Miles to kilometers converter
Provide a length below to convert miles (mi) to kilometers (km). For the reverse direction, visit the kilometers to miles converter.
1 mile equals exactly 1.609344 kilometers. This fixed relationship was established by the international agreement defining the yard and pound in 1959.
To convert miles to kilometers, multiply the measurement in miles by 1.609344. To convert kilometers to miles, divide the length in kilometers by 1.609344.
Mile
Definition: The mile (symbol: mi) is a length unit used in the imperial and US customary systems, defined internationally as exactly 1.609344 kilometers or 5,280 feet.
History: Originating from the Roman "mille passus" meaning a thousand paces, the mile has varied in length throughout history across different regions. The modern international mile was standardized in 1959 to ensure consistency across English-speaking countries.
Current use: Miles are predominantly used for measuring road distances in the United States, the United Kingdom, and some other countries. The unit remains common in transportation signage, athletics, and casual distance references in these regions.
Kilometer
Definition: A kilometer (symbol: km) belongs to the metric system and equals 1,000 meters, making it a convenient unit for expressing longer distances within the International System of Units.
History: Developed during the creation of the metric system in revolutionary France, the kilometer combines the prefix "kilo-" (meaning one thousand) with the base unit "meter." This systematic approach made conversions straightforward within the metric system.
Current use: Kilometers serve as the standard distance unit in most countries worldwide for road signs, geographic measurements, and general distance calculations. They are universally understood in scientific contexts and international communications.
| Mile [mi] | Kilometer [km] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 mi | 0.016093 km |
| 0.1 mi | 0.160934 km |
| 1 mi | 1.609344 km |
| 2 mi | 3.218688 km |
| 3 mi | 4.828032 km |
| 5 mi | 8.04672 km |
| 10 mi | 16.09344 km |
| 20 mi | 32.18688 km |
| 50 mi | 80.4672 km |
| 100 mi | 160.9344 km |
| 1000 mi | 1609.344 km |