How metres and miles are converted
The international mile has a fixed length in metres. Divide by that length for miles, or multiply by it to convert back.
miles = metres ÷ 1,609.344; metres = miles × 1,609.344
- One international mile is exactly 1,609.344 metres, equal to 5,280 international feet.
- Divide the distance in metres by 1,609.344 to get miles.
- For miles to metres, multiply the miles by 1,609.344.
- Divide metres by 1,000 for kilometres, by 0.3048 for feet and by 0.9144 for yards.
Worked example: 5,000 m ÷ 1,609.344 = 3.10686 mi. The same distance is 5 km, 16,404.1995 ft or 5,468.0665 yd.
Track and race distances in miles
| Metres | Miles | Kilometres |
|---|---|---|
| 100 m | 0.0621371 mi | 0.1 km |
| 200 m | 0.124274 mi | 0.2 km |
| 400 m | 0.248548 mi | 0.4 km |
| 800 m | 0.497097 mi | 0.8 km |
| 1,000 m | 0.621371 mi | 1 km |
| 1,500 m | 0.932057 mi | 1.5 km |
| 1,609.344 m | 1 mi | 1.609344 km |
| 3,000 m | 1.86411 mi | 3 km |
| 5,000 m | 3.10686 mi | 5 km |
| 10,000 m | 6.21371 mi | 10 km |
| 21,097.5 m | 13.1094 mi | 21.0975 km |
| 42,195 m | 26.2188 mi | 42.195 km |
Swipe the table sideways to see the rest.
The half marathon is 21,097.5 m and the marathon is 42,195 m. Mile figures use up to 6 significant figures.
Things to consider
- A 5K means 5,000 metres, not 5 miles.
- A 1,500 m race is sometimes called a metric mile, but it is shorter than a mile.
- Four laps of a 400 m track total 1,600 m, which is 9.344 m short of a mile.
- Use the exact distance for race comparisons rather than a rounded mile label.
Frequently asked questions
How many metres are in a mile?
One international mile is exactly 1,609.344 metres. This converter uses that fixed length in both directions.
How do I convert metres to miles?
Divide metres by 1,609.344. For example, 1,000 metres is 0.621371 miles. To convert back, multiply miles by 1,609.344.
Is 1,500 m a mile?
No. A 1,500 m race is often called a metric mile, but it is about 0.932 miles. It is 109.344 m shorter than an international mile.
How far is 5,000 m or 5K in miles?
5,000 metres is 5 kilometres or about 3.10686 miles. For other kilometre distances, use the Kilometers to Miles Converter.
How many laps of a 400 m track make a mile?
About 4.02 laps. Exactly 1,609.344 ÷ 400 = 4.02336 laps, so four complete 400 m laps plus 9.344 m make a mile.
Results are estimates for general information only, not financial, medical or professional advice.