Feet to metres (ft to m)

The formula

m = ft × 0.3048

Where the factor comes from — each unit by its definition, then its size in SI:

• 1 ft = 12 × in = 0.3048 m
• 1 m is the SI unit of length.

Dividing the two SI sizes gives the factor: 0.3048, exact — every step above is a definition, not a measurement. The reverse factor is 3.28083989501.

Every formula on this site takes lengths in metres. Heights, distances and stopping distances quoted in feet, inches or miles have to be converted first — getting it wrong by a factor of 3.28 is the most common unit slip in homework.

Worked examples

• A sprint track straight: 328.084 ft = 100 m — 328.084 × 0.3048 = 100
• A marathon (42.195 km): 138,435 ft = 42,195 m — 138,435 × 0.3048 = 42,195
• A tall doorway: 6 ft = 1.8288 m — 6 × 0.3048 = 1.8288
• A school ruler (30 cm): 0.984252 ft = 0.3 m — 0.984252 × 0.3048 = 0.3

Frequently asked questions