Mile to Kilometer Converter
Converts mile to kilometer (mi to km) and back. The conversion factor is shown below every result.
How to Convert Mile to Kilometer
What Is a Mile?
The statute mile (mi), common to US customary and imperial measurement, is fixed at exactly 1,609.344 meters.
What Is a Kilometer?
A kilometer (km), a metric length unit, equals 1,000 meters.
Common Mile to Kilometer Reference Points
Real-world reference values for quick sanity checks.
| Item | Mile (mi) | Kilometer (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| A marathon (approx.) | 26.2 mi | 42.16 km |
| A typical daily commute (approx.) | 15 mi | 24.14 km |
| Reference values are illustrative approximations for common items, not measured specifications. | ||
Mile to Kilometer Conversion Table
| Mile (mi) | Kilometer (km) |
|---|---|
| 1 mi | 1.609344 km |
| 5 mi | 8.04672 km |
| 10 mi | 16.09344 km |
| 26.2 mi | 42.164813 km |
| 50 mi | 80.4672 km |
| 100 mi | 160.9344 km |
| 500 mi | 804.672 km |
| Source: NIST SP 811, Appendix B (1 mi = 1,609.344 m exactly) | |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert miles to kilometers?
Multiply the mile value by 1.609344. For example, 26.2 mi × 1.609344 = 42.165 km.
Is 1.609344 exact?
Yes. The statute mile is defined as exactly 1,609.344 meters, so this factor carries no rounding error.
Why do speed limit signs differ between the US and most other countries?
The US uses miles for road distances and speed limits, while most of the rest of the world uses kilometers, which is why the same physical speed shows different numbers depending on which country's signs you're reading.
Related Length Converters
A good measuring tool marked in both mi and km removes the guesswork at the point of use.