Calculators & everyday math
Miles vs. Kilometers: Converting Distances
Road trips, running races, and maps switch between miles and kilometers depending on where you are. The conversion is a single exact factor, and a couple of mental shortcuts get you close enough on the move. This guide covers both.
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The exact relationship
1 mile is exactly 1.609344 kilometers, and 1 kilometer is about 0.6213711922 miles. To convert miles to kilometers, multiply by 1.609344; to go the other way, divide by it.
Quick mental conversions
- Miles to kilometers: multiply by 1.6. 50 miles is about 80 km (exactly 80.4672).
- Kilometers to miles: multiply by 0.6, or take five eighths. 100 km is about 62.5 miles (exactly 62.13711922).
- Neighboring Fibonacci numbers work too: 5 miles is about 8 km, and 8 miles is about 13 km (exactly 12.874752).
Race distances
| Race | Kilometers | Miles |
|---|---|---|
| 5K | 5 | 3.106855961 |
| 10K | 10 | 6.213711922 |
| Half marathon | 21.0975 | 13.10937873 |
| Marathon | 42.195 | 26.21875746 |
Nautical miles are different
At sea and in the air, distances use the nautical mile of exactly 1,852 meters — about 1.150779448 ordinary miles. It is a separate unit, not another name for the mile.
Miles vs. Kilometers FAQ
- How many kilometers are in a mile?
- Exactly 1.609344.
- How many miles are in a kilometer?
- About 0.6213711922.
- Is a 5K race 3 miles?
- A little more: 5 kilometers is about 3.1 miles (3.106855961).
- How long is a marathon in miles?
- A marathon is 42.195 km, which is about 26.2 miles (26.21875746).
- Which countries use miles on road signs?
- The United States and the United Kingdom are the best-known examples. Most other countries use kilometers.
Related guides
- Metric vs. Imperial LengthHow metric and US or imperial length units relate, why the inch is exactly 2.54 centimeters, and where each system is still used.
- Mph vs. Km/hThe exact factor between miles per hour and kilometers per hour, tables of common speeds both ways, and quick ways to convert in your head.
Open the tool
Jump into Length Converter when you are ready to process your files.
