How do I convert meters to feet and inches?

First convert meters to feet by multiplying by 3.28084. Take the whole number as feet, then multiply the decimal portion by 12 to get inches. For example, 1.75 meters = 5.7415 feet. That is 5 feet and 0.7415 × 12 = 8.9 inches, so approximately 5 feet 9 inches.

Is 2 meters equal to 6 feet?

Not exactly. 2 meters equals approximately 6.5617 feet, which is about 6 feet 6.7 inches. While 6 feet is close, the actual conversion shows a difference of over half a foot. The common approximation that 2 meters equals 6 feet can lead to significant errors in precise applications.

Why does the US use feet instead of meters?

The United States adopted the imperial system from Britain during colonial times and has not fully transitioned to the metric system. While the metric system is used in science and the military, everyday life in the US still uses feet, inches, and miles for length measurements. Various attempts at metrication have been made but have not achieved full adoption.

What is the quick way to estimate meters to feet in my head?

A quick mental shortcut is to multiply by 3 and then add 10%. For example, for 10 meters: 10 × 3 = 30, then add 10% (3) = 33 feet. The actual answer is 32.8084, so this gives a reasonably close estimate for quick calculations.

Convert Meters to Feet

Meters (m)	Feet (ft)
1	3.28084
2	6.56168
3	9.84252
5	16.4042
10	32.8084
15	49.2126
20	65.6168
25	82.021
50	164.042
100	328.084

How to Convert Meters to Feet

Converting meters to feet is one of the most common length conversions needed when working between the metric and imperial measurement systems. The meter, abbreviated as "m," is the fundamental unit of length in the International System of Units (SI), used by the vast majority of countries worldwide. The foot, abbreviated as "ft," is an imperial unit primarily used in the United States, United Kingdom, and a few other nations for everyday measurements such as height, room dimensions, and elevation. One meter equals approximately 3.28084 feet. This conversion is essential for architects, engineers, athletes, and travelers who regularly encounter both measurement systems. Whether you are interpreting a European building plan in American measurements, converting your height for an international document, or understanding altitude readings, knowing how to convert meters to feet accurately saves time and prevents costly errors. Our converter provides instant, precise results using the internationally recognized conversion factor.

Conversion Formula

To convert meters to feet, multiply the length in meters by 3.28084. This conversion factor is derived from the exact definition that one foot equals 0.3048 meters, so 1 divided by 0.3048 gives us approximately 3.28084 feet per meter. This is the internationally agreed-upon standard used in science, engineering, and commerce.

Feet = Meters × 3.28084

5 meters = 16.4042 feet

Step-by-Step Example

To convert 5 meters to feet:

1. Start with the value: 5 meters

2. Multiply by the conversion factor: 5 × 3.28084

3. Calculate: 5 × 3.28084 = 16.4042

4. Result: 5 meters = 16.4042 feet

This is roughly the height of a single-story ceiling, which helps visualize the measurement.

Understanding Meters and Feet

What is a Meter?

The meter was originally defined in 1793 during the French Revolution as one ten-millionth of the distance from the equator to the North Pole along a meridian through Paris. It was refined over the centuries, first using a platinum-iridium bar as a reference, then in terms of wavelengths of light, and since 1983, it has been defined as the distance light travels in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 of a second. The meter became the foundation of the metric system and is now used as the standard unit of length by virtually every country in the world for scientific and most everyday purposes.

What is a Foot?

The foot has ancient origins, historically based on the length of a human foot. Different civilizations had varying definitions, from the Roman "pes" (about 11.65 inches) to the Greek "pous." The modern international foot was standardized in 1959 through an international agreement between six English-speaking nations, defining it as exactly 0.3048 meters (or 12 inches of 25.4 mm each). The foot remains a primary unit of measurement in the United States and is still commonly used in the United Kingdom, Canada, and other nations for everyday height and distance measurements.

Practical Applications

Meters to feet conversion is widely used in construction and architecture when translating building plans between metric and imperial systems. Athletes use it for track and field events, where distances may be listed in meters but understood better in feet. Aviation uses feet for altitude measurements, so pilots often convert from meters. Real estate listings in different countries may require conversion for international buyers. Swimming pool dimensions, hiking trail elevations, and room measurements frequently need this conversion when communicating across measurement systems.

Tips and Common Mistakes

A common mistake is confusing meters with yards, which are close but not equal (1 meter = 1.0936 yards vs 3.28084 feet). Remember that a meter is slightly longer than a yard. Another frequent error is rounding too early in calculations, which compounds inaccuracy. For quick mental estimation, you can multiply by 3.3 to get an approximate value. Also, be careful not to confuse feet with square feet when dealing with area measurements, as the conversion factor for area is the square of the linear factor (10.7639).

Frequently Asked Questions

There are exactly 3.28084 feet in 1 meter. This is derived from the international standard where 1 foot is defined as exactly 0.3048 meters. Dividing 1 by 0.3048 gives 3.280839895... which is commonly rounded to 3.28084 for practical use.

Meters to Feet Converter

Meters to Feet Conversion Table