Length Conversion Calculator
Written by Thierno Sadou Diallo, formula verified per our methodology • Last checked on 9/5/2026
To convert a length, it is first brought back to a common unit (the meter), then converted into the new unit. For example, 5 miles equal about 8.05 kilometers.
Explanation
Length units differ by measurement system: the metric system (meter, kilometer, centimeter) is used in most of the world, while the imperial system (mile, foot, inch) remains the standard in the United States and, for some units, the United Kingdom. Converting a length means multiplying the value by the factor that brings it to meters, then dividing by the target unit's factor — exactly what this calculator does, regardless of which pair of units you choose. The land mile ("mile" or "statute mile") used here equals exactly 1,609.344 meters; other kinds of miles exist (notably the nautical mile) that are not covered by this calculator. For a weight conversion instead of length, see our weight conversion calculator; for volume, our volume conversion calculator.
Example: convert 5 miles to kilometers
Inputs
Value: 5. Starting unit: miles. Target unit: kilometers.
Calculation
5 miles equal 5 × 1,609.344 = 8,046.72 meters. Dividing by 1,000 (the kilometer factor) gives 8.04672 km.
Result
5 miles represent about 8.05 km.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a foot and an inch?
A foot ("ft") equals exactly 0.3048 meter and divides into 12 inches ("in"). An inch is therefore 0.0254 meter, or 2.54 centimeters — a value worth memorizing, very useful for screen diagonals, for example.
Is the mile used here the same as the nautical mile?
No. This calculator uses the land mile (statute mile, 1,609.344 m), the one most commonly used for road distances in the United States and the United Kingdom. The nautical mile (1,852 m), used in maritime and air navigation, is different and is not covered here.
Why is the result sometimes shown with many decimal places?
Some conversions (especially to or from the imperial system) don't produce round numbers in the metric system. The calculator shows up to 4 decimal places to stay precise even for small units like the millimeter or the inch.