Feet to Meters (ft to m) - Definition, Examples, Quiz, FAQ, Trivia
Learn to convert between imperial and metric length measurements with easy explanations and practice activities
What is Length Conversion?
Length conversion means changing a measurement from one unit to another. In this lesson, we're learning how to convert between feet (used in the imperial system) and meters (used in the metric system).
Why do we need to convert? Different countries use different measurement systems. Most countries use meters and centimeters, while the United States primarily uses feet and inches. Scientists also use metric measurements for consistency.
One foot equals 0.3048 meters. To convert feet to meters, we multiply the number of feet by 0.3048. Understanding this relationship helps us compare measurements and solve real-world problems.
Key Concept
1 foot = 0.3048 meters. This relationship is the foundation for all feet-to-meters conversions.
How to Convert Feet to Meters
Converting feet to meters is simple once you remember the conversion factor:
Conversion Formula
To convert any measurement in feet to meters, multiply the number of feet by 0.3048.
Example: Convert 10 feet to meters
Step 1: Start with the measurement in feet → 10 ft
Step 2: Multiply by 0.3048 → 10 × 0.3048
Step 3: Calculate the result → 3.048 meters
So 10 feet equals 3.048 meters. Easy, right?
Remember
When converting feet to meters, your answer will be a smaller number because meters are larger units than feet.
Feet to Meters Conversion Charts
Conversion charts help us quickly find equivalent measurements without calculating each time. Here are two useful charts for converting feet to meters:
Feet to Meters Height Conversion Chart
| Feet (ft) | Meters (m) |
|---|---|
| 1 ft | 0.30 m |
| 2 ft | 0.61 m |
| 3 ft | 0.91 m |
| 4 ft | 1.22 m |
| 5 ft | 1.52 m |
| 6 ft | 1.83 m |
| 7 ft | 2.13 m |
| 8 ft | 2.44 m |
| 9 ft | 2.74 m |
| 10 ft | 3.05 m |
Common Object Conversion Chart
| Object | Feet | Meters |
|---|---|---|
| Door height | 7 ft | 2.13 m |
| Basketball hoop | 10 ft | 3.05 m |
| Classroom length | 30 ft | 9.14 m |
| Swimming pool | 75 ft | 22.86 m |
| Soccer field width | 225 ft | 68.58 m |
Chart Tip
Notice how each additional foot adds about 0.3 meters? You can use this pattern to estimate conversions!
Real-World Examples
Let's practice conversion with some real-world examples:
Example 1: A standard doorway is 7 feet tall. How tall is it in meters?
Solution: 7 × 0.3048 = 2.1336 meters (about 2.13 m)
Example 2: A basketball hoop is 10 feet high. What is this height in meters?
Solution: 10 × 0.3048 = 3.048 meters (about 3.05 m)
Example 3: A classroom is 25 feet long. Convert this length to meters.
Solution: 25 × 0.3048 = 7.62 meters
Example 4: A bookshelf is 1.8 meters tall. How many feet is this?
Solution: To convert meters to feet, divide by 0.3048: 1.8 ÷ 0.3048 ≈ 5.9 feet
Practice converting measurements you see around you - your height, the length of your room, or the height of objects in your classroom!
Conversion Tip
To convert meters back to feet, divide by 0.3048 instead of multiplying.
Conversion Practice Quiz
Test your conversion skills with this 5-question quiz. Choose the correct answer for each question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about feet and meters conversion:
Measurement Trivia
Discover interesting facts about measurement systems:
Origin of the Foot
The foot was originally based on the actual length of a human foot. In ancient times, different civilizations had different standard foot measurements, ranging from 9.8 inches to over 13 inches.
Meter Definition
The meter was originally defined in 1793 as one ten-millionth of the distance from the equator to the North Pole. Today, it's defined as the distance light travels in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 of a second.
Space Measurement
NASA uses metric measurements for all its space missions. The Mars Climate Orbiter was lost in 1999 because one engineering team used metric units while another used imperial units for calculations.
Tallest Building
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the world's tallest building at 828 meters (2,717 feet). That's equivalent to about 2,722 feet!
