Mile (mi)
A statute mile is exactly 5,280 feet, 1,760 yards, or 1,609.344 meters. It is distinct from the longer nautical mile.
- Symbol
- mi
- System
- Imperial
- Meter value
- 1,609.344 m
- Singular
- mile
- Plural
- miles
- Aliases
- mile, miles, statute mile, statute miles
What a mile measures
The mile is a customary long-distance unit. It is commonly compared with the kilometer for travel and running, using the exact meter definition as the conversion bridge.
- One mile contains exactly 5,280 feet.
- One mile contains exactly 1,760 yards.
- One mile equals exactly 1.609344 kilometers.
- A 5-kilometer event is approximately 3.107 miles.
Where miles are used
Definition and standardization
The statute mile is derived from the international foot, so 1 mile equals exactly 1,609.344 meters.
The symbol is mi. It distinguishes the statute mile from the nautical mile, whose symbol is nmi.
A nautical mile is exactly 1,852 meters and should not be substituted in road-distance calculations.
Tools used to measure miles
- Vehicle odometer for traveled distance
- GPS receiver and mapping software for routes
- Calibrated track or measuring wheel for shorter course layouts
Common mistakes
- Using a nautical mile in place of a statute mile
- Reversing the 1.609344 kilometers-per-mile factor
- Rounding too early when summing several route segments
Mile questions
How many kilometers are in a mile?
One statute mile equals exactly 1.609344 kilometers.
How many feet are in a mile?
There are exactly 5,280 feet in 1 statute mile.
Is a nautical mile the same as a mile?
No. A nautical mile is exactly 1,852 meters, while a statute mile is exactly 1,609.344 meters.