Convert Feet to Meters
How to Use the Feet to Meters Converter
- Enter a value in the feet field
- The equivalent value in meters will be calculated instantly
- Alternatively, enter a value in meters to convert to feet
- Copy the result with one click using the copy button
What is a Foot?
A foot (ft) is a unit of length in the imperial and US customary systems of measurement. One foot equals 12 inches or approximately 0.3048 meters. The foot has been used as a unit of measurement since ancient times and remains common in the United States and, to some extent, in the United Kingdom. Feet are primarily used for:
- Building heights and room dimensions in the US
- Human height measurements in the US and UK
- Altitude measurements in aviation (especially in the US)
- Land measurement and property descriptions
What is a Meter?
A meter (m) is the base unit of length in the International System of Units (SI). It was originally defined in 1793 as one ten-millionth of the distance from the equator to the North Pole along a meridian passing through Paris. Today, it's defined by taking the fixed numerical value of the speed of light in vacuum to be 299,792,458 when expressed in the unit m/s. Meters are commonly used for:
- Measuring room dimensions and building specifications
- Athletic events like running, swimming, and jumping
- Scientific measurements and calculations
- Everyday measurements in most countries worldwide
Feet to Meters Conversion Formula
To convert feet to meters, use the following formula:
Meters = Feet × 0.3048To convert meters to feet, use this formula:
Feet = Meters × 3.28084Common Foot to Meter Conversions
| Feet | Meters |
|---|---|
| 1 ft | 0.3048 m |
| 3 ft | 0.9144 m |
| 5 ft | 1.524 m |
| 6 ft | 1.8288 m |
| 10 ft | 3.048 m |
| 25 ft | 7.62 m |
| 100 ft | 30.48 m |
Why Convert Between Feet and Meters?
Converting between feet and meters is necessary for various practical reasons:
- International construction projects: Converting building plans and specifications between metric and imperial systems
- Travel: Understanding height restrictions, room sizes, and other measurements when traveling between countries
- Education: Learning and understanding different measurement systems
- Sports: Converting field dimensions, track lengths, and other sporting measurements
- Importing/exporting goods: Understanding product dimensions from different countries
FAQs About Feet to Meters Conversion
How many meters are in 1 foot?
There are exactly 0.3048 meters in 1 foot.
How many feet are in 1 meter?
There are approximately 3.28084 feet in 1 meter.
How do I convert 6 feet to meters?
To convert 6 feet to meters, multiply 6 by 0.3048. The result is 1.8288 meters.
Is 2 meters taller than 6 feet?
Yes, 2 meters is taller than 6 feet. 2 meters equals approximately 6.56168 feet, which is about 6 feet and 6.7 inches.
How tall is 5 feet 10 inches in meters?
5 feet 10 inches equals 1.778 meters. To calculate this, convert 5 feet to meters (5 × 0.3048 = 1.524 m) and add 10 inches converted to meters (10 × 0.0254 = 0.254 m).
Why does the US still use feet instead of meters?
The United States continues to use feet and other imperial units primarily due to historical precedent, the high cost of converting infrastructure and education systems, and cultural familiarity with the existing system. Despite several attempts to transition to the metric system, widespread adoption has not occurred.
What height is considered tall in meters?
Generally, for adult males, heights above 1.85 meters (about 6 feet 1 inch) are often considered tall in most countries. For adult females, heights above 1.75 meters (about 5 feet 9 inches) are typically considered tall. However, perceptions of height vary by country and culture.
How can I estimate feet to meters without a calculator?
For a quick mental conversion, you can use the approximation that 1 foot is about 0.3 meters. So to estimate, multiply the number of feet by 0.3. For a slightly more accurate estimate, you can use 0.305 as the multiplier.