A length converter is a calculator that converts between different units of distance and length — meters, feet, inches, centimeters, kilometers, miles, and more — instantly, without needing to remember or look up conversion factors. This page covers how this length converter works, a metric to imperial conversion chart for quick reference, and several worked examples converting common height measurements between feet/inches and centimeters/inches. Browse all converters if you need a different tool.
How This Length Converter Works
The Conversion Method
Every length unit converts through a common base unit — meters, in this calculator's case — so any unit can convert to any other unit by first converting to meters, then converting from meters to the target unit. This two-step approach (rather than storing a separate conversion factor for every possible unit pair) keeps the conversions consistent and accurate across dozens of possible unit combinations.
Metric to Imperial Conversion Chart
Common Metric-to-Imperial Length Conversions
A quick reference for commonly needed metric-to-imperial length conversions:
| Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|
| 1 millimeter (mm) | 0.0394 inches |
| 1 centimeter (cm) | 0.3937 inches |
| 1 meter (m) | 3.2808 feet |
| 1 meter (m) | 39.37 inches |
| 1 kilometer (km) | 0.6214 miles |
This works in reverse too — 1 inch equals 2.54 cm exactly, 1 foot equals 0.3048 meters exactly, and 1 mile equals 1.609344 km exactly, which are the precise international conversion standards this calculator uses (rather than rounded approximations). Those factors come from the international inch of exactly 25.4 mm, as defined by NIST. Dedicated shortcuts for the most common pair are the cm to inches and inches to cm converters.
Metric Conversion Calculator: Meters, Centimeters, and More
Meter Conversion Chart
Within the metric system itself, unit conversion is based on powers of 10, making it more straightforward than converting between metric and imperial:
| Unit | Meters |
|---|---|
| 1 millimeter | 0.001 m |
| 1 centimeter | 0.01 m |
| 1 meter | 1 m |
| 1 kilometer | 1,000 m |
This calculator handles conversions within the metric system just as accurately as metric-to-imperial conversions, using the same underlying conversion method.
Converting Height: Feet and Inches to Centimeters
One of the most commonly needed length conversions is converting a height given in feet and inches into a single measurement, or vice versa. This calculator handles compound feet-and-inches inputs (like 5'8") converting directly to centimeters or a single inches figure, rather than requiring the conversion to be done in two separate steps.
Worked Examples: Common Height Conversions
Example: 6'1" Into Inches
6 feet = 72 inches (6 × 12)
72 inches + 1 inch = 73 inches
6'1" also converts to approximately 185.4 cm.
Example: How Tall Is 69 Inches?
69 inches ÷ 12 = 5 feet, remainder 9 inches
69 inches = 5'9"
69 inches also converts to approximately 175.3 cm.
Example: 6'8" in Inches
6 feet = 72 inches
72 inches + 8 inches = 80 inches
6'8" also converts to approximately 203.2 cm.
Example: How Tall Is 57 Inches?
57 inches ÷ 12 = 4 feet, remainder 9 inches
57 inches = 4'9"
57 inches also converts to approximately 144.8 cm.
Unit Conversion Sheet: All Supported Length Units
This length converter supports conversions across the full common range of length units:
Metric: millimeters, centimeters, meters, kilometers
Imperial/US: inches, feet, yards, miles
Any of these units convert to any other unit directly, whether moving between metric units, between imperial units, or across the two systems entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert between metric and imperial length units?
Enter a value and select the source and target units. The converter handles the calculation instantly using precise international conversion standards, such as 1 inch equals 2.54 cm exactly.
What is 6'1" in inches?
6 feet 1 inch equals 73 inches, calculated as 6 feet times 12 inches per foot, plus 1 inch.
How tall is 69 inches in feet?
69 inches equals 5 feet 9 inches.
What is 6'8" in centimeters?
6 feet 8 inches equals approximately 203.2 centimeters.
How tall is 57 inches?
57 inches equals 4 feet 9 inches, or approximately 144.8 centimeters.
Does this calculator support both metric and imperial units?
Yes. It converts between millimeters, centimeters, meters, and kilometers, as well as inches, feet, yards, and miles, in any combination.
Is there a quick reference conversion chart?
Yes, both a metric-to-imperial chart and a metric-only reference chart are included.
Is this length converter free to use?
Yes. It is free, requires no sign-up, and converts length units instantly.