Relationship Between Kilometres and Metres

The conversion between kilometres and metres is based on the metric system where 1 kilometre equals exactly 1000 metres.

1 km = 1000 m

Therefore,

1 m = 0.001 km

To convert kilometres to metres, we simply multiply the value in kilometres by 1000.

For example, 1 kilometre equals 1000 metres, and 5 kilometres equal 5000 metres.

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.

Metre

What is a Metre (m)?

A metre (symbol: m) is the base unit of length in the International System of Units (SI). It is currently defined as the distance light travels in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 of a second. This makes the metre an extremely precise and universally consistent unit of measurement.

Origin and History

The metre was originally defined in 1793 as one ten-millionth of the distance from the equator to the North Pole along the Paris meridian. The word 'metre' comes from the Greek word 'metron' meaning 'measure'. Over time, the definition has been refined multiple times to increase accuracy, with the current light-based definition adopted in 1983.

Current Use

Metres are used worldwide as the standard unit for measuring medium-length distances. They are used in construction, engineering, sports (track and field events), science, and everyday measurements. Common examples include room dimensions, building heights, athletic track lengths, and human height in many countries. One metre is approximately 3.28 feet or 39.37 inches.

Kilometre to Metre Conversion Table

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