Length converter
Convert between length units.
Length Guide
Metric vs Imperial Systems
The metric system (meters, centimeters, kilometers) is used in most countries worldwide, including Poland. The imperial system (feet, inches, miles) dominates in the USA, Liberia, and Myanmar. The UK uses a mix of both - distances in miles, but alcohol in milliliters. 1 inch = 2.54 cm, 1 foot = 30.48 cm, 1 mile = 1.609 km.
When to Use Which System
Always use metric in science and medicine. In construction in Poland use mm and cm. In USA real estate and human height is given in feet and inches. Maritime and air navigation uses nautical miles (1852 m). When shopping online from the USA, check dimensions in inches.
Most Common Conversions
Height: 5 feet = 152 cm, 6 feet = 183 cm. Shoe size: 41 EU ≈ 7.5 UK ≈ 8 US. Laptop screen 15.6 inches is 39.6 cm diagonal. Standard shipping container 40 feet = 12.2 m. Marathon is 42.195 km = 26.2 miles.