Meter to Arpent Converter
Convert meters to arpents with our free online length converter.
Quick Answer
1 Meter = 0.017102 arpents
Formula: Meter Γ conversion factor = Arpent
Use the calculator below for instant, accurate conversions.
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All conversion formulas on UnitsConverter.io have been verified against NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) guidelines and international SI standards. Our calculations are accurate to 10 decimal places for standard conversions and use arbitrary precision arithmetic for astronomical units.
Meter to Arpent Calculator
How to Use the Meter to Arpent Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Meter).
- The converted value in Arpent will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Length category.
- Click the swap button (β) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Meter to Arpent: Step-by-Step Guide
Converting Meter to Arpent involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Meter = 0.0171025 arpentsExample Calculation:
Convert 10 meters: 10 Γ 0.0171025 = 0.171025 arpents
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 βWhat is a Meter and a Arpent?
The meter (US spelling) or metre (International spelling) (symbol: m) is the base unit of length in the International System of Units (SI). It is one of the seven SI base units and forms the foundation for measuring distance in the metric system.
Modern Definition (1983): The meter is defined as the distance traveled by light in a vacuum in exactly 1/299,792,458 of a second. This definition links the meter to the speed of light, a fundamental constant of nature (c = 299,792,458 meters per second).
Key relationships:
- 1 meter = 100 centimeters (cm)
- 1 meter = 1,000 millimeters (mm)
- 1 meter = 0.001 kilometers (km)
- 1,000 meters = 1 kilometer
In terms of imperial/US customary units:
- 1 meter β 3.28084 feet (ft) - Convert m to ft
- 1 meter β 39.3701 inches (in) - Convert m to inches
- 1 meter β 1.09361 yards (yd) - Convert m to yards
Visual perspective (how long is it?):
- 1 meter β Length of a guitar
- 1 meter β Distance from nose to fingertips (arm outstretched)
- 1 meter β One adult step/stride
- 1 meter β Width of a single bed
- 2 meters β Standard doorway height
- 5 meters β Length of a small car
It is the fundamental unit upon which all other SI length units are based through decimal multiplication or division.
Convert between length units: meter converter
The Arpent is a historical French unit used primarily for measuring land area, but also sometimes used as a unit of length. As a unit of length, the arpent typically referred to the side length of a square arpent of land.
Its precise length varied significantly by region and time period in France and its colonies. A commonly cited value, particularly associated with the arpent de Paris, is based on 180 French feet (pieds du Roi), which equates to approximately:
- 58.47 meters (m)
- 191.8 feet (ft)
Other variations existed, such as the arpent commun (based on 200 French feet, ~64.97 m) and the arpent d'ordonnance (based on 220 French feet, ~71.47 m).
Note: The Meter is part of the metric (SI) system, primarily used globally in science and trade. The Arpent belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Meter and Arpent
-
Pre-Revolutionary France (Pre-1790s): France used hundreds of different local length units, creating confusion in trade and science. The need for a universal, standardized system became critical.
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Birth of the Meter (1791-1793): During the French Revolution, the French Academy of Sciences proposed a new unit of length based on natural constants. They defined the meter as one ten-millionth (1/10,000,000) of the distance from the Earth's equator to the North Pole along the meridian passing through Paris.
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Meridian Survey (1792-1799): Astronomers Pierre MΓ©chain and Jean-Baptiste Delambre conducted a seven-year expedition to measure the meridian arc from Dunkirk to Barcelona to determine the exact length of the meter. This ambitious survey became legendary in scientific history.
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Platinum Meter Bar (1799): Based on the meridian measurements, the first physical standard was created: a platinum bar stored in the French National Archives. This became the legal meter in France.
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Treaty of the Metre (1875): Seventeen nations signed this international treaty, establishing the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) and the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) to maintain global measurement standards.
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International Prototype Meter (1889): A more precise platinum-iridium bar was created and designated as the international standard. This prototype was kept at the BIPM near Paris under controlled conditions (specific temperature, pressure, support points).
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Krypton-86 Definition (1960): To improve accuracy and reproducibility, the meter was redefined as 1,650,763.73 wavelengths of the orange-red light emitted by krypton-86 atoms in a vacuum. This was the first definition based on atomic physics rather than a physical object.
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Speed of Light Definition (1983): The current definition was adopted, fixing the speed of light at exactly 299,792,458 m/s and defining the meter based on this constant. This provided the most stable and reproducible definition possible, as the speed of light is a fundamental constant of nature.
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Global Adoption: Today, the meter is used by virtually every country in the world. Only Liberia, Myanmar, and the United States have not fully adopted the metric system for everyday use, though even the US uses it extensively in science, medicine, and manufacturing.
-
Why It Matters: The meter's evolution from a physical bar to a definition based on universal constants represents humanity's quest for increasingly precise and universally accessible measurement standards.
The term "arpent" likely derives from the Gaulish arepennis, meaning "end of a field," suggesting its origins relate to agricultural land measurement, possibly representing the amount of land that could be plowed in a day. It became a fundamental unit for land surveying in France during the medieval period and remained in use until the adoption of the metric system following the French Revolution.
- Regional Variations: Before standardization efforts, the length (and thus area) of the arpent varied considerably across different regions of France. Key variations included:
- Arpent de Paris: Based on a perche (rod) of 18 pieds du Roi (French feet), with the linear arpent (side of the square) being 10 perches, totaling 180 pieds (~58.47 m). The area was 32,400 square pieds.
- Arpent Commun: Based on a perche of 20 pieds, linear arpent of 200 pieds (~64.97 m). Area: 40,000 square pieds.
- Arpent d'Ordonnance (or Arpent des Eaux et ForΓͺts): Based on a perche of 22 pieds, linear arpent of 220 pieds (~71.47 m). Area: 48,400 square pieds. Used primarily for royal forests.
- Colonial Usage: The arpent was exported to French colonies, notably:
- New France (Quebec, Canada): The arpent de Paris became the standard for land grants along the St. Lawrence River, shaping the characteristic long, narrow farm plots (rangs).
- Louisiana (USA): The French arpent (usually the arpent de Paris) was used for land measurement before and sometimes after the Louisiana Purchase. Its legacy persists in land titles and some place names.
- Metrication: The metric system officially replaced the arpent and other traditional units in France in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, though its use lingered in practice and historical records.
Common Uses and Applications: meters vs arpents
Explore the typical applications for both Meter (metric) and Arpent (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for meters
The meter is the fundamental length unit used across virtually all fields worldwide:
Science and Research
The universal standard in all scientific disciplines. Essential for maintaining consistency in international research and allowing scientists globally to share and compare results.
Scientific Applications:
- Physics experiments and calculations
- Chemistry lab measurements
- Biology specimen measurements
- Astronomy (often combined with larger units like megameters or astronomical units)
- Geology and earth sciences
- Medical research and diagnostics
Why meters in science:
- SI base unit ensures universal understanding
- Decimal system simplifies calculations
- Precise definition based on fundamental constants
- Required for publication in scientific journals
- Enables international collaboration
Convert for scientific work: meters to other units
Construction and Engineering
Standard unit for building plans, specifications, and measurements in most countries. Essential for architectural drawings, structural engineering, and construction site work.
Construction uses:
- Building dimensions and floor plans
- Material specifications (lumber, pipes, cables)
- Site surveying and land measurements
- Road and bridge design
- Utility installations
- Safety clearances and regulations
Engineering disciplines:
- Civil engineering (infrastructure, roads, dams)
- Mechanical engineering (machine design, tolerances)
- Electrical engineering (cable runs, installations)
- Structural engineering (building analysis)
Why meters dominate:
- International building codes
- Global supply chains use metric
- Simplified scaling (1:100, 1:50 drawings)
- Easy conversion between units (mm, cm, m, km)
Athletics and Sports
The standard for track and field events, swimming pools, and most international sports. Creates consistency in competition and record-keeping worldwide.
Track and Field:
- All race distances (100m, 200m, 400m, etc.)
- Field event measurements (high jump, long jump, javelin)
- Track dimensions (400m oval)
Swimming:
- Pool lengths (25m, 50m)
- Race distances
- Pool depth specifications
Other Sports:
- Soccer field dimensions
- Basketball court measurements (FIBA)
- Tennis court specifications
- Ski jump distances
World Records: All Olympic and international records use meters
Manufacturing and Industry
Essential for product design, quality control, and manufacturing specifications. Enables global supply chains and standardized parts.
Manufacturing uses:
- Product dimensions and tolerances
- Machine specifications
- Assembly line measurements
- Quality control standards
- Shipping container sizes
- Material cutting and fabrication
Industries:
- Automotive (car dimensions, parts)
- Aerospace (aircraft specifications)
- Electronics (component spacing)
- Textiles (fabric measurements)
- Furniture (product dimensions)
Everyday Life (Metric Countries)
Daily measurements for height, distance, and dimensions in 95% of the world's countries.
Personal measurements:
- Human height and weight
- Clothing sizes (combined with cm)
- Recipe distances (rare, but when needed)
- Home improvement projects
Shopping:
- Fabric by the meter
- Carpeting and flooring
- Curtains and blinds
- Garden hoses and cables
Driving:
- Road signs (distances in km, using meters as base)
- Vehicle dimensions
- Parking regulations
Use our meter converter for everyday conversions.
Aviation and Maritime
Critical for navigation, altitude, and safety specifications in international travel.
Aviation:
- Runway lengths
- Aircraft dimensions
- Altitude (often in feet, but meters in some regions)
- Visibility distances
Maritime:
- Ship dimensions
- Harbor depths (often in meters or fathoms)
- Vessel clearances
- Navigation distances
Medical and Healthcare
Standard for patient measurements and medical equipment in most healthcare systems worldwide.
Medical uses:
- Patient height
- Wound measurements
- Medical imaging distances
- Equipment specifications
- Hospital room dimensions
- Surgical instrument lengths
When to Use arpents
The Arpent (both linear and area) is now largely obsolete for practical measurement but remains historically significant:
- Historical Land Surveys: Essential for interpreting old maps, deeds, and land grants in France, Quebec, Louisiana, and other areas formerly under French control (e.g., parts of the US Midwest like Missouri, Illinois, Indiana).
- Legal Context: Land descriptions in some regions may still reference original measurements in arpents, requiring conversion for modern understanding.
- Historical Research: Understanding the arpent is crucial for historians studying agriculture, settlement patterns, and land tenure systems in French history and its colonial contexts.
- Unit of Area: While this page focuses on the length, the arpent is more commonly known and encountered as a unit of area (the square arpent).
Additional Unit Information
About Meter (m)
How long is a meter visually?
One meter is about the distance from your nose to your fingertips when you extend your arm straight out to the side.
Visual comparisons:
- Slightly longer than a yard (1 m = 1.09 yards)
- About 3.3 feet (one adult stride)
- Length of a guitar (most acoustic guitars)
- Width of a single bed
- Slightly longer than a baseball bat
- Three average-sized rulers (30cm each)
Body measurements:
- Most adults can approximate 1 meter with arm span from nose to fingertips
- One large step/stride for most adults
- Height from ground to waist/hip for average adult
Common objects exactly 1 meter:
- Meter stick/ruler (by definition)
- Certain guitar models
- Standard yoga mat width (60cm) is just over half a meter
To remember: Think of it as "just over 3 feet" or "slightly longer than a yard"
How many feet are in a meter?
One meter equals approximately 3.28084 feet, commonly rounded to 3.28 feet.
Exact conversion: 1 meter = 3.280839895 feet
Practical conversions:
- 1 meter β 3.28 feet
- 2 meters β 6.56 feet
- 5 meters β 16.4 feet
- 10 meters β 32.8 feet
- 100 meters β 328 feet
Reverse conversion (feet to meters):
- 1 foot = 0.3048 meters (exactly)
- 3 feet β 0.91 meters
- 6 feet β 1.83 meters
- 10 feet β 3.05 meters
Why 3.28?
- Based on the international foot definition (0.3048 m)
- 1 meter Γ· 0.3048 meters/foot = 3.28084 feet
Quick estimation: Multiply meters by 3 for a rough approximation (though this underestimates by ~9%)
Use our meter to feet converter for accurate conversions.
How many centimeters are in a meter?
There are exactly 100 centimeters (cm) in one meter.
Why 100?: The prefix "centi-" means 1/100, so a centimeter is 1/100 of a meter.
Conversion:
- 1 meter = 100 centimeters
- To convert meters to cm: multiply by 100
- To convert cm to meters: divide by 100
Examples:
- 0.5 meters = 50 cm
- 1.5 meters = 150 cm
- 2.75 meters = 275 cm
- 50 cm = 0.5 meters
- 175 cm = 1.75 meters (typical adult height)
Remember: Move the decimal point two places:
- Meters β cm: Move right (1.5 m = 150 cm)
- Cm β meters: Move left (150 cm = 1.5 m)
Use our meter to cm converter for instant conversions.
Is the meter used in the United States?
Officially: The US uses the metric system in science, medicine, military, and many industries, but the US customary system (feet, inches, miles) dominates everyday life.
Where meters ARE used in the US:
- Science and research: All scientific work
- Medicine: Patient measurements, medical devices
- Military: NATO standardization requires metric
- Manufacturing: Especially for export products
- Athletics: Track and field events
- Pharmaceuticals: Drug measurements
- Automotive: Many car specifications
- Electronics: Component specifications
Where meters are NOT commonly used:
- Road signs (miles, not kilometers)
- Construction (feet, inches)
- Everyday conversation (height, distance)
- Cooking (cups, ounces, not liters/grams)
- Real estate (square feet, acres)
- Weather (Fahrenheit, not Celsius)
Status: The US is officially metric (Metric Conversion Act of 1975) but implementation is voluntary, so dual systems coexist.
Fun fact: US money is metric (100 cents = 1 dollar), but most Americans don't think of it that way!
How many meters are in a kilometer?
There are exactly 1,000 meters in one kilometer.
Why: "Kilo-" is a Greek prefix meaning 1,000.
Conversion:
- 1 kilometer (km) = 1,000 meters (m)
- To convert km to m: multiply by 1,000
- To convert m to km: divide by 1,000
Examples:
- 0.5 km = 500 meters
- 1.5 km = 1,500 meters
- 2.5 km = 2,500 meters
- 5 km = 5,000 meters
- 10 km = 10,000 meters
- 500 m = 0.5 km
- 2,000 m = 2 km
Perspective:
- A kilometer is a common walking distance (10-15 minutes)
- 5K race = 5 kilometers = 5,000 meters
- Marathon = 42.195 kilometers = 42,195 meters
Remember: Move the decimal point three places:
- Km β m: Move right (1.5 km = 1,500 m)
- M β km: Move left (1,500 m = 1.5 km)
Convert: meters to kilometers | kilometers to meters
How is the meter defined today?
Current Definition (since 1983): The meter is defined as the distance light travels in a vacuum in exactly 1/299,792,458 of a second.
Why this definition?:
- Universal constant: The speed of light (c) is the same everywhere in the universe
- Extremely precise: Can be reproduced in any properly equipped laboratory
- No physical artifact: Doesn't depend on a prototype bar that could degrade
- Fundamentally stable: Based on physics, not human-made objects
What this means:
- The speed of light is fixed at exactly 299,792,458 meters per second
- This definition links length to time (which is measured even more precisely)
- Any lab with an atomic clock can reproduce the meter
Historical evolution:
- 1793: Earth meridian (1/10,000,000 of equator to pole)
- 1889: Platinum-iridium bar in Paris
- 1960: Krypton-86 wavelengths
- 1983: Speed of light (current definition)
Why it matters: This makes the meter one of the most precisely defined and reproducible units in all of science.
What's the difference between meter and metre?
No difference - they are the same unit, just different spellings!
Spelling variations:
- Meter: American English spelling (US, Philippines)
- Metre: International English spelling (UK, Canada, Australia, most other English-speaking countries)
Symbol: Both use m as the abbreviation
In practice:
- Scientific papers: Usually "metre" (international standard)
- US publications: Usually "meter"
- International Bureau (BIPM): Uses "metre"
- Both are 100% correct
Other metric units with dual spellings:
- Liter / Litre
- Centimeter / Centimetre
- Kilometer / Kilometre
Remember: The spelling doesn't affect the measurement - 1 meter = 1 metre = 1 m
How do you convert meters to inches?
To convert meters to inches, multiply by approximately 39.3701.
Conversion formula: inches = meters Γ 39.3701
Examples:
- 1 meter = 39.37 inches
- 2 meters = 78.74 inches
- 5 meters = 196.85 inches
- 0.5 meters = 19.69 inches
- 1.5 meters = 59.06 inches
Reverse conversion (inches to meters):
- 1 inch = 0.0254 meters (exactly)
- 12 inches (1 foot) = 0.3048 meters
- 36 inches (1 yard) = 0.9144 meters
Why 39.37?
- 1 meter = 100 cm
- 1 inch = 2.54 cm (exactly)
- 100 cm Γ· 2.54 cm/inch = 39.37 inches
Quick mental math:
- 1 meter β 40 inches (close enough for rough estimates)
- 2.5 cm β 1 inch, so 100 cm β 40 inches
Use our meter to inches converter for precise conversions.
What is 2 meters in feet and inches?
2 meters = 6 feet 6.74 inches (or approximately 6 feet 7 inches)
Calculation:
- 2 meters = 6.56168 feet
- 6 full feet = 6 feet
- 0.56168 feet Γ 12 inches/foot = 6.74 inches
- Result: 6 feet 6.74 inches β 6' 7"
Common 2-meter comparisons:
- Standard doorway height: 2-2.1 meters (6'7" - 6'11")
- Tall person height: 2 meters is very tall (99th percentile)
- Basketball player: Many NBA players are around 2 meters
- High jump bar: Elite athletes clear around 2 meters
Rounded conversions:
- 2.0 m = 6' 7"
- 2.1 m = 6' 11"
- 2.2 m = 7' 3"
Quick reference:
- 1.5 m = 4' 11"
- 1.8 m = 5' 11" (average adult male height)
- 2.0 m = 6' 7"
- 2.5 m = 8' 2"
Convert any height: meters to feet and inches
How many meters is a football field?
American Football:
- Playing field: 100 yards = 91.44 meters
- With end zones: 120 yards = 109.73 meters
- Width: 53.33 yards = 48.76 meters
Soccer/Football (International):
- Length: 100-110 meters (typical), 90-120 meters (FIFA rules)
- Width: 64-75 meters (typical), 45-90 meters (FIFA rules)
- Standard pitch: 105 Γ 68 meters
Common comparisons:
- 100 meters β 1 American football field (length only, not counting end zones)
- 100 meters = 109.4 yards (9.4 yards longer than American football field)
- "100-meter dash" β Length of American football field + 9 yards
Useful reference: "100 meters" is a standard way to visualize distance - slightly longer than an American football field.
Why is the meter important?
The meter is the foundation of the metric system, used by 95% of the world's population and essential for global science, trade, and communication.
Scientific importance:
- Base unit of SI system (international standard)
- Defined by fundamental constant (speed of light)
- Essential for all scientific research
- Enables global collaboration
Practical importance:
- Universal measurement standard
- Simplifies international trade
- Decimal-based (easy calculations)
- Used in manufacturing, construction, medicine
Global standardization:
- Ensures products fit across borders
- Aircraft, ships, vehicles have standard dimensions
- Medical equipment is universally compatible
- Scientific data can be shared internationally
Historical significance:
- Represents the Enlightenment ideal of universal standards
- First measurement based on nature (Earth meridian)
- Now based on fundamental physics (speed of light)
- Symbol of international cooperation
Modern life:
- GPS and navigation systems
- International sports records
- Global supply chains
- Scientific advancement
Bottom line: The meter makes global communication, commerce, and science possible.
About Arpent (arpent)
Is the Arpent a unit of length or area?
The Arpent is primarily known as a unit of area, representing a specific parcel of land. However, a linear arpent also exists, defined as the side length of a square whose area is one arpent. This page focuses on the linear arpent. The relationship is direct: Area Arpent = (Linear Arpent)Β². Because the linear arpent varied, the area also varied.
Where is the Arpent still relevant?
The Arpent is not used for everyday measurements today. Its relevance is almost entirely historical and legal:
- Quebec (Canada): Crucial for understanding historical land division and property lines, especially the seigneurial system.
- Louisiana (USA): Important for interpreting land titles dating back to the French colonial period.
- France: Relevant for historical studies and understanding old documents.
- Other former French territories: May appear in historical records (e.g., Mauritius, parts of the US Midwest).
How long is a linear Arpent?
There is no single value, as it varied regionally. Common historical values include:
- Arpent de Paris: ~180 French feet β 58.47 meters β 191.8 feet (Most common in Quebec & Louisiana)
- Arpent Commun: ~200 French feet β 64.97 meters β 213.2 feet
- Arpent d'Ordonnance: ~220 French feet β 71.47 meters β 234.5 feet (Note: The French foot, pied du Roi, was slightly longer than the English foot, approx. 32.48 cm or 12.79 inches).
How does the linear Arpent compare to a Meter or Foot?
- The most common linear arpent (~58.47 m) is significantly longer than a meter. (1 Arpent β 58.47 m)
- It is also much longer than a foot. (1 Arpent β 191.8 ft)
Is the Arpent an SI unit?
No, the Arpent is not an SI unit. It is a traditional unit from the French system of measurements. The SI base unit for length is the meter (m), and the SI unit for area is the square meter (mΒ²).
Conversion Table: Meter to Arpent
| Meter (m) | Arpent (arpent) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 0.009 |
| 1 | 0.017 |
| 1.5 | 0.026 |
| 2 | 0.034 |
| 5 | 0.086 |
| 10 | 0.171 |
| 25 | 0.428 |
| 50 | 0.855 |
| 100 | 1.71 |
| 250 | 4.276 |
| 500 | 8.551 |
| 1,000 | 17.103 |
People Also Ask
How do I convert Meter to Arpent?
To convert Meter to Arpent, enter the value in Meter 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 βWhat is the conversion factor from Meter to Arpent?
The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Meter and Arpent. 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 Arpent back to Meter?
Yes! You can easily convert Arpent back to Meter by using the swap button (β) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Arpent to Meter converter page. You can also explore other length conversions on our category page.
Learn more βWhat are common uses for Meter and Arpent?
Meter and Arpent 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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All Length Conversions
Other Length Units and Conversions
Explore other length units and their conversion options:
- Kilometer (km) β’ Meter to Kilometer
- Hectometer (hm) β’ Meter to Hectometer
- Decimeter (dm) β’ Meter to Decimeter
- Centimeter (cm) β’ Meter to Centimeter
- Millimeter (mm) β’ Meter to Millimeter
- Inch (in) β’ Meter to Inch
- Foot (ft) β’ Meter to Foot
- Yard (yd) β’ Meter to Yard
- Mile (mi) β’ Meter to Mile
- Nautical Mile (NM) β’ Meter to Nautical Mile
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 β Official US standards for length measurements
Bureau International des Poids et Mesures β International System of Units official documentation
Last verified: December 3, 2025