Convert a length from feet and inches to meters easily using this calculator.
Need to convert a measurement like 5 feet 7 inches to meters? Whether you're working on engineering drawings, international specifications, or updating height details in metric format, converting feet and inches to meters is essential. This guide will help you understand the exact method of conversion with formulas, real-world examples, and an easy reference table.
While the imperial system (feet and inches) is common in the United States, most of the world uses the metric system, where lengths are measured in meters. Knowing how to convert between the two systems is important for:
To convert a measurement in feet and inches to meters, use the following formula:
Meters = ((Feet × 12) + Inches) × 0.0254
This works because:
Convert 5 feet 9 inches to meters:
Step 1: Convert feet to inches → 5 × 12 = 60 inches
Step 2: Add extra inches → 60 + 9 = 69 inches
Step 3: Convert to meters → 69 × 0.0254 = 1.7526 meters
Here’s a quick lookup chart for common conversions:
| Feet | Inches | Total Inches | Meters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 0 | 48 | 1.2192 |
| 4 | 6 | 54 | 1.3716 |
| 5 | 0 | 60 | 1.524 |
| 5 | 5 | 65 | 1.651 |
| 5 | 9 | 69 | 1.7526 |
| 6 | 0 | 72 | 1.8288 |
| 6 | 2 | 74 | 1.8796 |
| 6 | 4 | 76 | 1.9304 |
Medical records in most countries record height in meters. Converting from feet and inches helps unify records and avoid miscommunication.
Builders and designers often receive blueprints in imperial units but must convert them to metric for execution in regions like Europe or Asia.
Physics and engineering problems often require SI units (meters) for accuracy and standardization. This makes converting from feet and inches critical.
Web forms, visa applications, and ID registrations outside the U.S. typically require height in centimeters or meters.
For fast results, use our online tool. Enter your height or length in feet and inches, and the calculator will instantly convert it to meters. This saves time and eliminates manual errors.
Convert 5 feet 4 inches to meters:
(5 × 12) + 4 = 64 inches
64 × 0.0254 = 1.6256 meters
Convert 6 feet 1 inch to meters:
(6 × 12) + 1 = 73 inches
73 × 0.0254 = 1.8542 meters
To convert meters back to feet and inches:
Example: 1.8 meters = 70.8661 inches → 5 feet 10.87 inches
5 feet 10 inches = (5 × 12 + 10) × 0.0254 = 70 × 0.0254 = 1.778 meters
6 feet = 72 inches = 72 × 0.0254 = 1.8288 meters
Not exactly. 1 meter = 39.37 inches ≈ 3.2808 feet
First convert to inches, then multiply by 2.54 (since 1 inch = 2.54 cm)
This conversion is accurate to four decimal places, suitable for medical and technical use.
Converting feet and inches to meters is a practical skill used by professionals, students, and everyday individuals around the world. By using the formula Meters = ((Feet × 12) + Inches) × 0.0254, you can quickly convert imperial measurements into metric with ease. Use our detailed examples, chart, and calculator to simplify your workflow and make sure your measurements are always accurate and globally acceptable.
The meter, symbolized as m, is the fundamental unit of length in the International System of Units (SI). It is widely used across the globe in science, engineering, construction, education, sports, and everyday life. From measuring the height of a building to calculating the length of a race track, meters are everywhere. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the definition of a meter, its history, conversion formulas, real-world uses, and how it compares with other units like feet, inches, and kilometers.
A meter (or metre) is the basic unit of length in the metric system. It is officially defined as:
“The length of the path traveled by light in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 of a second.”
While this scientific definition is highly precise, in practical use, a meter is approximately the length of a guitar or a baseball bat.
The standard symbol for meter is m. This symbol is used universally, making it easy to identify and interpret regardless of language or region.
The metric system is a decimal-based measurement system that uses meters as its base unit for length. Other units in this system include:
This makes the metric system extremely simple to use because all conversions involve powers of 10.
Meters can be easily converted to other units of length. Here are the most common conversion formulas:
m × 1000 = mmm × 100 = cmm ÷ 1000 = kmm × 39.3701 = inm × 3.28084 = ftm × 1.09361 = ydm × 0.000621371 = mimm ÷ 1000 = mcm ÷ 100 = mkm × 1000 = min × 0.0254 = mft × 0.3048 = mmi × 1609.34 = mMeters are used for building plans, measuring room dimensions, heights of buildings, bridge lengths, and more. Almost every construction project involves meter-based measurements.
Track and field events are measured in meters. For example, 100m sprint, 400m dash, 800m race, etc. Soccer fields, swimming pools, and long jump distances are all recorded in meters.
In physics, biology, chemistry, and other scientific domains, the meter is used as the default unit for measuring length or distance in experiments, formulas, and data recording.
Students from primary school to university use meters and related metric units in their academic curriculum across most countries globally.
Whether measuring your height, buying cloth, or laying out a garden, meters are an everyday unit for small to medium distances.
1 meter = 3.28084 feet. Feet are used in the U.S., but meters are preferred globally. A person 6 feet tall is about 1.83 meters.
1 meter = 39.37 inches. Inches are used for smaller items like screens, but meters are better for longer distances.
1 kilometer = 1000 meters. Meters are used for short distances (like the size of a house), whereas kilometers are used for travel or road distances.
There are various tools you can use to measure meters:
| Meters | Centimeters | Feet | Inches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 m | 100 cm | 3.28 ft | 39.37 in |
| 5 m | 500 cm | 16.4 ft | 196.9 in |
| 10 m | 1000 cm | 32.8 ft | 393.7 in |
| 50 m | 5000 cm | 164 ft | 1968.5 in |
| 100 m | 10000 cm | 328 ft | 3937 in |
Both are correct. “Meter” is the American spelling, while “metre” is the British spelling. Both refer to the same unit.
2 meters is approximately 6.56 feet (2 × 3.28084).
There are 1,000 meters in one kilometer.
Use the formula: feet × 0.3048 = meters.
Extremely accurate. Meters are used in scientific laboratories and engineering with high precision measuring tools.
The meter is a foundational unit of measurement in the modern world. From education and engineering to everyday activities, understanding how to use and convert meters is essential. Its simplicity, accuracy, and global acceptance make it a universal standard. Whether you're solving math problems or planning construction, meters help you measure with clarity and precision.
Need to convert meters to other units quickly? Use our online Meter Conversion Calculator for accurate and instant results!