Meters to Feet Calculator
m to feet: In this tutorial, we shall give a small introduction to both the units: meters and feet; learn about the relation between these two units, create a formula to convert from meters to feet, and then use the formula to convert given number of meters to feet with examples.
Introduction to Meters (m)
Meters (m) are a fundamental unit of length in the metric system.
One meter is defined as the distance light travels in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 of a second.
Important points about meters unit:
- 1 meter is equal to 100 centimeters.
- The symbol for meter is “m.”
- 1 meter is equal to 1,000 millimeters.
- In the imperial system, 1 meter is approximately 3.2808 feet.
Introduction to Feet (‘)
Feet are imperial system unit of length, particularly in the US and the UK.
One foot is defined as 1/3 of a yard. It is also equivalent to 0.3048 meters in the metric system.
Important points about feet unit:
- 1 foot is equal to 12 inches.
- The symbol for foot is usually written as a single prime (‘). foot, feet, ft., are also used in general.
- 1 foot is exactly 0.3048 meters in the metric system.
How to Convert from Meters to Feet
The relation between meters and feet is:
1 meter is equal to 3.2808 feet.
Formula for Conversion
We can put the above relation into a formula to convert meters (m) to feet (ft).
feet = meters × 3.2808
Examples
Let us go through some real-life examples, where we are given a length in meters, and we need to convert that length from meters to feet.
Example 1: Convert 5 m to feet
Consider that we have a room whose length is 5 m. We need to find this room length in feet.
Solution
Step 1: Write the formula for conversion from meters to feet.
feet = meters × 3.2808
Step 2: Substitute the value of meters with 5 in the above formula.
feet = 5 × 3.2808
Step 3: Simplify the multiplication present on the right-hand side of the equation.
feet = 16.404
Answer: Therefore, 5 m = 16.404 feet.
Example 2: Convert 10 m to feet
Consider that we are building a swimming pool whose length is 10 meters. We have to lay tiles for this swimming pool, and we have 1 foot tiles. We need to find this pool length in feet.
Solution
Step 1: Write the formula for conversion from meters to feet.
feet = meters × 3.2808
Step 2: Substitute the value of meters with 10 in the above formula.
feet = 10 × 3.2808
Step 3: Simplify the multiplication present on the right-hand side of the equation.
feet = 32.808
Answer: Therefore, 10 m = 32.808 feet.
Table of Conversions from Meters to Feet
The following table lists lengths of some common objects, converting from meters to feet.
| Scenario | Length in m | Length in feet |
|---|---|---|
| Height of a standard door | 2 m | 6.56 feet |
| Length of a small car | 4.5 m | 14.76 feet |
| Height of a refrigerator | 1.7 m | 5.58 feet |
| Length of a bicycle | 1.8 m | 5.91 feet |
| Height of a human | 1.75 m | 5.74 feet |
| Length of a standard bed | 2 m | 6.56 feet |
| Height of a kitchen countertop | 0.9 m | 2.95 feet |
| Length of a football field | 100 m | 328.08 feet |
| Height of a basketball hoop | 3.05 m | 10 feet |
| Length of a ping pong table | 2.74 m | 8.99 feet |
Frequently Asked Questions about Meters to Feet Conversion
1. How do you convert meters to feet?
To convert meters to feet, you need to multiply the length in meters by 3.2808. The formula is:
feet = meters * 3.2808
2. What is the formula to convert feet to meters?
To convert feet to meters, you multiply the length in feet by 0.3048. The formula is:
meters = feet * 0.3048
3. How many feet are in 1 meter?
1 meter is equal to approximately 3.2808 feet.
4. How many meters are in 1 foot?
1 foot is equal to exactly 0.3048 meters.
5. Why do we use the factor 3.2808 to convert meters to feet?
The factor 3.2808 comes from the relationship between meters and feet, as 1 meter is approximately 3.2808 feet.
6. Can I use a calculator to convert meters to feet?
Yes, you can use a calculator. Simply multiply the value in meters by 3.2808 to get the value in feet.
Common Mistakes When Converting Meters to Feet and How to Avoid Them
Converting meters to feet may seem straightforward, but it’s easy to make mistakes that can lead to inaccurate results. Here are the top five common pitfalls people encounter and tips on how to avoid them.
1. Using the Wrong Conversion Factor
One of the most frequent errors is using an incorrect conversion factor. The correct factor is that 1 meter equals approximately 3.2808 feet. If you mistakenly use an incorrect number, your conversions will be off.
How to Avoid: Always double-check that you’re using the correct conversion factor. When in doubt, refer to a reliable source or calculator.
2. Mixing Up Units
It’s easy to confuse meters with feet, especially if you’re dealing with various measurements. This mix-up can lead to significant errors in your calculations.
How to Avoid: Clearly label your measurements, and take a moment to ensure you know which unit you’re starting with before you convert.
3. Rounding Too Early
Rounding decimals too soon can throw off your results. For example, if you round 3.2808 to 3.3 before completing your calculation, you could end up with a final answer that’s incorrect.
How to Avoid: Keep all decimal points during your calculations until you reach the final answer, and only round when you’re done to ensure accuracy.
4. Using Approximate Values
Sometimes, people opt for easier-to-remember approximate values, like using 3 for feet instead of the precise 3.2808. This can lead to inaccuracies, particularly in important measurements.
How to Avoid: Always use the exact conversion factor of 3.2808 for the most reliable results. Precision matters!
5. Ignoring Decimal Places
When working with larger numbers, it’s easy to overlook decimal points. For example, converting 5.75 meters to feet requires careful attention to the decimal; if you only convert 5 meters, you’ll miss the additional conversion from 0.75.
How to Avoid: Track your decimal places carefully throughout the conversion process to avoid significant errors in your results.
Always be aware of these common mistakes and following the tips given in how to avoid sections.