Kilometer Converter
Convert Kilometer to Mile and more • 91 conversions
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Unit Explanations
Kilometerkm
Source UnitA kilometer (km) is a unit of measurement for length in the metric system, equivalent to 1,000 meters. It is widely used across the globe for measuring distances in various fields, including transportation, geography, and science. The kilometer is a convenient unit for expressing distances that are too large to be conveniently expressed in meters. It is part of the International System of Units (SI) but is not considered a base unit, as it is derived from the meter, which is the base unit for length in the SI system. In practical terms, the kilometer is used primarily for measuring longer distances, such as those found in road networks and geographical surveys, making it easier to understand and communicate measurements in everyday situations.
Current Use
The kilometer is widely used around the world, particularly in countries that have adopted the metric system, such as most of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It serves as a standard unit for measuring distances in transportation, from road signs indicating distances between cities to the distances covered by vehicles. In aviation and maritime navigation, kilometers are also used to describe distances traveled over land and sea. The kilometer is essential in scientific research, especially in fields such as geography, environmental science, and physics, where large distances must be measured and communicated clearly. In many countries, the kilometer is recognized for use in legal contexts, such as land surveying and property measurements, further demonstrating its importance in both everyday and specialized applications.
Fun Fact
The kilometer is used in many countries, but the United States primarily uses miles.
Milemile
Target UnitMile is a unit of length used in various contexts.
Current Use
To be populated.
Convert Kilometer to Mile (km to mi)
Convert Kilometers (km) to Miles (mi). Driving in Canada or Europe? If the sign says '100 km/h', that's 62 mph. Dividing the km value by 1.6 (or multiplying by 0.62) keeps you within the speed limit.
Divide kilometers by approx 1.61. For example, 100 km = 62.1 miles.
Kilometer (km)
Definition
1000 meters.
Origins & History
Metric.
Mile (mi)
Definition
1760 yards.
Origins & History
Imperial.
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📐Conversion Formula
= × 1.00000How to Convert
To convert to , multiply the value by 1.00000. This conversion factor represents the ratio between these two units.
Quick Examples
💡 Pro Tip: For the reverse conversion ( → ), divide by the conversion factor instead of multiplying.
Kilometer
length • Non-SI
Definition
A kilometer (km) is a unit of measurement for length in the metric system, equivalent to 1,000 meters. It is widely used across the globe for measuring distances in various fields, including transportation, geography, and science. The kilometer is a convenient unit for expressing distances that are too large to be conveniently expressed in meters. It is part of the International System of Units (SI) but is not considered a base unit, as it is derived from the meter, which is the base unit for length in the SI system. In practical terms, the kilometer is used primarily for measuring longer distances, such as those found in road networks and geographical surveys, making it easier to understand and communicate measurements in everyday situations.
History & Origin
The kilometer was established in the late 18th century during the French Revolution as part of the metric system, which aimed to standardize measurements across France and eventually the world. The metric system was developed to provide a universal scale for measuring length, mass, and volume, in response to the inconsistencies of local systems in use at the time. The metric system was first proposed by the French Academy of Sciences in 1790 and the kilometer was introduced as one of its primary units in 1799. Its adoption was part of a broader movement toward rationalization and standardization of measurements, reflecting the Enlightenment ideals of reason and universality.
Etymology: The term 'kilometer' is derived from the Greek word 'chilioi', meaning 'thousand', and the French word 'mètre', which comes from the Greek word 'metron', meaning 'measure'. Thus, 'kilometer' literally means 'thousand meters'.
Current Use
The kilometer is widely used around the world, particularly in countries that have adopted the metric system, such as most of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It serves as a standard unit for measuring distances in transportation, from road signs indicating distances between cities to the distances covered by vehicles. In aviation and maritime navigation, kilometers are also used to describe distances traveled over land and sea. The kilometer is essential in scientific research, especially in fields such as geography, environmental science, and physics, where large distances must be measured and communicated clearly. In many countries, the kilometer is recognized for use in legal contexts, such as land surveying and property measurements, further demonstrating its importance in both everyday and specialized applications.
💡 Fun Facts
- •The kilometer is used in many countries, but the United States primarily uses miles.
- •The longest distance ever measured in kilometers is the distance from Earth to the farthest galaxy known, which exceeds 13 billion kilometers.
- •In some sports, such as cycling, events are often measured in kilometers, showcasing its importance in competitive contexts.
📏 Real-World Examples
🔗 Related Units
Mile
length • Non-SI
Definition
Mile is a unit of length used in various contexts.
History & Origin
To be populated.
Etymology: To be populated.
Current Use
To be populated.
Related Length Conversions
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert to ?▼
To convert to , multiply your value by 1. For example, 10 equals 10 .
What is the formula for to conversion?▼
The formula is: = × 1. This conversion factor is based on international standards.
Is this to converter accurate?▼
Yes! MetricConv uses internationally standardized conversion factors from organizations like NIST and ISO. Our calculations support up to 15 decimal places of precision, making it suitable for scientific, engineering, and everyday calculations.
Can I convert back to ?▼
Absolutely! You can use the swap button (⇄) in the converter above to reverse the conversion direction, or visit our to converter.