Miles to Kilometers Calculator
Convert a distance in miles (mi) to kilometers (km). Enter a value in miles and the calculator returns the metric distance used on signage and maps across most of the world.
How It Works
By international agreement the mile is exactly 1.609344 kilometers, so this conversion is exact rather than a close approximation. Multiplying miles by that factor gives kilometers, and because the scales share a common zero you can convert any distance — a short walk or a cross-country drive — with the same single multiplication. Note that this is the statute (land) mile; the nautical mile used in aviation and shipping is a different unit of 1.852 kilometers.
Worked Examples
Example 1 — short drive. 10 miles × 1.609344 ≈ 16.09 km.
Example 2 — marathon. 26.2 miles × 1.609344 ≈ 42.16 km.
When to Use This Calculator
This conversion helps when you drive a US-measured route in a country that posts distances in kilometers, when you enter a race organized in metric units, or when a navigation app or map abroad expects kilometers. Cyclists and drivers also use it to compare odometer readings or fuel economy across measurement systems.
| Miles | Kilometers |
|---|---|
| 1 mi | 1.61 km |
| 5 mi | 8.05 km |
| 10 mi | 16.09 km |
| 13.1 mi (half) | 21.08 km |
| 26.2 mi (marathon) | 42.16 km |
| 50 mi | 80.47 km |
| 100 mi | 160.93 km |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kilometers is 1 mile?
One statute mile is exactly 1.609344 kilometers, often rounded to 1.61 km for everyday use.
Is a mile the same as a nautical mile?
No. A nautical mile equals 1.852 kilometers and is used in aviation and maritime navigation, whereas the land mile in this calculator is 1.609 kilometers.
What is a quick mental estimate?
Add about 60 percent to the miles. For example, 10 miles plus 6 is roughly 16 km, matching the exact 16.09.