Length Unit Conversion Guide
Length is measured in different units across different systems — the metric system (metres, kilometres, centimetres) used in most of the world, and the imperial system (feet, inches, miles) used primarily in the United States. Converting between systems requires fixed conversion factors derived from the definition of the metre.
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Formula
Length Converter
Convert length between metres, feet, inches, kilometres, miles, and more.
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Worked Example
Given:
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FAQs
How do I convert feet and inches to centimetres?
First convert feet to inches (multiply feet by 12, add the remaining inches). Then multiply total inches by 2.54 to get centimetres. For example, 5 ft 10 in = (5 × 12 + 10) × 2.54 = 70 × 2.54 = 177.8 cm.
Why does the US still use imperial units?
The US is one of three countries (with Liberia and Myanmar) that have not officially adopted the metric system. Metrication has been attempted multiple times but never fully implemented due to economic costs, cultural resistance, and the scale of converting infrastructure. Science and medicine in the US do use metric units.
What is a nautical mile?
A nautical mile is 1,852 metres, defined as one minute of arc along a meridian of the Earth. It is used in aviation and maritime navigation because it relates directly to geographic coordinates — one nautical mile corresponds to one arcminute of latitude.