0.9144 m
- Foot: 12 inches or 30.48 cm
- Inch: 2.54 cm
Quick Conversions
| From | To | Multiply by |
|---|---|---|
| Meters | Feet | 3.281 |
| Feet | Meters | 0.3048 |
| Inches | CM | 2.54 |
| Miles | Kilometers | 1.609 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there different measurement systems?
The imperial system developed historically in Britain, while the metric system was created during the French Revolution for standardization. Most countries now use metric.