How this calculation works
Both units are mapped to a shared base unit using fixed conversion factors. US and imperial volume units are distinct; area factors are squared length factors.
Converted value = value × source factor ÷ destination factorA worked example
1 metres = approximately 3.280839895013 feet.
Good to know
Results use fixed factors and rounded decimal display. Region-specific land measures and fluid/dry units not listed here are not inferred.
Reference: NIST: Guide for the use of SI (opens in a new tab) ↗
The object stays the same when the number changes
A metre and about 3.28084 feet describe the same length. The bigger numerical value does not indicate a larger object: the foot is a smaller unit, so more of those units fit along the same distance.
Unit conversion is multiplication by a ratio equal to one. Writing the units as fractions helps check the direction: metres × feet/metre leaves feet. If the unwanted unit does not cancel, the factor is probably upside down.
Decimal feet are not feet and inches
A displayed 5.5 ft means five and a half feet, which is 5 ft 6 in. It does not mean 5 ft 5 in. Convert the decimal fraction of a foot by multiplying it by 12 to obtain inches.
The listed foot and mile are based on the international foot. Survey records can use a differently defined historical unit, so identify the source standard rather than assuming every document’s “foot” is interchangeable.
A few questions, answered
Can I enter feet and inches in one field?
No. Convert them to decimal feet, such as 5 + 6/12 = 5.5, before entering the value.
Why do some conversions show many decimals?
A simple value in one unit need not have a terminating decimal representation in another. The display is rounded.