Length Converter
Convert instantly between different units.
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Metric vs Imperial Length Units
The world uses two main systems of length measurement: the metric system (used by most countries) and the imperial/US customary system (used primarily in the United States). Converting between them is a daily need for travel, construction, science, and cooking.
Key Conversion Factors
- 1 inch = 2.54 cm (exact, by definition)
- 1 foot = 30.48 cm = 12 inches
- 1 yard = 0.9144 m = 3 feet
- 1 mile = 1.60934 km = 5,280 feet
- 1 nautical mile = 1.852 km (used in aviation/maritime)
Quick Mental Conversions
- km to miles: multiply by 0.6 (exact: 0.6214)
- miles to km: multiply by 1.6 (exact: 1.6093)
- cm to inches: divide by 2.54
- meters to feet: multiply by 3.28
How tall is 5 feet 10 inches in cm?
5 feet 10 inches = (5 × 30.48) + (10 × 2.54) = 152.4 + 25.4 = 177.8 cm. To convert any height: multiply total inches by 2.54. Common reference: 6 feet = 182.88 cm, 5 feet = 152.4 cm.
What is the difference between a nautical mile and a regular mile?
A nautical mile (1,852 m) is based on the circumference of the Earth — it equals one minute of arc of latitude. A standard mile (1,609 m) is a land measurement with historical roots in Roman paces. Nautical miles are used in aviation and maritime navigation because they relate directly to geographic coordinates.