Kilometers to Miles Converter

Relationship Between Kilometres and Miles

The conversion between kilometres and miles is based on the international standard where 1 kilometre equals approximately 0.621371 miles.

1 km = 0.621371 mi

Therefore,

1 mi = 1.609344 km

To convert kilometres to miles, we multiply the value in kilometres by 0.621371 (or divide by 1.609344).

For example, 1 kilometre equals approximately 0.621 miles, and 10 kilometres equal approximately 6.214 miles.

Kilometre

What is a Kilometre (km)?

A kilometre (symbol: km) is a unit of length in the International System of Units (SI), equal to one thousand metres (1 km = 1000 m). The prefix 'kilo-' means one thousand, making the kilometre a larger unit suitable for measuring longer distances.

History and Origin of the Kilometre

The kilometre is based on the metre, which is the base unit of length in the SI system. The prefix 'kilo-' comes from the Greek word 'khilioi' meaning 'thousand'. The metric system was developed in France in the late 18th century and has since become the most widely used system of measurement worldwide.

Modern Applications of Kilometres

Kilometres are used globally (in metric countries) for measuring longer distances such as road distances, travel routes, geographic measurements, and athletic events like marathons. Most countries use kilometres for road signs, maps, and vehicle speedometers. A marathon race is 42.195 kilometres long.

Mile

What is a Mile (mi)?

A mile (symbol: mi) is a unit of length in the imperial and US customary systems of measurement. It is currently defined as exactly 1,609.344 metres. The mile is widely used in the United States, United Kingdom, and some other countries for measuring distances, particularly for road distances and speed limits.

Origin and History

The mile has ancient origins, with the word 'mile' coming from the Latin 'mille passus' meaning 'a thousand paces'. The Roman mile was approximately 1,000 paces (about 1,479 metres). Over time, different regions developed their own definitions. The modern statute mile was established in England in 1593 and later standardized internationally in 1959 as exactly 1,609.344 metres.

Current Use

• Road distances: Used in the United States and United Kingdom for measuring distances between cities and towns
• Speed limits: Vehicle speed limits are expressed in miles per hour (mph) in the US and UK
• Athletics: Track events like the mile run (1,609.344 metres)
• Aviation: Nautical miles are used for air and sea navigation (1 nautical mile = 1.852 km)
• Everyday measurements: Common for measuring travel distances, running distances, and car odometers

Kilometre to Mile Conversion Table

The conversion of kilometres to miles for certain values are provided below: