Feet to Meters Converter
Convert feet to meters in one step. Enter a length in feet and get the exact value in meters, with the formula, examples and common heights below.
Meters = Feet × 0.3048
Feet to Meters Formula
To convert feet to meters, multiply the number of feet by 0.3048. The factor is exact by definition, so the result is limited only by the decimals you choose to show. To convert meters to feet, divide by 0.3048, or multiply by about 3.280839895.
Feet and Meters Explained
The foot (ft) is an imperial and US customary unit of length equal to 12 inches. It is used for height, room and building dimensions, and aviation altitude in the United States and in aviation worldwide. Since 1959 the international foot has been defined as exactly 0.3048 meters.
The meter (m) is the base unit of length in the metric (SI) system and is defined from the speed of light. It is the standard for distances, heights and building plans in almost every country, and it divides neatly into 100 centimeters or 1,000 millimeters.
How to Convert Feet to Meters
- Enter the length in feet. Decimals such as 5.75 work, and negative values are accepted for depths and elevations below a reference level.
- The answer in meters appears instantly, or press Convert Now.
- Use Swap Units to convert meters to feet, Copy Result to copy the answer, or Clear to start again.
Step-by-step by hand
- Write down the length in feet, for example 20 ft.
- Multiply by 0.3048: 20 × 0.3048 = 6.096.
- Add the unit: 20 ft = 6.096 m.
If you have feet and inches, convert the inches to a fraction of a foot first. For 5 ft 9 in, that is 5 + 9/12 = 5.75 ft, so 5.75 × 0.3048 = 1.7526 m. For a mental estimate, divide the feet by 3.3, or multiply by 0.3 and add a little.
Practical Examples
- Person's height: 6 ft = 6 × 0.3048 = 1.8288 m, and 5 ft 9 in (5.75 ft) is 1.7526 m.
- Room ceiling: a standard 8 ft ceiling is 2.4384 m high.
- Aircraft altitude: a cruising level of 35,000 ft is 10,668 m.
- Basketball hoop: a 10 ft rim is 3.048 m above the floor.
- Plot frontage: 100 ft = 30.48 m.
- Below sea level: a depth recorded as −50 ft equals -15.24 m.
Feet to Meters – Common Values
Quick reference for frequently used conversions
| Feet (ft) | Meters (m) | Centimeters (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ft | 0.3048 m | 30.48 cm |
| 2 ft | 0.6096 m | 60.96 cm |
| 3 ft | 0.9144 m | 91.44 cm |
| 4 ft | 1.2192 m | 121.92 cm |
| 5 ft | 1.524 m | 152.4 cm |
| 5.5 ft | 1.6764 m | 167.64 cm |
| 6 ft | 1.8288 m | 182.88 cm |
| 6.5 ft | 1.9812 m | 198.12 cm |
| 7 ft | 2.1336 m | 213.36 cm |
| 8 ft | 2.4384 m | 243.84 cm |
| 10 ft | 3.048 m | 304.8 cm |
| 12 ft | 3.6576 m | 365.76 cm |
| 15 ft | 4.572 m | 457.2 cm |
| 20 ft | 6.096 m | 609.6 cm |
| 25 ft | 7.62 m | 762 cm |
| 50 ft | 15.24 m | 1,524 cm |
| 100 ft | 30.48 m | 3,048 cm |
| 500 ft | 152.4 m | 15,240 cm |
| 1000 ft | 304.8 m | 30,480 cm |
| 5000 ft | 1,524 m | 152,400 cm |
| 10000 ft | 3,048 m | 304,800 cm |
Where and Why This Conversion Is Used
Feet remain the working unit for many everyday and professional measurements, while metric plans and regulations use meters.
- Height and sport: human height, basketball and swimming-pool depths are commonly stated in feet and inches.
- Construction and real estate: room sizes, ceiling heights, plot frontages and lumber lengths are listed in feet in the US and meters elsewhere.
- Aviation: altitude and terrain clearance are expressed in feet worldwide, and pilots and analysts often convert to meters.
- Geography and hiking: mountain heights and trail elevations appear in feet in American sources.
- Interior design: furniture, curtains and flooring sold internationally need dimensions in a consistent unit.
For other length conversions try the Feet to CM Converter and the Meters to Feet Converter.