Miles to Kilometres Converter
Convert miles to kilometres, or kilometres to miles, with the exact factor shown.
What this tool does
To convert miles to kilometres, multiply by 1.609344. So 1 mile is 1.609 km, 5 miles is 8.047 km and 26.2 miles (a marathon) is about 42.2 km. To go the other way, divide kilometres by 1.609344. Enter a value above for the exact result.
Converts between miles, kilometres, metres, feet, yards using exact factors, and shows the factor used.
Updates as you type, and the swap button reverses the direction.
How to use it
- Enter the value in miles, or press Swap units to start from kilometres.
- Pick another unit from the lists if you need a different one.
- Read the result and the factor beneath it.
- Press Copy to copy the result.
Why use this converter
Converts miles to kilometres (and back) with the exact factor of 1.609344, not a rounded 1.6. Roads, running events and travel plans use miles in some countries and kilometres in others. A quick rule of thumb is close but drifts on long distances, so an exact conversion is worth having.
Why we built it
We built the miles to km converter around the exact 1.609344 factor and added common race distances. Convert speeds with the mph to km/h converter and plan a run with the pace calculator.
Who this tool is for
- Drivers, runners and cyclists abroad
- Travellers reading road signs
- Students
When to use it
- Driving or cycling in a country that uses the other unit.
- Comparing running races and training plans.
- Reading maps, signs and rental car limits.
- Converting a distance for a form or a report.
How it works
One international mile is defined as exactly 1,609.344 metres, so miles × 1.609344 = kilometres and kilometres ÷ 1.609344 = miles. The mental shortcut "multiply by 1.6" is about 0.6% low.
| Miles | Kilometres |
|---|---|
| 1 mi | 1.60934 km |
| 5 mi | 8.04672 km |
| 10 mi | 16.0934 km |
| 26.2 mi | 42.1648 km |
| 50 mi | 80.4672 km |
| 100 mi | 160.934 km |
What you give it, and what you get back
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Value | A number in the "from" unit. Decimals and negative numbers are accepted. |
| From and To | Any of 5 units: Miles, Kilometres, Metres, Feet, Yards. |
| Result | The converted value and the exact conversion factor. |
Issues you may run into
| What you see | Why it happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Answer is slightly different from a quick estimate | A rough 1.6 or 5/8 shortcut was used. | Use the exact result shown. |
| Nautical miles expected | A nautical mile (1,852 m) is a different unit. | Use the length converter, which includes nautical miles. |
| Result is the wrong way round | The direction is reversed. | Press Swap units. |
Assumptions and limitations
- Results are shown with practical rounding; the calculation itself uses exact factors.
- It converts a number between units - it does not know what the quantity is.
Frequently asked questions
How many kilometres are in a mile?
One mile is exactly 1.609344 kilometres.
How do I convert miles to km in my head?
Multiply by 1.6, or multiply by 8 and divide by 5. Both are close for short distances.
How many km is a marathon?
A marathon is 26.2 miles, which is 42.195 km.
How do I convert km to miles?
Divide the kilometres by 1.609344, or multiply by 0.621371.
Is the factor exact?
Yes. The international mile is defined as exactly 1,609.344 metres.
Is it free and private?
Yes. It runs in your browser.