How to convert metres to feet
To convert metres to feet, multiply by 3.2808. One metre is about 3.2808 feet, which comes from dividing 1 by the exact 0.3048 metres in a foot. The converter works both ways between metres and feet.
For a quick estimate, multiply metres by 3 and add a bit: 2 m → about 6.5 ft. The exact figure is 6.56 ft.
Where you’ll use metres to feet
Metres are the standard almost everywhere, so people converting to feet are usually translating a metric figure for a US or UK audience, or for aviation and construction where feet are still common. Typical cases:
- Height: a height recorded in metres that you want to express in feet and inches.
- Aviation: altitudes are quoted in feet worldwide, so a metric figure often needs converting.
- Property listings: room and ceiling dimensions given in metres shown in feet for buyers who think imperially.
- Swimming and sport: pool lengths and field sizes converted from metres to feet.
- Hiking and geography: a summit height in metres translated to feet.
Metres and feet: what each unit is
The metre is the base unit of length in the metric (SI) system, defined by the speed of light. The foot is an imperial and US customary unit of 12 inches, fixed at exactly 0.3048 metres since 1959. Because that definition is exact, metres and feet convert precisely in both directions.
Metres to Feet conversion table
| Metres | Feet |
|---|
Common heights in metres, feet and feet-and-inches
| Metres | Feet (decimal) | Feet & inches |
|---|---|---|
| 1.60 m | 5.25 ft | 5 ft 3 in |
| 1.70 m | 5.58 ft | 5 ft 7 in |
| 1.75 m | 5.74 ft | 5 ft 9 in |
| 1.80 m | 5.91 ft | 5 ft 11 in |
| 1.90 m | 6.23 ft | 6 ft 3 in |
Worked examples
Convert 1.8 m to feet
1.8 × 3.2808 = 5.91 ft, i.e. about 5 ft 11 in.
Convert 10 m to feet
10 × 3.2808 = 32.81 ft.
Convert a 25 m swimming pool to feet
25 × 3.2808 = 82.02 ft, so a short-course pool is about 82 feet long.
Frequently asked questions
One metre is about 3.2808 feet, or 3 feet 3.37 inches.
Take the whole feet, then multiply the leftover decimal by 12 for the inches. 1.8 m = 5.91 ft = 5 ft 10.9 in.
Many countries use metres while others use feet for height, altitude and building dimensions, so conversion is often needed.
Yes, slightly. A metre is about 3.28 feet while a yard is exactly 3 feet, so a metre is roughly 9% longer than a yard.