Feet to Meters Converter
Convert feet to meters quickly and accurately using the exact relationship of 1 foot = 0.3048 meter. Enter a value in feet to calculate its equivalent length in meters.
Feet to Meters Conversion Calculator
Enter a length in feet and choose the number of decimal places for the result. This calculator uses the exact international conversion factor of 0.3048 meter per foot.
Feet to Meters Conversion Result
Step-by-Step Calculation
What Is a Foot?
A foot, abbreviated as ft, is a unit of length used in the customary measurement systems of the United States and in some other contexts. The foot is also widely encountered in construction, architecture, engineering, aviation, sports, property measurements and everyday descriptions of height and distance.
The internationally defined relationship is exact: one foot equals 0.3048 meter.
What Is a Meter?
The meter, abbreviated as m, is the SI base unit of length. It is the standard metric unit used for measuring distance, dimensions and length in science, engineering and everyday applications.
Because the foot-to-meter relationship is defined exactly, converting feet to meters does not require an approximate conversion factor.
What Does This Feet to Meters Converter Calculate?
This calculator converts a numerical length expressed in feet into its equivalent value in meters. It multiplies the supplied feet value by the exact conversion factor of 0.3048.
Meters = Feet × 0.3048
Exact relationship
1 ft = 0.3048 m
The calculator rounds only the displayed result according to your selected decimal-place setting. The underlying conversion uses the exact 0.3048 relationship.
How to Convert Feet to Meters
To convert feet to meters, multiply the number of feet by 0.3048.
- Start with the length in feet.
- Multiply the feet value by 0.3048.
- Express the resulting value in meters.
- Round the displayed answer only when the required precision calls for it.
Worked Example: 10 Feet to Meters
Suppose you want to convert 10 feet to meters.
Step 1: Start with 10 ft.
Step 2: Multiply by 0.3048.
10 × 0.3048 = 3.048
Answer: 10 feet = 3.048 meters.
Common Feet to Meters Conversions
| Feet | Meters |
|---|---|
| 1 ft | 0.3048 m |
| 2 ft | 0.6096 m |
| 3 ft | 0.9144 m |
| 5 ft | 1.524 m |
| 6 ft | 1.8288 m |
| 10 ft | 3.048 m |
| 12 ft | 3.6576 m |
| 20 ft | 6.096 m |
| 50 ft | 15.24 m |
| 100 ft | 30.48 m |
Feet to Meters for Height
Feet are commonly used to describe human height in the United States and in several other contexts. Converting height to meters can be useful when working with metric forms, international specifications, scientific data or applications that require SI units.
For example, a height of 6 feet is:
6 × 0.3048 = 1.8288 meters
When height is expressed as feet and inches, the inches component should first be converted to feet or meters before combining the values.
Feet and Inches: How to Convert a Combined Measurement
A measurement such as 5 feet 8 inches contains two units. One approach is to convert the feet and inches components separately and then add the results.
1 foot = 0.3048 meter
1 inch = 0.0254 meter
Meters = (Feet × 0.3048) + (Inches × 0.0254)
For 5 ft 8 in:
(5 × 0.3048) + (8 × 0.0254) = 1.524 + 0.2032 = 1.7272 m
Feet, Inches and Meters
Feet and inches belong to non-SI measurement systems, while the meter is the SI base unit of length. The relationships between these units are exact.
| Unit | Equivalent in meters |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | 0.0254 m |
| 1 foot | 0.3048 m |
| 1 yard | 0.9144 m |
| 1 mile | 1609.344 m |
Accuracy and Rounding
The conversion factor 0.3048 is exact. However, the displayed answer may be rounded depending on how many decimal places you select.
For engineering, surveying, scientific or technical work, retain enough significant digits to match the precision of the original measurement and the requirements of the application.
Common Feet to Meters Conversion Mistakes
- Using 0.3 instead of the exact 0.3048 conversion factor.
- Confusing feet with inches.
- Forgetting that 12 inches make one foot.
- Rounding the conversion factor before performing the calculation.
- Mixing feet and meters in a calculation without converting units first.
- Reporting excessive decimal places when the original measurement is only approximate.
Feet to Meters in Construction and Engineering
Feet-to-meter conversion is frequently encountered when dimensions, drawings, equipment specifications or project information use different measurement systems. Converting all values into one consistent unit helps prevent unit-mismatch errors.
For engineering calculations, the required precision depends on the application. A simple planning dimension may not need the same number of decimal places as a precision measurement.
Feet to Meters vs. Meters to Feet
Feet to meters and meters to feet are inverse conversions.
Meters = Feet × 0.3048
Meters to feet
Feet = Meters ÷ 0.3048
Because the conversion factor is exact, converting a value from feet to meters and then back to feet will reproduce the original value apart from any display rounding.
Calculation Methodology
The calculator uses the internationally defined relationship between the foot and meter. It multiplies the entered numerical value in feet by 0.3048.
Meters = Feet × 0.3048
The result is then formatted to the selected number of decimal places. No external exchange rate, approximation table or continuously changing data source is required for this length conversion.
Calculation methodology reviewed: The conversion uses the exact relationship 1 foot = 0.3048 meter.
The calculator is intended as a practical conversion and educational aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many meters are in 1 foot?
Exactly 0.3048 meter is equal to 1 foot.
How do I convert feet to meters?
Multiply the number of feet by 0.3048. The formula is meters = feet × 0.3048.
How many meters is 5 feet?
5 feet equals 1.524 meters.
How many meters is 6 feet?
6 feet equals 1.8288 meters.
How many meters is 10 feet?
10 feet equals 3.048 meters.
Is 1 foot exactly 0.3048 meter?
Yes. The relationship between the international foot and meter is exactly 1 ft = 0.3048 m.
Can I convert feet and inches to meters?
Yes. Convert the feet and inches components to meters separately and add them. One foot is 0.3048 m and one inch is 0.0254 m.
Why are feet used instead of meters?
Feet remain common in some countries and industries, while meters are the SI unit of length used internationally in science and engineering.
Does this converter use an approximate conversion factor?
No. It uses the exact relationship 1 foot = 0.3048 meter.
Should I round the converted result?
Choose a precision appropriate to the original measurement and your application. The calculator lets you select the displayed number of decimal places.
References
NIST — SI Units of Length
Reference information on the SI meter and units of length.
BIPM — The International System of Units (SI)
International reference for SI units and measurement definitions.
NIST — Metric SI
National Institute of Standards and Technology resources on metric measurement and SI units.
NIST — Units of Length
Reference material for length units and measurement standards.
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Disclaimer
This calculator is provided as a general educational and conversion tool. For regulated, safety-critical, surveying, engineering or other high-precision applications, use the applicable standards, specifications and professionally verified measurements.