Quickly convert feet (ft) to meters (m) with our free online calculator. Includes the exact ft to m formula, a height conversion table, and real-world distance examples.
Length Converter
How to Convert Feet to Meters
Converting feet (ft) to meters (m) is essential for international travel, scientific research, and architectural projects. While the foot is the standard unit of length in the US Customary and Imperial systems, the meter is the fundamental unit of length in the International System of Units (SI).
The Conversion Formula
The conversion between feet and meters is legally defined. To convert feet to meters, you multiply the value by 0.3048. The mathematical formula is:
m = ft × 0.3048
Logic: 1 meter is approximately 3.28084 feet.
Feet to Meters Quick Reference Table
Use this reference table for common height and distance measurements:
| Feet (ft) | Meters (m) | Common Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ft | 0.3048 m | Small furniture |
| 3.28 ft | 1.0000 m | Meter baseline |
| 5 ft | 1.5240 m | Average human height |
| 6 ft | 1.8288 m | Tall human height |
| 10 ft | 3.0480 m | Ceiling height |
| 100 ft | 30.4800 m | Small building height |
Context: Where are these units used?
- Aviation: Altitude is almost universally measured in feet (e.g., cruising at 35,000 ft), while runway lengths are often converted to meters in international airports.
- Real Estate: In the US and UK, ceiling heights and room dimensions are listed in feet, whereas most European and Asian listings use meters.
- Track and Field: Long jump and high jump results are recorded in meters internationally, but US high school competitions still frequently use feet and inches.
Why Use Our Converter?
Manual multiplication by 0.3048 is precise, but using 3.28 (the reciprocal) as an approximation can lead to significant errors in construction or engineering. Our tool uses the exact international standard defined in 1959, ensuring that your data—whether for a DIY project or a school assignment—is accurate to the fourth decimal place.