Metric to Imperial Length & Distance Conversions (cm, feet, miles, km)
The core metric-to-imperial length conversions are: 1 cm = 0.3937 inches (0.0328 feet), 1 foot = 30.48 cm, 1 mile = 1.609 kilometers, and 1 kilometer = 0.6214 miles. These four factors cover almost every everyday situation—height, distance, travel, and maps. Below are the formulas, charts, and the quickest mental shortcuts for each.
How do you convert cm to feet and feet to cm?
feet = centimeters ÷ 30.48 and centimeters = feet × 30.48. Heights are usually given in feet and inches, so 170 cm ≈ 5 ft 7 in. Use the CM to Feet converter or the Feet to CM converter for exact results including the inches breakdown.
| Centimeters | Feet |
|---|---|
| 100 cm | 3.28 ft |
| 150 cm | 4.92 ft |
| 170 cm | 5.58 ft |
| 180 cm | 5.91 ft |
| 200 cm | 6.56 ft |
How do you convert miles to kilometers and back?
kilometers = miles × 1.609 and miles = kilometers × 0.6214. A useful shortcut: kilometers are roughly miles plus 60% (10 miles → 16 km). Use the Miles to Kilometers converter or the Kilometers to Miles converter for precise figures.
| Miles | Kilometers |
|---|---|
| 1 mi | 1.61 km |
| 5 mi | 8.05 km |
| 10 mi | 16.09 km |
| 26.2 mi | 42.16 km (marathon) |
| 60 mi | 96.56 km |
Why do metric and imperial length units differ?
Most countries use the metric system (centimeters, meters, kilometers), while the United States and, for some purposes, the UK still use imperial units (inches, feet, miles). You'll most often convert when stating your height abroad, reading speed-limit and road signs while travelling, following an exercise plan, or working with international product dimensions. Each conversion uses a fixed factor, so the formulas above are always accurate.
Helpful tools
- CM to Feet & Feet to CM
- Miles to Kilometers & Kilometers to Miles
- Length Converter — inches, meters, yards, and more.