Meter (m)
The meter is the SI base unit of length. One meter equals exactly 100 centimeters, 1,000 millimeters, or about 3.28084 feet.
- Symbol
- m
- System
- Metric
- Meter value
- 1 m
- Singular
- meter
- Plural
- meters
- Aliases
- metre, metres
What a meter measures
The meter is the anchor for metric length. Smaller and larger metric units are powers-of-ten multiples of it, while customary units connect to it through exact international definitions.
- A meter contains exactly 100 centimeters.
- A kilometer contains exactly 1,000 meters.
- A yard equals exactly 0.9144 meter.
- A meter is approximately 39.3701 inches.
Where meters are used
Definition and standardization
The meter is one of the seven SI base units. Its modern definition is tied to the fixed numerical value of the speed of light in vacuum.
The symbol is m. Unit names are lowercase in ordinary text, even when a sentence contains a measured quantity.
Metric prefixes such as milli, centi, and kilo create coherent powers-of-ten multiples of the meter.
Tools used to measure meters
- Meter stick for direct classroom and workshop measurement
- Tape measure for rooms and construction
- Laser distance meter for longer spans and interior dimensions
- Surveying instruments for land and engineering work
Common mistakes
- Confusing the symbol m with square meters or cubic meters
- Moving the decimal in the wrong direction when applying metric prefixes
- Using a rounded feet conversion when an exact calculation is required
Meter questions
What is the official definition of a meter?
The SI defines the meter using the fixed speed of light in vacuum and the definition of the second.
How many feet are in a meter?
One meter is approximately 3.280839895 feet.
Is meter spelled metre?
Meter is the US spelling and metre is used in many other English-speaking regions; both refer to the same unit and use the symbol m.