Direct answer
In symbolic form:
In this formula, m represents meters and ft represents feet.
Use the Feet to Meters Converter to calculate another value.
Why the factor is exactly 0.3048
The international foot is defined as exactly 0.3048 meter. It also contains exactly 12 inches.
One international inch equals exactly 0.0254 meter. Multiplying the inch value by 12 gives the length of one foot:
12 x 0.0254 = 0.3048
1 foot = exactly 0.3048 meterBecause both relationships are defined, no approximation is needed in the conversion factor itself.
Apply the formula step by step
- Start with the length in feet.
- Multiply the foot value by 0.3048.
- Keep the complete result during calculation.
- Round the final meter value when appropriate.
- Write the unit as m or meters.
Formula example: 6 feet
m = ft x 0.3048
m = 6 x 0.3048
m = 1.8288
6 feet = 1.8288 metersFormula example: 15 feet
m = 15 x 0.3048
m = 4.572
15 feet = 4.572 metersFormula example: 50 feet
m = 50 x 0.3048
m = 15.24
50 feet = 15.24 metersUsing the formula with decimal feet
Decimal measurements are inserted into the same formula without changing the factor.
Example: 7.5 feet
m = 7.5 x 0.3048
m = 2.286
7.5 feet = 2.286 metersExample: 13.2 feet
m = 13.2 x 0.3048
m = 4.02336
13.2 feet = 4.02336 metersExample: 18.75 feet
m = 18.75 x 0.3048
m = 5.715
18.75 feet = 5.715 metersUsing the formula with fractions
A fraction can be divided into a decimal before being placed in the formula.
Example: three-quarter foot
3 / 4 = 0.75
m = 0.75 x 0.3048
m = 0.2286
3/4 foot = 0.2286 meterExample: 2 1/4 feet
1 / 4 = 0.25
2 + 0.25 = 2.25 feet
m = 2.25 x 0.3048
m = 0.6858
2 1/4 feet = 0.6858 meterReverse meters-to-feet formula
To reverse the direction, divide meters by 0.3048 or multiply by approximately 3.280839895.
Feet = meters / 0.3048
Feet = meters x 3.280839895
Open the Meters to Feet Converter for the reverse calculation.
Formula reference table
| Feet | Calculation | Meters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ft | 1 x 0.3048 | 0.3048 m |
| 5 ft | 5 x 0.3048 | 1.524 m |
| 10 ft | 10 x 0.3048 | 3.048 m |
| 20 ft | 20 x 0.3048 | 6.096 m |
| 50 ft | 50 x 0.3048 | 15.24 m |
| 100 ft | 100 x 0.3048 | 30.48 m |
Exact factor versus shortened factors
| Factor | Typical use | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| 0.3048 | Exact conversion | Exact factor |
| 0.305 | Quick calculated approximation | Slightly rounded |
| 0.3 | Mental estimate | Approximate |
Use 0.3048 whenever the calculation needs to preserve the defined conversion relationship.
How rounding affects the result
The conversion factor is exact, but the starting measurement may be approximate. The final result should reflect the precision of the original value.
Exact calculation: 17 x 0.3048 = 5.1816 meters
Rounded to three decimals: 5.182 meters
Rounded to two decimals: 5.18 meters
Rounded to one decimal: 5.2 meters
Linear feet only
The formula converts linear feet to linear meters. It does not directly convert square feet or cubic feet.
Formula mistakes to avoid
Multiplying by 3.28
The factor 3.28 is used in the reverse direction from meters to feet.
Dividing feet by 0.3048
Dividing by 0.3048 also reverses the intended conversion.
Rounding the factor to 0.3 for exact work
The factor 0.3 is only an estimate.
Using the formula for area or volume
Square and cubic measurements require different conversion factors.
Related feet-to-meters guides
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for converting feet to meters?
Multiply feet by exactly 0.3048.
Is 0.3048 an exact conversion factor?
Yes. One international foot is defined as exactly 0.3048 meter.
Can the formula be used with decimal feet?
Yes. Multiply the complete decimal foot value by 0.3048.
What is the reverse formula?
Divide meters by 0.3048 or multiply meters by approximately 3.280839895.