What this calculator does
Kms to miles is one of the most common conversions travellers, runners and drivers run into, since road signs, race distances and speedometers switch between metric and imperial depending on the country. One mile is defined as exactly 1.609344 kilometres, so the conversion is a fixed, exact factor in either direction.
This calculator converts kilometres to miles or miles to kilometres, both directions, with the equivalent in nautical miles shown alongside for anyone working with marine or aviation distances too.
The formula
Dividing a distance in kilometres by 1.609344 gives the equivalent in miles. Multiplying a distance in miles by 1.609344 gives the equivalent in kilometres. Because the mile is defined in terms of the metre (via the international yard), this factor is exact, not an approximation.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Kilometre (km) | The metric unit of distance equal to 1,000 metres. |
| Mile (mi) | An imperial and US customary unit of distance, defined as exactly 1.609344 kilometres. |
| 1.609344 | The exact number of kilometres in one mile, fixed by international agreement since 1959. |
The inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Value | The value to convert, either a distance in kilometres or in miles, depending on the direction chosen below. |
| Convert | Choose whether to convert km to miles, or miles to km. |
When to use it
Converting a road distance while travelling
A distance shown on a road sign or GPS in kilometres converts to miles for a driver more used to thinking in miles, or the other way around.
Comparing race or running distances
A race distance, such as a run advertised in kilometres, converts to miles to compare against a training plan or personal best measured in miles.
Checking a vehicle's fuel economy or speed figures
A speed or distance figure from a vehicle spec sheet in one unit converts to the other for comparison against local road rules or a different market's figures.
Worked examples
Every figure in the tables below is produced by this page’s own calculator at build time, so the numbers and the tool always agree. Select any row to load that scenario.
Kms to miles, for common distances
A range of kilometre values, each converted to miles.
| Kilometres | Miles | In nautical miles |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.621 mi | 0.540 nmi |
| 5 | 3.107 mi | 2.700 nmi |
| 10 | 6.214 mi | 5.400 nmi |
| 42.195 | 26.219 mi | 22.783 nmi |
| 100 | 62.137 mi | 53.996 nmi |
| 500 | 310.686 mi | 269.978 nmi |
Miles to kms, for common distances
A range of mile values, each converted to kilometres.
| Miles | Kilometres | In nautical miles |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.609 km | 0.869 nmi |
| 5 | 8.047 km | 4.345 nmi |
| 10 | 16.093 km | 8.690 nmi |
| 26.219 | 42.195 km | 22.784 nmi |
| 100 | 160.934 km | 86.898 nmi |
| 1000 | 1,609.344 km | 868.976 nmi |
Questions
How many miles is 100 km?
About 62.137 miles, from 100 ÷ 1.609344.
How many km is 1 mile?
Exactly 1.609344 km, by definition.
How do I convert kms to miles quickly, without a calculator?
A rough mental shortcut is to multiply kilometres by 0.62, or divide by 1.6, which gets within about 1% of the exact figure. For anything that needs to be precise, use the exact 1.609344 factor.
Is a nautical mile the same as a regular mile?
No. A nautical mile is 1.852 km, based on one minute of latitude, while a standard (statute) mile is 1.609344 km. This calculator converts the standard mile; the nautical mile equivalent is shown as an extra figure.
For the full metric and imperial length ladder, including feet, yards and nautical miles, see the length converter. For converting speed instead of distance, see the length converter's speed section.