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The formula
One foot is defined as exactly 0.3048 meters. To convert any number of feet to meters, multiply by 0.3048. The reverse conversion divides by the same factor.
meters = feet × 0.3048
feet = meters ÷ 0.3048
Quick mental math
Multiply feet by 0.3 for a rough estimate, then add about 1.6% — accurate enough for travel, hiking, or sizing furniture.
Worked example
A standard interior ceiling height in the US is 8 feet. To convert to meters: 8 × 0.3048 = 2.4384 m — typically rounded to 2.44 m on European architectural plans.
| Feet | Meters (exact) | Meters (rounded) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ft | 0.3048 m | 0.30 m |
| 3 ft (1 yd) | 0.9144 m | 0.91 m |
| 5 ft 10 in | 1.7780 m | 1.78 m |
| 10 ft | 3.0480 m | 3.05 m |
| 100 ft | 30.480 m | 30.48 m |
Try it instantly
Foot (ft)
Meter (m)
| Unit | 1 ft equals |
|---|---|
| Nanometer (nm) | 3.04800e+8 |
| Micrometer (µm) | 304,800 |
| Millimeter (mm) | 304.8 |
| Centimeter (cm) | 30.48 |
| Meter (m) | 0.3048 |
| Kilometer (km) | 0.0003048 |
| Inch (in) | 12 |
| Foot (ft) | 1 |
| Yard (yd) | 0.333333 |
| Mile (mi) | 0.000189394 |
| Nautical Mile (nmi) | 0.000164579 |
Common mistakes
Don't confuse feet with feet-and-inches
A height of 5′10″ is 5 feet plus 10 inches — not 5.10 feet. Convert the inches separately (10 in = 0.254 m) and add: 5 × 0.3048 + 0.254 ≈ 1.778 m.
Square feet need a different factor
1 ft² = 0.0929 m² (the linear factor squared). Always convert area separately — see our metric vs imperial guide for the full rules.
Frequently asked questions
Is 1 foot exactly 0.3048 meters?
Yes. Since 1959 the international foot has been defined as exactly 0.3048 meters by international agreement.
How many meters is 6 feet?
6 ft × 0.3048 = 1.8288 m, typically rounded to 1.83 m.
Why does the US still use feet?
Customary units remain entrenched in US construction, real estate and consumer goods, though scientific and medical work uses metric.
Related converters
The tools mentioned in this guide — one tap away.