Foot to Mile Converter
Convert feet to miles with our free online length converter.
Quick Answer
1 Foot = 0.000189 miles
Formula: Foot × conversion factor = Mile
Use the calculator below for instant, accurate conversions.
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Foot to Mile Calculator
How to Use the Foot to Mile Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Foot).
- The converted value in Mile will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Length category.
- Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Foot to Mile: Step-by-Step Guide
Converting Foot to Mile involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Foot = 0.000189394 milesExample Calculation:
Convert 10 feet: 10 × 0.000189394 = 0.00189394 miles
Disclaimer: For Reference Only
These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.
Not for professional use. Results should be verified before use in any critical application. View our Terms of Service for more information.
Need to convert to other length units?
View all Length conversions →What is a Foot and a Mile?
The foot is a unit of length in the British imperial and United States customary systems of measurement. Since the international yard and pound agreement of 1959, one foot has been defined as exactly 0.3048 meters, which equals precisely 12 inches or 1/3 of a yard.
The foot is denoted by the symbol ft or by a single prime mark ′ (e.g., 6′ means 6 feet). When combined with inches, the notation uses both symbols: 5′-9″ means 5 feet, 9 inches (69 inches total, or approximately 1.75 meters).
The foot occupies a unique position in the imperial system as the most commonly used length unit for human-scale measurements—distances that relate directly to human body size, living spaces, and immediate environments. While inches handle smaller precision work and miles cover long distances, feet describe the comfortable middle ground of everyday human experience.
The mile (symbol: mi or sometimes mi.) is a unit of length defined as exactly 5,280 feet, which equals 1,760 yards or 1,609.344 meters in the metric system.
Standard Mile (Statute Mile)
In the United States, the statute mile (land mile) is the standard distance measurement for:
- Road distances: "Exit 42, 3 miles"
- Speed limits: "Speed Limit 65 mph" (miles per hour)
- Vehicle odometers: Car mileage readings
- Real estate: "Located 2 miles from the beach"
- Running races: The classic mile race, 5K (3.1 miles), 10K (6.2 miles), marathon (26.2 miles)
- Property records: Land surveys, real estate listings, school district boundaries
Important Distinctions: Types of Miles
When Americans say "mile," they almost always mean the statute mile (5,280 feet). However, there are other types of miles:
1. Statute Mile (Land Mile):
- 5,280 feet or 1,609.344 meters
- Standard mile used on land for roads, running, and general measurement
- Used in US, UK (roads), Myanmar
2. Nautical Mile:
- 6,076 feet or 1,852 meters
- Used in maritime and aviation contexts
- One nautical mile = one minute of latitude on Earth (1/60th of a degree)
- Approximately 15% longer than statute mile
- Speed: measured in knots (nautical miles per hour)
3. Survey Mile (US):
- Historically used in US land surveys before 1959
- Slightly different from international mile (difference ~2 parts per million)
- 1 US survey mile = 5,280 US survey feet = 1,609.347 meters (vs. 1,609.344 international)
- Rarely encountered today outside historical property records
- Some older property boundaries still reference survey miles
Why 5,280 Feet? The Furlong Explanation
The number 5,280 seems arbitrary, but it has historical logic:
Furlong Division:
- A furlong is an old English unit = 660 feet (220 yards)
- Etymology: "furrow long"—the distance a team of oxen could plow before needing rest
- 8 furlongs = 1 mile → 8 × 660 = 5,280 feet
- Made the mile extremely practical for agricultural land measurement
Elizabethan Standardization (1593):
- Queen Elizabeth I's statute defined mile = 8 furlongs
- Reconciled competing systems:
- Agricultural furlongs (essential for land surveys)
- Traditional Roman-derived mile lengths (~5,000 feet)
- Cementing the 5,280-foot standard that persists 430+ years later
Divisibility advantages:
- 5,280 is divisible by: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 20, 22, 24, 30, 32, 33, 40, 44, 48, 60, 66, 80, 88, 96, 110, 120, 132, 160, 176, 220, 240, 264, 330, 352, 440, 480, 528, 660, 880, 1056, 1320, 1760, 2640, 5280
- Makes fractions (1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/10 mile) easy whole numbers in feet
Note: The Foot is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Mile belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Foot and Mile
The foot represents one of humanity's oldest measurement units, with origins predating written records.
Ancient Origins: The foot concept emerged independently in multiple ancient civilizations, all based on the approximate length of a human foot. The Egyptian royal cubit (20.6 inches) divided into smaller units approximating foot measurements. The Greek pous measured roughly 11.6 inches, while the Roman pes (foot) standardized at approximately 11.65 modern inches (296 mm).
Roman Influence: When Romans conquered Britain, they brought the pes, which heavily influenced British measurement traditions. The Roman foot divided into 12 unciae (inches), establishing the 12-inch relationship that persists today. Even after the Roman Empire fell, this measurement structure survived in English-speaking regions.
Medieval Variations: Throughout medieval Europe, foot measurements varied dramatically by region and ruler. Different "feet" existed simultaneously—the Tower foot, the London foot, and various guild-specific feet. King Henry I of England (r. 1100-1135) reportedly standardized the yard as the distance from his nose to his outstretched thumb, making the foot one-third of that distance.
Statute Definitions: In 1266, King Henry III's Composition of Yards and Perches defined relationships between feet, yards, and rods for land measurement. The 1324 statute by Edward II attempted further standardization, though regional variations persisted for centuries.
English Standardization: The British Weights and Measures Act of 1824 established the Imperial foot throughout the British Empire. This Imperial foot differed slightly from the US foot after American independence—the US maintained measurements from pre-1824 British standards.
1959 International Agreement: The international yard and pound agreement unified English-speaking countries. The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa agreed that 1 yard equals exactly 0.9144 meters, making 1 foot exactly 0.3048 meters (304.8 mm). This ended over a century of slight differences between US and British feet.
US Survey Foot Retirement: From 1893 to 2023, the United States maintained two different feet—the international foot (0.3048 m exactly) and the US survey foot (0.30480061 m, or 1200/3937 meters). The survey foot was used for land surveys and mapping. On January 1, 2023, the National Geodetic Survey officially retired the US survey foot, making all American measurements use the international foot exclusively.
Aviation Standard: In 1947, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standardized altitude measurements worldwide in feet. This remains universal today—even pilots in fully metric countries like France, Germany, and Japan report altitude in feet. This standardization prevents confusion and enhances safety in international aviation.
of the Mile
1. Roman Origins: Mille Passus (Ancient Rome, ~500 BCE - 476 CE)
The word "mile" derives from the Latin "mille passus", meaning "a thousand paces."
Roman pace (passus):
- Distance from where one foot left the ground to where the same foot landed again
- Essentially two steps (left step + right step = 1 pace)
- Approximately 5 Roman feet per pace
Roman mile:
- 1,000 paces = approximately 5,000 Roman feet
- Modern equivalent: ~4,850-5,000 modern feet (Roman foot ≈ 11.65 inches)
- Roman roads throughout empire marked with milestones (miliarium) at one-mile intervals
- Milestones showed distance to Rome ("All roads lead to Rome")
Roman road system:
- Over 250,000 miles of roads at empire's peak
- Standardized mile markers enabled trade, military logistics, taxation
- Many modern European roads follow ancient Roman routes
2. Medieval Variation (476 CE - 1593)
After the fall of the Roman Empire (476 CE), mile lengths varied dramatically across regions:
England:
- Miles ranged from 5,000 to 6,000 feet depending on region and purpose
- London mile, merchant mile, agricultural mile all differed
- Created confusion for trade, land ownership, taxation
Scotland:
- Scottish mile = approximately 5,952 feet (about 13% longer than modern statute mile)
- Remained in use until Scotland adopted English statute mile (18th century)
Ireland:
- Irish mile = approximately 6,720 feet (about 27% longer than statute mile)
- Used until Irish Free State adopted statute mile (1826)
Germanic regions:
- Various "meile" lengths: Prussian mile ~24,000 feet, Bavarian mile ~27,000 feet
- Some exceeded 4-5 modern statute miles in length
- Created massive confusion for international trade
Why such variation?
- No central authority after Rome's fall
- Local rulers set own standards
- Miles based on local geographic features (e.g., distance between towns)
- Agricultural needs varied by region (different furlong lengths)
3. 1593: Elizabethan Standardization
Queen Elizabeth I's Statute (1593):
- English Parliament passed Act during Elizabeth I's reign
- Defined statute mile as exactly 8 furlongs or 5,280 feet
- Became legal standard throughout England, Wales, later entire British Empire
Why this specific definition?
- Reconciled competing systems:
- Traditional mile lengths (Roman-derived ~5,000 feet)
- Agricultural furlongs (660 feet, critical for land surveys)
- Agricultural economy:
- England's economy heavily agricultural in 1590s
- Land measurement = taxation, property rights, inheritance
- Furlong-based system essential for open field system farming
- Mathematical convenience:
- 8 furlongs = easy subdivision (1/2 mile = 4 furlongs, 1/4 mile = 2 furlongs)
- 5,280 feet highly divisible (see "Why 5,280 Feet?" section)
Spread through British Empire:
- England → British colonies (American colonies, India, Australia, Canada, etc.)
- By 1800s, statute mile used across most English-speaking world
- Became embedded in American infrastructure during colonial period
4. 1959: International Yard and Pound Agreement
Background:
- By 1950s, slight variations existed between US and British yard/foot definitions
- Caused problems for international engineering, aviation, scientific collaboration
- Difference tiny (~2 parts per million) but mattered for precision work
Agreement (July 1, 1959):
- Participating countries: US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa
- Defined 1 yard = exactly 0.9144 meters (based on metric system)
- Automatically defined 1 foot = exactly 0.3048 meters
- 1 mile = exactly 1,609.344 meters (5,280 × 0.3048)
Impact:
- Eliminated tiny measurement variations between English-speaking countries
- Anchored imperial units to metric system for first time
- Enabled precise conversions for international trade, aviation, engineering
- US survey mile retained for legacy land surveys (pre-1959 property records)
Today:
- International mile (1,609.344 meters) universally used
- US survey mile exists only in historical documents
- Metric system standard for science; mile persists for US/UK roads
5. Modern Usage and Metrication Resistance
Countries still using miles (2025):
- United States: All road signs, speed limits, odometers in miles/mph
- United Kingdom: Road signs and speed limits in miles/mph (other measurements metric)
- Myanmar (Burma): Officially uses miles, though metric adoption increasing
Countries that switched from miles to kilometers:
- Canada: Converted 1970s (gradual process, completed by 1980)
- Australia: Converted 1970s (metric conversion 1970-1988)
- New Zealand: Converted 1970s
- Ireland: Converted 2005 (last EU country to switch road signs)
- South Africa: Converted 1970s
Why US hasn't converted:
- Infrastructure investment: Millions of road signs, billions of dollars to replace
- Vehicle fleet: 250+ million vehicles with mph speedometers
- Public resistance: Multiple metrication attempts (1970s Metric Conversion Act) failed
- Economic factors: No compelling economic advantage (US economy functions fine with miles)
- Cultural identity: Miles seen as part of American tradition
US Metric Conversion Act (1975):
- Made metric system "preferred" for US trade and commerce
- Made conversion voluntary, not mandatory
- Created US Metric Board (later disbanded)
- Resulted in "soft metrication" (2-liter soda bottles, 100m races) but not roads
Common Uses and Applications: feet vs miles
Explore the typical applications for both Foot (imperial/US) and Mile (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for feet
Residential Construction and Remodeling
Home construction in America operates in feet for layout and square feet for area calculations. Foundation plans show exterior dimensions (e.g., 40' × 60' house footprint = 2,400 sq ft per floor). Interior walls use standard 8-foot studs for 8-foot ceiling heights, or 9-foot and 10-foot studs for taller ceilings.
Lumber lengths come in 2-foot increments: 6', 8', 10', 12', 14', 16' boards. This modular system allows efficient layout with minimal waste. A wall spanning 16 feet can use a single 16-foot top plate rather than joining shorter pieces.
Plywood and drywall sheets measure 4' × 8' (32 square feet per sheet). With standard 16-inch stud spacing, three studs span 48 inches (4 feet), perfectly matching sheet width. This dimensional coordination throughout the building industry stems from foot-based planning.
Standard door heights are 6'8" (80 inches), accommodating people up to about 6'5" with clearance. Door widths vary: 2'6" (30"), 2'8" (32"), 3'0" (36"). Window rough openings are specified in feet and inches: 3'0" × 4'0" window.
Architectural Design and Floor Plans
Architects draw floor plans at scales based on feet: 1/4" = 1'0" (common residential) or 1/8" = 1'0" (larger buildings). Blueprint dimensions appear as feet-inches notation: 12'-6" means 12 feet, 6 inches (150 inches total).
Room planning uses standard furniture dimensions understood in feet:
- Queen bed: approximately 5' × 6'8"
- King bed: approximately 6'4" × 6'8"
- Sofa: 6-8 feet long
- Dining table (seats 6): 3' × 6'
- Dining table (seats 8): 3'6" × 7'
Designers ensure adequate circulation space: 3 feet minimum for walkways, 4 feet preferred. A 12' × 15' bedroom comfortably fits a king bed with nightstands and leaves walkway space.
Building codes specify requirements in feet: egress windows must have 5.7 square feet of opening, stair landings must be at least 3 feet deep, hallways must be at least 3 feet wide.
Commercial Real Estate and Office Space
Commercial property leasing operates in square feet. Office space leases quote price per square foot annually: $30/sq ft/year means a 1,000 sq ft office costs $30,000 per year ($2,500/month). Retail space commands higher rates, often $40-100+/sq ft/year in prime locations.
Office planning uses square feet per employee: 150-250 sq ft per person including shared spaces, or 50-75 sq ft for individual workstations. A company with 50 employees needs approximately 7,500-12,500 square feet total.
Commercial buildings describe floor plate size in square feet: a 100' × 120' floor plate provides 12,000 sq ft of rentable space per floor. Column spacing (typically 20-30 feet in modern buildings) affects layout flexibility.
Retail space measures street frontage in feet—20 feet, 40 feet, 60 feet of storefront directly influences visibility and foot traffic. Corner locations with frontage on two streets command premium rent.
Swimming and Aquatics
Swimming pools use feet for all dimensions. A typical residential pool might measure 16' × 32' (512 sq ft surface area) with shallow end 3'6" and deep end 8'0". Lap pools are typically 8-10 feet wide by 40-50 feet long.
Competition pools follow precise foot-based specifications:
- Short course: 75 feet (25 yards, 6-8 lanes)
- Olympic pool: 164 feet (50 meters, 10 lanes) with 6'6" minimum depth
Pool safety regulations require depth markers at 3', 4', 5', 6', 8', and deeper. "NO DIVING" signs appear in areas less than 9 feet deep. These measurements help swimmers quickly assess safety.
Interior Design and Space Planning
Interior designers work in feet for furniture placement and room flow. Industry standards include:
- Seating area: 8' × 10' minimum for sofa, chairs, coffee table
- Dining area: Allow 3 feet per chair, 3-4 feet circulation around table
- Kitchen work triangle: 12-26 feet total (sum of distances between sink, stove, refrigerator)
- Island clearance: 3-4 feet on all sides for traffic flow
- TV viewing distance: 1.5-2.5× the diagonal screen size
A 12' × 18' living room (216 sq ft) allows space for a seating arrangement, TV console, and traffic flow. A 10' × 10' room (100 sq ft) feels cramped with more than a bed and dresser.
Window treatment specialists measure window width and height in feet and inches to calculate fabric requirements. Curtains typically extend 4-8 inches beyond window frame on each side, requiring precise foot-inch measurements.
Theater and Entertainment Venues
Stage dimensions, screen sizes, and venue layouts use feet:
- Proscenium width: 30-50 feet (typical theater)
- Stage depth: 20-40 feet
- Fly space: 60-80+ feet (above stage for scenery)
- Movie screen width: 40-90 feet (commercial theaters)
- IMAX screen: 72' × 52' (standard), 97' × 76' (largest)
Theatrical lighting positions specify trim height (distance from stage floor to light) in feet: 12', 18', 24'. Sound engineers place speakers based on feet of distance to achieve proper coverage—one speaker per 30-50 feet of venue length.
Venue capacity relates to square footage: 6-7 square feet per person for standing room, 10-12 sq ft per person for chair seating with aisles, 15-20 sq ft per person for banquet seating with tables.
Firefighting and Emergency Services
Fire departments specify equipment reach in feet: 75-foot aerial ladders, 100-foot platform trucks. Building codes restrict height based on fire equipment access—many jurisdictions limit wood-frame construction to 75 feet (roughly 7 stories) due to ladder reach limitations.
Hose lengths standardize at 50 feet or 100 feet. Firefighters calculate distance from hydrant to building entrance in feet to determine hose requirements. Water pressure calculations use feet of elevation: each foot of elevation change requires roughly 0.43 PSI pressure adjustment.
Emergency responders use feet for scene measurements: accident scenes, crime scenes, and disaster areas document positions and distances in feet. "Vehicle came to rest 150 feet beyond point of impact" provides clear spatial understanding.
Landscaping and Irrigation
Landscape contractors measure yards in feet for material calculations and cost estimates. Sod comes in rolls typically 2' × 5' (10 sq ft). Mulch, topsoil, and gravel calculate coverage in square feet at various depths: 1 cubic yard covers 324 sq ft at 1 inch depth, or 81 sq ft at 4 inches depth.
Irrigation system design uses feet for sprinkler spacing: 15-foot spacing for spray heads, 30-40 foot spacing for rotary heads. Drip irrigation calculates emitter placement in feet: 12-18 inches for flower beds, 2-3 feet for shrubs.
Tree planting requires spacing in feet based on mature spread: 15-20 feet apart for small trees, 30-40 feet for large shade trees, 50+ feet for massive specimens. "Plant trees 30 feet from building foundations" prevents root damage to structures.
Property grading specifies slope in inches per foot: 2-3 inches of drop per 10 feet of distance away from house foundations prevents water intrusion.
When to Use miles
and Applications
1. Trip Planning and Navigation
Road trip calculations:
- Distance: "It's 450 miles to Los Angeles"
- Time estimate: 450 miles ÷ 60 mph average = 7.5 hours driving
- Fuel needed: 450 miles ÷ 25 mpg = 18 gallons
- Fuel cost: 18 gallons × $4/gallon = $72
GPS navigation:
- Displays distances in miles for US users
- "In 2.3 miles, turn right"
- "Arrive at destination in 14 miles, 18 minutes"
- Route comparison: "Route A: 45 miles, 52 min" vs. "Route B: 38 miles, 58 min (toll road)"
Range anxiety (electric vehicles):
- EV range: 250-350 miles typical
- Plan charging stops for long trips: "Supercharger 180 miles ahead"
2. Speed and Velocity Measurement
Miles per hour (mph):
- Residential: 25 mph speed limit (1 mile in 2.4 minutes)
- Highway: 65 mph (1 mile per minute approximately)
- Mental math: 60 mph = exactly 1 mile per minute
Speeding tickets:
- Fines often based on mph over limit: "15 mph over = $150 fine, 25 mph over = $300"
- Reckless driving threshold: Often 20+ mph over limit or >80 mph
Sports:
- Baseball pitch speed: 90 mph fastball
- Tennis serve: 120+ mph
- Golf ball: 170+ mph off driver
3. Fitness Tracking and Health
Daily step goals:
- 10,000 steps/day = approximately 4-5 miles walked
- Average person: 2,000-2,500 steps per mile
- Taller individuals: 1,800-2,200 steps per mile
Calorie burn (walking):
- 100 calories per mile (rule of thumb, varies by weight/pace)
- 150 lb person walking 3 mph: ~80-100 calories per mile
- Running: ~100-150 calories per mile depending on weight/pace
Fitness tracker displays:
- Daily distance: "You walked 3.2 miles today"
- Weekly total: "18.5 miles this week"
- Monthly challenges: "Walk 100 miles in September"
4. Land Measurement and Surveying
Section-township system (US land surveys):
- Section: 1 square mile = 640 acres
- Township: 36 square miles (6 miles × 6 miles grid)
- Used in most US states for property descriptions
Rural property:
- "40-acre parcel with 0.5 miles of river frontage"
- "Quarter section" = 0.25 square miles = 160 acres
Easements and rights-of-way:
- "Pipeline easement extends 5 miles across property"
- "Utility right-of-way 20 feet wide, 2 miles long"
5. Emergency Services and Safety
911 response zones:
- Fire stations: Typically serve 5-10 mile radius
- Ambulance response: Target <8 minutes = ~3-4 mile radius at urban speeds
- Police patrols: Beat areas often 5-15 square miles
Evacuation orders:
- Mandatory evacuation: "All residents within 5 miles of refinery must evacuate"
- Wildfire evacuations: "Residents within 10 miles ordered to leave"
Warning systems:
- Tornado warning: Typically covers 5-10 mile path
- Flash flood warning: Watershed areas (drainage basins, measured in square miles)
6. Business and Commerce
Delivery radius:
- Food delivery: Typically 3-5 mile radius from restaurant
- Same-day delivery: Amazon, Walmart often 10-20 mile radius from fulfillment center
- Service area: Plumbers, electricians often advertise "20-mile service radius"
Trade area analysis:
- Primary trade area: 1-3 miles (70-80% of customers)
- Secondary trade area: 3-7 miles (15-20% of customers)
- Tertiary trade area: >7 miles (5-10% of customers)
Franchise territories:
- Fast food franchises: Often granted 3-5 mile exclusive territory
7. Military and Defense
Weapons ranges:
- Small arms: <1 mile effective range
- Artillery: 10-30 miles depending on system
- Cruise missiles: 1,000+ miles
Territorial waters:
- Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles from coastline (13.8 statute miles)
- Contiguous zone: 24 nautical miles (27.6 statute miles)
- Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): 200 nautical miles (230 statute miles)
Additional Unit Information
About Foot (ft)
How many inches are in a foot?
There are exactly 12 inches in 1 foot. This relationship is fundamental to the imperial measurement system and has remained constant since ancient Roman times, when the pes (foot) was divided into 12 unciae (inches).
The 12-inch division offers mathematical convenience—12 is evenly divisible by 2, 3, 4, and 6, making fractional measurements easier in practical work. You can divide a foot into halves (6"), thirds (4"), quarters (3"), or sixths (2") with whole-number results.
Converting feet to inches: Multiply feet by 12
- 5 feet = 5 × 12 = 60 inches
- 7.5 feet = 7.5 × 12 = 90 inches
Converting inches to feet: Divide inches by 12
- 72 inches = 72 ÷ 12 = 6 feet
- 100 inches = 100 ÷ 12 = 8.33 feet = 8 feet, 4 inches
Mixed notation: 5'9" means 5 feet, 9 inches = (5 × 12) + 9 = 69 inches total.
How many feet are in a yard?
There are exactly 3 feet in 1 yard. This relationship dates back to medieval English measurements, where the yard represented a stride or the distance from the nose to an outstretched thumb of King Henry I.
The yard serves as a larger unit convenient for measuring fabric, sports fields, and medium distances. In American football, progress is measured in yards (first down = 10 yards = 30 feet), but field dimensions are often specified in feet (field width = 160 feet = 53⅓ yards).
Converting yards to feet: Multiply yards by 3
- 10 yards = 10 × 3 = 30 feet
- 100 yards = 100 × 3 = 300 feet (length of football field)
Converting feet to yards: Divide feet by 3
- 90 feet = 90 ÷ 3 = 30 yards (baseball base paths)
- 18 feet = 18 ÷ 3 = 6 yards (first down in football)
How many feet are in a mile?
There are exactly 5,280 feet in 1 mile. This seemingly arbitrary number results from historical compromises between different English measurement systems.
Historical origin: The Roman mile (mille passus) measured 1,000 paces (about 5,000 feet). Medieval England used furlongs for agricultural land measurement (660 feet = 1 furlong). Queen Elizabeth I standardized the mile in 1593 as exactly 8 furlongs, making 1 mile = 8 × 660 = 5,280 feet.
Common conversions:
- 1 mile = 5,280 feet
- 0.5 mile = 2,640 feet
- 0.25 mile = 1,320 feet
- 1,000 feet = 0.189 miles (about 3 city blocks)
Why it matters: Aircraft measure runway length in feet (7,000-foot runway, 10,000-foot runway), while navigation uses nautical miles (6,076 feet) or statute miles (5,280 feet). Real estate describes proximity in feet for nearby amenities ("500 feet to park") and miles for distant locations ("3 miles to downtown").
What's the difference between feet and square feet?
Feet (linear feet) measure distance in one dimension—length along a line. Use feet for measuring height, room length, fence lines, rope, baseboards, or any one-dimensional measurement.
Square feet measure area in two dimensions—the surface of a two-dimensional space. Use square feet for flooring, walls, ceilings, land area, or any flat surface.
The relationship: Square feet = length (in feet) × width (in feet)
- A room 12 feet long × 15 feet wide = 180 square feet
- A wall 10 feet wide × 8 feet tall = 80 square feet
Why confusion happens: A room with 54 linear feet of baseboard (12+15+12+15) contains 180 square feet of floor area. These are different measurements of the same room—perimeter versus area.
Cost implications: Contractors price differently:
- Fencing: $15-40 per linear foot installed
- Flooring: $3-12 per square foot installed
- Painting: $2-6 per square foot
Always clarify whether a price quote is per linear foot or per square foot—the difference is substantial.
Why does aviation use feet for altitude worldwide?
Aviation universally uses feet for altitude measurement, even in countries that otherwise use metric exclusively, for safety and standardization. This system was established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 1947.
Historical reason: When commercial aviation developed in the 1920s-1940s, British and American manufacturers dominated, and altimeters measured in feet. As aviation became international, standardizing on the existing system proved safer and cheaper than converting all aircraft instruments and training.
Safety benefits: Universal altitude standards prevent confusion during international flights. When a French pilot, Japanese air traffic controller, and American pilot all say "flight level three-five-zero," everyone knows it means 35,000 feet. No conversion errors, no miscommunication, no accidents from unit confusion.
Vertical separation: Aircraft flying opposite directions maintain 1,000-foot vertical separation (2,000 feet above 29,000'). This separation is calibrated into procedures, training, and equipment worldwide. Changing to meters would require recalibrating countless procedures and risking lives during the transition.
Exceptions: China and Russia use meters for some domestic operations below 29,500 feet, but convert to feet-based flight levels for international flights and at high altitudes. This hybrid system is gradually shifting toward full feet-based standards.
Practical result: Pilots must understand feet regardless of nationality. Pilot training worldwide includes feet-based altitude management, making it one of the few truly universal measurements.
How do I convert feet to meters accurately?
To convert feet to meters, multiply by 0.3048. This is the exact conversion factor established by the 1959 international agreement.
Formula: meters = feet × 0.3048
Examples:
- 1 foot = 1 × 0.3048 = 0.3048 meters
- 5 feet = 5 × 0.3048 = 1.524 meters
- 6 feet = 6 × 0.3048 = 1.8288 meters
- 10 feet = 10 × 0.3048 = 3.048 meters
- 100 feet = 100 × 0.3048 = 30.48 meters
Reverse conversion (meters to feet): Divide by 0.3048, or multiply by 3.28084
- 1 meter = 1 ÷ 0.3048 = 3.28084 feet
- 5 meters = 5 × 3.28084 = 16.404 feet
- 10 meters = 10 × 3.28084 = 32.808 feet
Quick mental approximation: For rough estimates, remember 1 meter ≈ 3.3 feet (or more precisely, 3.28 feet). This gives close results:
- 10 meters ≈ 33 feet (actual: 32.8 feet)
- 100 meters ≈ 330 feet (actual: 328 feet)
For professional work requiring precision (construction, engineering, manufacturing), always use the exact factor 0.3048 rather than approximations.
What does feet-inches notation mean?
The notation 5′-9″ (or 5'9") means 5 feet, 9 inches. The single prime ′ (or apostrophe ') represents feet, while the double prime ″ (or quote ") represents inches.
Reading the notation:
- 6′ = six feet = 72 inches
- 6″ = six inches = 0.5 feet
- 5′-9″ = five feet, nine inches = 69 inches total = 5.75 feet decimal
- 12′-6½″ = twelve feet, six and a half inches = 150.5 inches = 12.542 feet decimal
Why the dash? The dash or hyphen between feet and inches makes the notation clearer in blueprints and prevents confusion. Without it, 5'9" might be misread, though the prime symbols make the meaning clear.
Common uses:
- Human height: "She's 5'6" tall"
- Room dimensions: "12' × 15' bedroom"
- Construction drawings: Wall length shown as 24'-3½"
Converting to total inches: Multiply feet by 12, then add inches:
- 5'9" = (5 × 12) + 9 = 60 + 9 = 69 inches
Converting from total inches: Divide by 12 for feet, use remainder for inches:
- 75 inches = 75 ÷ 12 = 6 remainder 3 = 6'3"
Why is the foot still used instead of meters?
The United States continues using feet instead of meters primarily due to infrastructure investment, industry standardization, and cultural identity—not because feet offer any technical advantage.
Infrastructure costs: Converting to metric would require replacing billions of feet-based measurements throughout American infrastructure:
- 4 million miles of road signs showing feet/miles
- Building codes and standards written in feet
- Millions of blueprints, survey records, and property deeds
- Construction materials sized in feet (8' studs, 4'×8' sheets)
- Manufacturing equipment calibrated in decimal feet (thousandths of an inch)
Estimated conversion cost: $370 billion to $1 trillion.
Industry standardization: American construction, real estate, aviation, and manufacturing operate entirely in feet. Changing would require:
- Retraining millions of workers
- Replacing tools, measuring devices, and equipment
- Converting countless technical documents
- Updating software systems and databases
Cultural familiarity: Americans instinctively understand feet—"six feet tall," "ten feet away," "twenty feet deep." These measurements connect to body scale and everyday experience. Most Americans don't have intuitive feel for meters, making conversion feel arbitrary and confusing.
Partial adoption: The US actually uses metric in science, medicine, military, and some industries. Soft drinks come in liters, track races use meters, pharmaceuticals dose in milligrams. Americans live in a hybrid system.
Failed conversions: The 1975 Metric Conversion Act made metric "preferred" but voluntary. Without enforcement, most industries continued with feet. Public backlash against metric road signs in the 1980s ended highway conversion attempts.
International exceptions: Aviation worldwide uses feet for altitude. Maritime navigation uses nautical miles and fathoms. Even metric countries maintain some imperial measurements in specific contexts, showing that pure metric conversion isn't always practical or necessary.
How much is an acre in feet?
One acre equals 43,560 square feet. This measurement originates from medieval English land measurement, where an acre represented the amount of land a yoke of oxen could plow in one day.
Common acre configurations:
- 1 acre = 43,560 square feet
- 1 acre ≈ 208.7 feet × 208.7 feet (if square)
- 1 acre = 660 feet × 66 feet (one furlong × one chain, historical farming measurement)
Practical examples:
- 0.25 acre = 10,890 sq ft ≈ 104.4' × 104.4' (quarter-acre suburban lot)
- 0.5 acre = 21,780 sq ft ≈ 147.6' × 147.6'
- 2 acres = 87,120 sq ft ≈ 295.2' × 295.2'
- 5 acres = 217,800 sq ft ≈ 466.7' × 466.7'
Football field comparison: An American football field including end zones measures 360 feet × 160 feet = 57,600 square feet = 1.32 acres. Without end zones, the playing field (300' × 160') is 48,000 sq ft = 1.1 acres.
Why it matters: Real estate describes land in acres but building sites in square feet or lot dimensions in feet. A half-acre lot might be 150' × 145', or 100' × 218'—multiple configurations yield the same area. Knowing the conversion helps visualize land size when shopping for property.
Zoning impact: Minimum lot sizes appear in ordinances as both acres and square feet: "0.5 acre minimum" = "21,780 square feet minimum." Subdivisions calculate density in units per acre: 4 houses per acre, 12 apartments per acre.
What's the origin of "six feet under"?
The phrase "six feet under" meaning burial or death originates from traditional grave depth—coffins were buried approximately six feet below ground surface.
Historical practice: The six-foot depth became standard in England during the 1665 Great Plague of London. Officials ordered plague victims buried "at least six foot deep" to prevent disease spread and discourage grave robbers. This depth kept odors contained and protected bodies from scavengers.
Modern burial depth: Contemporary cemeteries typically bury caskets 4-6 feet deep, though some jurisdictions specify different depths. The "six feet" measurement became culturally embedded as the standard, even when actual practice varies.
Measurement significance: Six feet provides enough earth to protect the coffin from surface disturbance (weather, animals, agriculture) while remaining practical to dig manually. Deeper burials exponentially increase labor, while shallower burials risk exposure.
Cultural persistence: The phrase "six feet under" persists in English as a euphemism for death, demonstrating how foot-based measurements embedded themselves in language and culture beyond mere physical measurement.
Conversion Table: Foot to Mile
| Foot (ft) | Mile (mi) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 0 |
| 1 | 0 |
| 1.5 | 0 |
| 2 | 0 |
| 5 | 0.001 |
| 10 | 0.002 |
| 25 | 0.005 |
| 50 | 0.01 |
| 100 | 0.019 |
| 250 | 0.047 |
| 500 | 0.095 |
| 1,000 | 0.189 |
People Also Ask
How do I convert Foot to Mile?
To convert Foot to Mile, enter the value in Foot in the calculator above. The conversion will happen automatically. Use our free online converter for instant and accurate results. You can also visit our length converter page to convert between other units in this category.
Learn more →What is the conversion factor from Foot to Mile?
The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Foot and Mile. You can find the exact conversion formula and factor on this page. Our calculator handles all calculations automatically. See the conversion table above for common values.
Can I convert Mile back to Foot?
Yes! You can easily convert Mile back to Foot by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Mile to Foot converter page. You can also explore other length conversions on our category page.
Learn more →What are common uses for Foot and Mile?
Foot and Mile are both standard units used in length measurements. They are commonly used in various applications including engineering, construction, cooking, and scientific research. Browse our length converter for more conversion options.
For more length conversion questions, visit our FAQ page or explore our conversion guides.
Helpful Conversion Guides
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📚 How to Convert Units
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🔢 Conversion Formulas
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⚖️ Metric vs Imperial
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⚠️ Common Mistakes
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All Length Conversions
Other Length Units and Conversions
Explore other length units and their conversion options:
- Meter (m) • Foot to Meter
- Kilometer (km) • Foot to Kilometer
- Hectometer (hm) • Foot to Hectometer
- Decimeter (dm) • Foot to Decimeter
- Centimeter (cm) • Foot to Centimeter
- Millimeter (mm) • Foot to Millimeter
- Inch (in) • Foot to Inch
- Yard (yd) • Foot to Yard
- Nautical Mile (NM) • Foot to Nautical Mile
- Micrometer (μm) • Foot to Micrometer
Verified Against Authority Standards
All conversion formulas have been verified against international standards and authoritative sources to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability.
National Institute of Standards and Technology — Official US standards for length measurements
Bureau International des Poids et Mesures — International System of Units official documentation
Last verified: December 3, 2025