How feet and metres are converted
The foot is defined against the metre, so the conversion is one multiplication with an exact factor.
metres = feet × 0.3048, and feet = metres ÷ 0.3048
- Multiply your feet figure by 0.3048 to get metres. To go back, divide the metres by 0.3048, which is the same as multiplying by 3.28084.
- One foot is exactly 0.3048 metres by definition, so the only rounding here happens when the answer is shown.
- A yard is 3 feet and an inch is 1/12 of a foot, so the same figure can be read in either of those units.
- For a rough mental check, a metre is about 3 feet 3 inches, so 6 ft is a little under 2 m.
Worked example — 6 ft × 0.3048 = 1.8288 m, which is 182.9 cm or 72 in.
Common lengths converted
| Feet | Metres | Centimetres | Yards |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 ft | 0.3048 m | 30.5 cm | 0.33 yd |
| 3 ft | 0.9144 m | 91.4 cm | 1 yd |
| 5.5 ft | 1.6764 m | 167.6 cm | 1.83 yd |
| 6 ft | 1.8288 m | 182.9 cm | 2 yd |
| 10 ft | 3.048 m | 304.8 cm | 3.33 yd |
| 50 ft | 15.24 m | 1,524 cm | 16.67 yd |
| 100 ft | 30.48 m | 3,048 cm | 33.33 yd |
| 5,280 ft | 1,609.344 m | 160,934.4 cm | 1,760 yd |
Swipe the table sideways to see the rest.
To go the other way, choose the Metres to feet direction.
Things to consider
- For a height in feet and inches, convert it all to inches first, then multiply by 0.0254. 5 ft 7 in is 67 in, or 1.70 m.
- Room sizes are usually quoted in feet and inches. Convert each wall on its own before you multiply them together.
- A metre is roughly 3 feet 3 inches, so you can spot a wrong scale at a glance when comparing two listings.
- Tape measures often carry both scales. Check which edge you read before writing a figure down.
Frequently asked questions
How many metres is a foot?
Exactly 0.3048 m. Ten feet is 3.048 m.
How many feet is a metre?
About 3.28 ft. A metre is roughly 3 feet 3 inches.
Is 6 feet the same as 2 metres?
Close but not equal. 6 ft is 1.8288 m, and 2 m is about 6 ft 7 in.
Why is a foot 0.3048 metres?
The foot is legally defined as a fixed fraction of a metre, so the factor never changes.
Do I need to round the answer?
Only for display. Heights are usually given to the nearest centimetre, and room sizes to the nearest centimetre or half inch.
Results are estimates for general information only, not financial, medical or professional advice.