Kilometers to Miles calculator
Convert Kilometers to Miles instantly with our free online calculator. Perfect for quick and accurate conversions.
Conversion Formula
mi = km / 1.60934What is Kilometers?
Last updated: Apr 14, 2025Kilometers (km) - Standard Unit for Long Distances
Kilometer measurement on a road signThe kilometer is a unit of length in the metric system, equal to 1000 meters. This guide explores the history, applications, and significance of the kilometer in modern measurement systems.
The kilometer was introduced during the French Revolution as part of the metric system. It was designed to be a practical unit for measuring longer distances, with one kilometer being approximately equal to the distance a person can walk in 12 minutes at a moderate pace.
Common measurements in kilometers include:
- Average walking distance per day: 5-8 km
- Length of a marathon: 42.195 km
- Distance from New York to Los Angeles: ~3,940 km
- Earth's circumference: ~40,075 km
The kilometer is widely used for measuring distances between geographical locations, road distances, and athletic events. It is the standard unit for expressing distances in most countries worldwide, except for the United States, where miles are more commonly used.
Common Kilometers to Miles Conversions
Kilometers to Miles Conversion Guide
Converting kilometers to miles is essential for international travel and understanding distances in imperial units. Our calculator uses the formula mi = km / 1.60934 for accurate conversions.
Common kilometers to miles conversions:
- 1 km = 0.62137 mi
- 5 km = 3.10686 mi
- 10 km = 6.21371 mi
- 42.195 km = 26.2 mi (marathon distance)
This conversion is particularly useful for:
- International travel planning
- Sports and fitness tracking
- Navigation between countries
- Cross-system distance calculations