Meters to Feet Calculator
Convert m to ft instantly. Free tool for height, construction, and distance measurements.
Type meter value. Example: 2.5, 5, or 10.25
Conversion Result
Formula Used
1 meter = exactly 3.280839895 feet
Common Length Conversions
| Meters (m) | Feet (ft) | Common Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 m | 1.64 ft | Small child height |
| 1 m | 3.28 ft | Base unit conversion |
| 1.8 m | 5.91 ft | Average man height |
| 2.44 m | 8.00 ft | Basketball hoop height |
| 5 m | 16.40 ft | Small room length |
| 10 m | 32.81 ft | Swimming pool length |
How the Meters to Feet Calculator Works
This calculator converts meters to feet using the exact conversion factor established by international agreement. One meter equals exactly 3.280839895 feet. This precise relationship was defined in 1959 and is used worldwide for all official conversions between metric and imperial length units.
Conversion Formula: To convert meters to feet, multiply the meter value by 3.28084. The mathematical formula is:
The number 3.28084 is a rounded version of the exact conversion factor 3.280839895. For most practical purposes, 3.28084 provides sufficient accuracy. This conversion factor allows precise switching between the metric system (used by most of the world) and the imperial system (used primarily in the United States).
Practical Applications and When to Convert
For Construction and Building
Architectural plans from international firms often use meters, but construction materials in the US come in feet and inches. Converting 4.5 meters to approximately 14.76 feet ensures proper material ordering and fitting on job sites.
For Sports and Athletics
Olympic and international competitions use meters, but American sports use feet. Converting helps compare performances: a 2.44 meter high jump equals 8 feet, helping understand world records in familiar units.
For Travel and Navigation
International maps and GPS often show distances in meters or kilometers, but Americans think in feet and miles. Converting helps visualize distances: 100 meters is about 328 feet, helping estimate walking distances in familiar terms.
Quick Mental Approximation: For rough estimates, remember that 3 meters is about 10 feet. So 6 meters is about 20 feet, 9 meters is about 30 feet, and 30 meters is about 100 feet. Multiply meters by 3.3 for a close approximation.
Country-Specific Measurement Systems
United States
The US primarily uses feet, inches, and yards for everyday measurements. However, science, international projects, and some imports use meters. Americans frequently need to convert: a 2 meter tall door is about 6.56 feet, helping when buying imported furniture or following international plans.
United Kingdom
The UK officially uses metric but retains imperial for personal height and road signs. Britons might see 1.83 meters on a medical chart but think of themselves as 6 feet tall. Converting helps bridge this dual-system reality in construction and trade.
Canada
Canada uses a mix of both systems. Building codes often use metric, but many construction materials come in imperial sizes. Converting 3.66 meters to 12 feet ensures proper fitting when working with both measurement systems on construction projects.
Australia
Australia uses metric exclusively but occasionally encounters imperial measurements in older documents or when dealing with American products. Australians might need to convert 5 meters to 16.4 feet when reading US-based architectural plans.
| Construction Element | Meters | Feet | Practical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard ceiling height | 2.4 m | 7.87 ft | 8-foot ceilings common in US |
| Door height | 2.03 m | 6.66 ft | Standard 6’8″ door |
| Parking space length | 4.88 m | 16.01 ft | Standard 16-foot space |
| Swimming pool lane | 25 m | 82.02 ft | Olympic short course |
| Basketball court | 28.65 m | 94.00 ft | NBA court length |
Common Conversion Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Using 3.3 Instead of 3.28084: While 3.3 is a good approximation for mental math, using it for precise calculations creates error. Over longer distances, this small difference adds up significantly. Always use 3.28084 for accuracy in important measurements.
Confusing Meters with Yards: Some people think 1 meter equals 1 yard (3 feet). This is incorrect: 1 meter equals 3.28 feet, while 1 yard equals exactly 3 feet. This 0.28 foot difference matters in construction.
Forgetting Decimal Feet: People often want whole feet, but conversions usually produce decimal feet. 1.8 meters equals 5.91 feet, not 5 feet exactly. For precise work, keep the decimal or convert to feet and inches.
Mixing Systems Mid-Project: In construction, using meters for foundation measurements and feet for wall measurements without converting causes alignment problems. Convert everything to one system before starting calculations.
Visual Size Reference
Remember common references: a parking space is about 4.8 meters (16 feet). A standard room ceiling is about 2.4 meters (8 feet). A basketball hoop is 3.05 meters (10 feet). A soccer goal is 2.44 meters (8 feet) high by 7.32 meters (24 feet) wide.
Real-World Examples and Practice Problems
| Object/Scenario | Meters | Feet | Feet & Inches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult male height | 1.78 m | 5.84 ft | 5’10” |
| Volleyball net height | 2.43 m | 7.97 ft | 7’11.7″ |
| Tennis net at posts | 1.07 m | 3.51 ft | 3’6″ |
| Standard hallway width | 1.22 m | 4.00 ft | 4’0″ |
| Shipping container | 6.06 m | 19.88 ft | 19’10.5″ |
Student Practice Problems
1. Convert 2.5 meters to feet. (Answer: 8.20 feet)
2. A room is 4.2 meters long. How many feet is this? (Answer: 13.78 feet)
3. Convert 0.75 meters to feet. (Answer: 2.46 feet)
4. A swimming pool is 25 meters long. What is this in feet? (Answer: 82.02 feet)
5. Convert 15.24 meters to feet. (Answer: 50.00 feet exactly)
Construction Tip: When working with mixed measurement systems, convert all measurements to one system before starting. Keep a conversion chart on site, or use this calculator on your phone for quick conversions. Small errors in conversion compound in large projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 1 meter exactly 3.28084 feet?
This exact conversion was internationally agreed upon in 1959 when the inch was defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters. Since 1 meter equals 100 centimeters, and 1 foot equals 12 inches, the calculation is: 100 cm ÷ 2.54 cm/inch ÷ 12 inches/foot = 3.280839895 feet.
How do I convert feet back to meters?
Divide feet by 3.28084, or multiply by 0.3048. Example: 10 feet ÷ 3.28084 = 3.048 meters. This is the reverse operation of this calculator. For frequent back-and-forth conversion, bookmark both tools.
What’s the difference between meters and feet?
Meters are part of the metric system (based on powers of 10), while feet are part of the imperial system (12 inches = 1 foot, 3 feet = 1 yard). Meters are used by most of the world, feet primarily in the United States.
How accurate do I need to be?
For everyday use, two decimal places (like 5.91 feet) is sufficient. For construction or engineering, use more precision or the exact factor 3.280839895. For rough estimates, rounding to the nearest tenth of a foot often works.
Why do Americans still use feet?
Historical reasons and system inertia. The US attempted metric conversion in the 1970s but met resistance. Changing an entire country’s measurement system requires retooling manufacturing, retraining workers, and changing public habits, which is costly and difficult.
Is 1.8 meters really 5.91 feet exactly?
Mathematically: 1.8 × 3.280839895 = 5.905511811 feet, which rounds to 5.91 feet. This is exact based on the defined relationship. Any measuring tool’s accuracy might vary, but the mathematical conversion is precise.
Understanding Measurement Systems Globally
The coexistence of metric and imperial systems creates practical challenges in our interconnected world. Construction materials manufactured in metric countries get used in imperial countries. International sports competitions use metric measurements that get reported in imperial units for American audiences.
This calculator eliminates the mental math of multiplying by 3.28084. For construction workers on international projects, students studying abroad, or travelers comparing measurements, it provides instant, accurate conversions. No calculator needed, no conversion tables to consult.
The tool follows SabiCalculator’s design philosophy: do one job perfectly. It converts meters to feet—nothing more, nothing less. No distractions, no sign-ups. Just pure utility for when you need to understand measurements in different systems.
For other measurement conversions (feet to meters, inches to cm, etc.), we offer specialized calculators. Each follows the same principles: simple, fast, trustworthy tools for everyday measurement problems.