How to Convert Feet to Meters: Formula, Examples & Practical Guide
Learn how to convert feet to meters with the exact formula, a handy conversion table, and real-world use cases for construction, travel, and sports.
February 19, 2026
Whether you're planning a trip abroad, working on a construction project, or following international sports, knowing how to convert feet to meters is an essential skill. The metric system is used by the vast majority of countries worldwide, making this conversion one of the most commonly needed.
The Feet to Meters Formula
The conversion from feet to meters is straightforward. One foot equals exactly 0.3048 meters. To convert any measurement in feet to meters, simply multiply the number of feet by 0.3048.
Formula: meters = feet x 0.3048
For example, if you want to convert 10 feet to meters: 10 x 0.3048 = 3.048 meters.
Quick Reference Conversion Table
- 1 foot = 0.3048 m
- 3 feet = 0.9144 m
- 5 feet = 1.524 m
- 6 feet = 1.8288 m
- 10 feet = 3.048 m
- 25 feet = 7.62 m
- 50 feet = 15.24 m
- 100 feet = 30.48 m
Practical Use Cases
Construction and Architecture
In international construction projects, blueprints may use either feet or meters depending on the country of origin. Architects and builders frequently need to convert between these units when sourcing materials from different regions or working with international building codes. A ceiling height of 8 feet, for instance, translates to approximately 2.44 meters.
Travel and Navigation
When traveling between countries that use different measurement systems, understanding feet-to-meter conversions helps with everything from understanding room dimensions in hotel listings to interpreting altitude readings. Many European hiking trails display elevation in meters, while American hikers often think in feet.
Sports and Athletics
Track and field events, swimming pools, and sports fields often have dimensions specified in meters internationally but in feet domestically in the United States. A 100-meter dash track, the standard in Olympic events, is roughly 328 feet. Conversely, an American football field at 100 yards (300 feet) is about 91.44 meters long.
Why This Conversion Matters Internationally
Only three countries in the world have not officially adopted the metric system: the United States, Liberia, and Myanmar. This means that for the vast majority of global communication, meters are the standard unit of length. Scientists, engineers, and medical professionals worldwide use the metric system, making feet-to-meter conversion critical for anyone collaborating internationally.
Tips for Quick Mental Math
If you need a rough estimate without a calculator, remember that one foot is approximately one-third of a meter. So you can divide the number of feet by 3 to get a rough meter equivalent. For example, 15 feet is roughly 5 meters (the exact value is 4.572 m). This quick trick is handy for everyday situations where precision is not critical.
For precise conversions, especially in professional settings, always use the exact factor of 0.3048 or a reliable online converter tool. Our feet to meters converter handles the math instantly, giving you accurate results every time.