Feet to Meters
( ft → m )
Instantly convert feet to meters. Enter any value below and get an accurate result with the full formula and reference table.
How to Convert Feet to Meters
To convert feet to meters, multiply the number of feet by 0.3048. This factor comes from the fact that 1 foot = 0.3048 meters exactly, based on the international definition of the foot since 1959.
Step-by-Step Example
Let’s convert 5 feet 9 inches — a common height — to meters:
1. Convert inches to feet: 9 ÷ 12 = 0.75 ft
2. Total feet: 5 + 0.75 = 5.75 ft
3. Multiply by 0.3048: 5.75 × 0.3048 = 1.7526 meters
Why Exactly 0.3048?
In 1959, the International Yard and Pound Agreement standardized the foot as exactly 0.3048 meters across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Before that, slight regional differences caused small inconsistencies in science and trade. This exact definition makes conversions precise and reliable.
When You’d Use Each Unit
Feet are commonly used in the US and UK for height, room dimensions, and real estate. Meters are the standard unit of length in the metric system, used in science, engineering, and most of the world. Converting between them is essential for international projects, travel, and understanding global measurements.
Common feet values converted to meters — typical heights highlighted.
| Feet (ft) | Feet + Inches | Meters (m) |
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