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Ft to M - How to Convert Feet to Meters
The foot (ft) is a unit of length used in the imperial and US customary measurement systems, commonly applied in architecture, construction, and height measurement. For instant ft-to-m conversions, try our user-friendly Length Converter and get precise results in seconds!
The meter (m) is the fundamental unit of length in the metric system, widely adopted worldwide in science, engineering, and everyday measurements.
To convert ft to m, use this formula:
Meters = Feet × 0.3048
For example, to convert 10 ft to meters:
10 × 0.3048 = 3.048 m
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Interesting Facts
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The meter was originally defined in 1791 as one ten-millionth of the distance from the equator to the North Pole.
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The foot was historically based on the length of a human foot, varying across civilizations before being standardized at 0.3048 meters in 1959.
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The Eiffel Tower stands at 1,083 ft (330 m), making it one of the tallest structures in the world.
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A basketball hoop is exactly 10 ft (3.048 m) high, a standard height used in professional and amateur leagues worldwide.
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The world’s tallest recorded person, Robert Wadlow, stood at 8 ft 11 in (2.72 m).
The Story of the "Metric vs. Imperial" Disaster
One of the most infamous measurement errors in history happened in 1999, when NASA’s Mars Climate Orbiter was lost due to a mix-up between feet and meters. The spacecraft, worth $125 million, was meant to enter Mars' orbit, but instead, it burned up in the atmosphere because one engineering team used imperial units (ft, in) while another used metric units (m, cm).
This incident became a classic example of why standardizing measurement systems is crucial in science and engineering. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of accurate unit conversions—proving that a small error in converting ft to m can have massive consequences.
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Conclusion
To convert ft to m, simply multiply by 0.3048. While feet are still used in the US and UK, meters dominate in science, engineering, and international measurements. Whether in space exploration, architecture, or sports, understanding both units ensures accuracy and precision in a world that depends on measurements. For more versatile unit conversions, check out our comprehensive Conversion tool and simplify your workflow!
