Util Tools How to convert feet to meters
One foot is defined as exactly 0.3048 meters, so to convert feet to meters you multiply by 0.3048: meters = feet * 0.3048. To reverse it, divide by 0.3048 (or multiply by about 3.28084): feet = meters / 0.3048. Because the foot has an exact metric definition, the conversion is precise rather than approximate.
Converting feet and inches (for height)
Heights are usually given in feet and inches, so first convert to total feet before applying the factor. There are 12 inches in a foot, so 6 feet 2 inches is 6 + 2/12 = 6.1667 feet, which is about 1.88 meters. The converter above has a dedicated feet-and-inches mode that does this in one step, which is the most common use for this tool.
Worked examples
- 1 ft = 0.305 m
- 5 ft = 1.524 m
- 5 ft 9 in ≈ 1.75 m
- 6 ft = 1.829 m
- 100 ft = 30.48 m
Why the US still uses feet
The United States is one of only a few countries that has not officially adopted the metric system for everyday use, largely for historical and practical reasons: the cost and disruption of switching road signs, tools, and habits has repeatedly stalled metrication. As a result, height, construction, and many trades in the US still use feet and inches, making feet-to-meters one of the most frequently needed conversions for international communication.
Last updated: July 2026