Feet to Meters
Convert Feet to Meters Accurately (Perfect for International Use)
Enter any value between 0.01 and 10,000 feet.
Common conversions:
Conversion Result
How Feet to Meters Conversion Works
Converting between imperial and metric systems is essential in our globalized world. Whether you’re reading international product specifications, planning travel, or working on construction projects with mixed measurements, understanding the exact relationship between feet and meters saves time and prevents costly errors.
The Exact Conversion Formula
Meters = Feet × 0.3048
One foot equals exactly 0.3048 meters. This precise ratio was established internationally in 1959 and is used in all official conversions between these two units.
Our calculator multiplies your feet measurement by 0.3048 to give you the exact meter equivalent. What makes it particularly useful is the additional context: it shows both the precise decimal result and a practical approximation in meters and centimeters. This dual display helps you visualize measurements in familiar terms while maintaining mathematical accuracy.
🌍 Real-World Application:
You’re buying European furniture listed as 2 meters long.
Step 1: Convert 2 meters to feet: 2 ÷ 0.3048 = 6.56 feet.
Step 2: Check your American room: 10 feet wall space.
Step 3: Convert 10 feet to meters: 10 × 0.3048 = 3.05 meters.
Result: The furniture (2m/6.56ft) fits comfortably in your 3.05m/10ft space.
Why This Conversion Matters Today
In the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, feet remain the standard for construction, real estate, and personal height. Meanwhile, the rest of the world (including Germany, France, Australia, and Singapore) uses meters. This creates daily conversion needs for:
- International Travel: Road signs in Europe show meters and kilometers, while Americans think in feet and miles. Understanding that 100 meters equals about 328 feet helps estimate walking distances.
- Global Commerce: Product dimensions from international suppliers often list metric measurements. Converting ensures items fit your space and meet local regulations.
- Sports and Fitness: Track events use meters globally. Knowing that a 100-meter sprint equals about 328 feet helps American athletes visualize distances.
- Scientific and Technical Work: Research papers, engineering specifications, and academic publications predominantly use metric. Professionals need accurate conversions for collaboration.
- Real Estate: International property listings often include both measurements. A European apartment described as 60 square meters is about 646 square feet.
Common Conversion Questions Answered
How many meters is 6 feet exactly?
6 feet equals 1.8288 meters. For practical purposes, most people round this to 1.83 meters. This is a crucial conversion since 6 feet is a common human height reference in imperial countries.
Why is the conversion factor 0.3048 and not something simpler?
The 0.3048 factor comes from the international agreement defining one foot as exactly 0.3048 meters. While 0.3 is easier to remember, using 0.3048 ensures accuracy in technical applications. A 100-foot measurement would be off by 1.6 feet using 0.3 instead of 0.3048.
How accurate are “quick mental” conversions?
The common trick “divide by 3 and add 10%” works reasonably well: 30 feet ÷ 3 = 10, +10% = 11 meters (actual: 9.14 meters). For better accuracy: multiply feet by 0.3, then add 1.5% of the result. Our calculator eliminates guesswork entirely.
When should I use exact vs approximate conversions?
Use exact conversions (0.3048 factor) for construction, engineering, and official documents. Approximations work for casual estimates: 10 feet ≈ 3 meters, 100 feet ≈ 30 meters, 1000 feet ≈ 300 meters. Our tool provides both perspectives.
Quick Reference: Feet to Meters Conversion Table
This table helps verify calculations and understand common measurement equivalents. All values use the exact 0.3048 conversion factor.
| Feet (ft) | Exact Meters (m) | Approximation | Common Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 ft | 0.3048 m | ≈ 30 cm | Ruler, small increment |
| 3 ft | 0.9144 m | ≈ 91 cm | Yard, counter height |
| 6 ft | 1.8288 m | ≈ 1.83 m | Average male height |
| 10 ft | 3.0480 m | ≈ 3.05 m | Room ceiling height |
| 16.4 ft | 5.0000 m | Exactly 5 m | 5-meter mark |
| 32.8 ft | 10.000 m | Exactly 10 m | 10-meter mark |
| 100 ft | 30.480 m | ≈ 30.5 m | Building length |
| 328 ft | 100.00 m | Exactly 100 m | Football field, sprint |
| 1000 ft | 304.80 m | ≈ 305 m | Skyscraper height |
| 5280 ft | 1609.34 m | ≈ 1.61 km | One mile |
Tip for International Projects
When working on projects involving both measurement systems, standardize early. Choose one system as primary and convert all measurements to it at the start. For construction: use metric for design (easier calculations) and include imperial equivalents in parentheses for American contractors. Always note which measurements are exact versus approximate. Our calculator’s copy function helps maintain consistency across project documentation.
Feet to Meters Conversion Result
Original Measurement: 10.00 feet
Exact Conversion: 3.05 meters
Practical Equivalent: ≈ 3 meters 5 centimeters
Generated by Feet to Meters Converter • https://example.com