Convert between metric and imperial length units including millimeters, centimeters, meters, kilometers, inches, feet, yards, miles, and nautical miles.
Quick Answer:1 inch = 2.54 cm, 1 foot = 0.3048 m, 1 mile = 1.60934 km, 1 yard = 0.9144 m, 1 nautical mile = 1.852 km.
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When working with length conversions, always convert through the base unit (meters) to avoid accumulating rounding errors. The international yard and pound agreement of 1959 defined the inch as exactly 25.4 mm, making metric-imperial conversions precise. For nautical navigation, remember that 1 nautical mile = 1 minute of latitude, which is why it remains the standard unit at sea and in aviation.
One meter equals approximately 3.28084 feet. Conversely, one foot equals 0.3048 meters exactly. This conversion factor was standardized internationally in 1959. For quick estimation, multiply meters by 3.3 to get an approximate value in feet.
A standard (statute) mile equals 1,609.344 meters or 5,280 feet, while a nautical mile equals 1,852 meters or approximately 6,076 feet. Nautical miles are used in aviation and maritime navigation because one nautical mile corresponds to one minute of latitude, making it practical for navigation using coordinates.
To convert inches to centimeters, multiply the number of inches by 2.54. This is an exact conversion factor. For example, 12 inches = 12 x 2.54 = 30.48 cm. To convert centimeters to inches, divide by 2.54. This conversion is commonly used for screen sizes, paper dimensions, and body measurements.