Length Converter

Choose from and to length units

Enter the length value, choose the starting unit and choose the output unit. The converter can handle common units such as inches, feet, yards, miles, millimeters, centimeters, meters and kilometers.

Use decimal values when you know them. If your measurement is written as feet and inches, convert the inches part separately or use a mixed input if the page provides one.

For building, sewing, shipping or school work, keep the original measurement nearby. It helps you verify that the converted number is in a reasonable range.

Reading converted distance

The result shows the same length in another unit. A value can look larger or smaller simply because the chosen unit is smaller or larger.

For example, 2 meters is 200 centimeters. The object did not grow. The centimeter unit is smaller, so more centimeters are needed.

Length conversion is one dimensional. If you are measuring a room or surface, square footage and area need a different calculation.

Meters as the bridge unit

The converter uses standard length factors. One inch equals 2.54 centimeters. One foot equals 12 inches. One yard equals 3 feet. One mile equals 5,280 feet.

Metric length conversions move by powers of 10. One meter is 100 centimeters, and one kilometer is 1,000 meters.

For cross system conversions, the calculator usually converts through meters or inches first, then into the destination unit.

Feet to meters example

To convert 5 feet to inches, multiply by 12. The result is 60 inches.

To convert 180 centimeters to meters, divide by 100. The result is 1.8 meters.

To convert 6 feet to centimeters, first convert feet to inches: 6 x 12 = 72 inches. Then multiply by 2.54 for 182.88 centimeters.

Rounding long conversions

The most common mistake is treating feet and decimal feet like feet and inches. 5.5 feet means 5 feet and 6 inches, not 5 feet 5 inches.

Another mistake is using a length conversion for area. A room that is 10 feet by 12 feet is 120 square feet, not a direct foot to meter conversion.

Also check whether a value is rounded. A rounded length can become more noticeably off after area or volume calculations.

If the converted length feeds a purchase decision, add a small tolerance. Real measurements and cuts are rarely perfect.