How kilometres and miles are converted
The mile is defined against the metre, so the conversion is one multiply or divide with an exact factor.
miles = kilometres ÷ 1.609344, and kilometres = miles × 1.609344
- Divide your kilometres by 1.609344 to get miles. To go back, multiply the miles by 1.609344.
- One mile is exactly 1,609.344 metres by definition, so the only rounding here happens when the answer is shown.
- A yard is 3 feet and a mile is 1,760 yards, so the same distance can be read in either of those units.
- For a rough mental check, one kilometre is about 0.62 of a mile, so 10 km is a little over 6 miles.
Worked example: 10 km ÷ 1.609344 = 6.21 miles, which is 6,213.7 yards or 10,000 m.
Common distances converted
| Kilometres | Miles | Metres | Yards |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 km | 0.62 mi | 1,000 m | 1,094 yd |
| 5 km | 3.11 mi | 5,000 m | 5,468 yd |
| 10 km | 6.21 mi | 10,000 m | 10,936 yd |
| 21.098 km | 13.11 mi | 21,098 m | 23,073 yd |
| 42.195 km | 26.22 mi | 42,195 m | 46,145 yd |
| 100 km | 62.14 mi | 100,000 m | 109,361 yd |
| 300 km | 186.41 mi | 300,000 m | 328,084 yd |
Swipe the table sideways to see the rest.
To go the other way, choose the Miles to kilometres direction.
Things to consider
- Running events are set in metric but often quoted in miles. A 5K is 3.11 miles, a half marathon 13.11 miles and a marathon 26.22 miles.
- For a trip, work the distance out once and keep both figures. Fuel estimates and journey times are usually set up in one unit or the other.
- A pace of 5 minutes per kilometre is about 8 minutes 3 seconds per mile, so pace charts only work if the units match.
- Map scales and road signs follow the unit the country uses. Check which one a route guide is written in before you compare distances.
Frequently asked questions
How many miles is a kilometre?
About 0.62 mi. One mile is exactly 1.609344 km.
How many kilometres is 5 miles?
8.05 km. Five miles is exactly 8,046.72 metres.
Is a marathon 26 miles or 42 kilometres?
Both. The marathon distance is 42.195 km, which is 26.22 miles.
Why is a mile 1.609344 kilometres?
The mile is legally defined as 5,280 feet of 0.3048 metres each, which works out to exactly 1,609.344 metres.
Do I need to round the answer?
Only for display. Distances are usually given to one decimal place, and race results to two.
Results are estimates for general information only, not financial, medical or professional advice.