km to mi Conversion Calculator
Click on the following link if you want to convert miles to kilometers – mi to km
History
The kilometer (km) was introduced during the metric revolution in France in the late 18th century. It was designed to simplify long-distance measurement in a decimal-based system.
The mile (mi), by contrast, has roots in ancient Rome and became the standard unit in English-speaking countries long before the metric system was created.
Today, most of the world uses kilometers, while the United States and the United Kingdom still commonly use miles on road signs and maps.
Common Usage
- Kilometers (km) are used globally for measuring road distances, athletic events, and geographic scales.
- Miles (mi) are used in the U.S. and U.K. for travel distances, speed limits, and aviation.
For example, a 100-kilometer car trip equals about 62 miles.
Kilometers to Miles Conversion
The conversion formula is the inverse of the previous one:
mi = km ÷ 1.609344
Example:
Convert 10 kilometers to miles.
10 ÷ 1.609344 = 6.2137 mi
So, 10 kilometers equal approximately 6.21 miles.
Conversion Table
| Kilometers (km) | Miles (mi) |
|---|---|
| 1 km | 0.621 mi |
| 2 km | 1.242 mi |
| 5 km | 3.107 mi |
| 10 km | 6.214 mi |
| 20 km | 12.427 mi |
| 25 km | 15.534 mi |
| 50 km | 31.068 mi |
| 75 km | 46.602 mi |
| 100 km | 62.137 mi |
| 200 km | 124.274 mi |
Interesting Facts
- The 5K race (5 kilometers) equals 3.1 miles — a popular running distance worldwide.
- The speed of light is approximately 300,000 kilometers per second, or about 186,000 miles per second.
- A 100-kilometer car trip is roughly the same as driving from London to Oxford and back.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many miles are in a kilometer?
One kilometer equals 0.621 miles.
2. How do I convert kilometers to miles easily?
Divide the number of kilometers by 1.6 for a quick estimate.
3. How many miles are in 5 kilometers?
5 ÷ 1.609 = 3.1 miles.
4. Why do some countries still use miles?
Because of tradition and long-standing road infrastructure.
5. Which is shorter, 1 mile or 1 kilometer?
A kilometer is shorter — it’s about 0.62 of a mile.
