Convert Meters to Feet
How to Use the Meters to Feet Converter
- Enter a value in the meters field
- The equivalent value in feet will be calculated instantly
- Alternatively, enter a value in feet to convert to meters
- Copy the result with one click using the copy button
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
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
Meters to Feet Conversion Formula
To convert meters to feet, use the following formula:
Feet = Meters × 3.28084To convert feet to meters, use this formula:
Meters = Feet × 0.3048Common Meter to Foot Conversions
| Meters | Feet |
|---|---|
| 1 m | 3.28084 ft |
| 2 m | 6.56168 ft |
| 5 m | 16.4042 ft |
| 10 m | 32.8084 ft |
| 20 m | 65.6168 ft |
| 50 m | 164.042 ft |
| 100 m | 328.084 ft |
Why Convert Between Meters and Feet?
Converting between meters and feet is necessary for various practical reasons:
- International projects: Working with specifications from countries that use different measurement systems
- Travel: Understanding building heights, room sizes, and other measurements when traveling between countries
- Education: Learning and understanding different measurement systems
- Construction and architecture: Converting between metric and imperial measurements for building plans
- Sports: Converting track lengths, field dimensions, and other sporting measurements
FAQs About Meters to Feet Conversion
How many feet are in 1 meter?
There are approximately 3.28084 feet in 1 meter.
How many meters are in 1 foot?
There are approximately 0.3048 meters in 1 foot.
How do I convert 5 meters to feet?
To convert 5 meters to feet, multiply 5 by 3.28084. The result is 16.4042 feet.
Which is longer, a meter or a foot?
A meter is longer than a foot. One meter equals approximately 3.28084 feet, making it about 3.28 times longer than a foot.
Why do some countries use meters while others use feet?
Most countries use meters as part of the metric system, which was adopted for its decimal-based simplicity. The United States and a few other countries continue to use feet and other imperial units due to historical precedent and the costs associated with changing established systems.
How accurate is the meter to feet conversion?
The standard conversion factor (1 m = 3.28084 ft) is highly accurate for most practical purposes. Our calculator uses this precise conversion factor to ensure accurate results.
How can I estimate meters to feet without a calculator?
For a quick mental conversion, you can use the approximation that 1 meter is about 3 feet and 3 inches (or 3.25 feet). So to estimate, multiply the number of meters by 3 and add about 1/4 of the original number.