How to Convert Kilometers to Feet
The kilometer (km) is a unit of distaance in the metric system, while the foot (ft) is a unit in the imperial system, commonly used in the United States and the UK. Kilometers measure long distances like highways and geographical boundaries, while feet are often used for building measurements and human height. For instant km ↔ ft conversions, try our user-friendly Length Converter and get your answer in a flash!
To convert kilometers to feet, use this formula:
Feet = Kilometers × 3,280.84
For example, if you want to convert 2 kilometers to feet:
2 × 3,280.84 = 6,561.68 ft
This means that 1 kilometer equals 3,280.84 feet.
Interesting Facts
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The height of Mount Everest is 8.848 km, which equals 29,029 feet.
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The Empire State Building is 443.2 meters tall (or 1,454 feet), meaning it's about 0.44 km high.
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A football field (including end zones) in the U.S. is 360 feet long, or about 0.11 km.
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The tallest tree in the world, Hyperion, is 115.92 meters tall, which is approximately 380.1 feet or 0.116 km.
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The deepest point of the ocean, the Mariana Trench, is 11 km deep, which is roughly 36,089 feet.
The Story of Aviation and Altitude in Feet
In aviation, altitudes are measured in feet, not kilometers. This practice dates back to the early 20th century, when British and American pilots used feet for flight altitude. During World War II, the use of feet became standardized in aircraft, as most military navigation and pressure altimeters were calibrated in feet.
For example, commercial airplanes cruise at 35,000 feet, which is about 10.67 km above the ground. The Concorde, the famous supersonic jet, flew at 60,000 feet (about 18.29 km), allowing passengers to see the curvature of the Earth.
Even today, pilots worldwide use feet for altitude while using kilometers for ground distance, making conversions like km to ft essential in aviation.
Conclusion
To convert kilometers to feet, simply multiply by 3,280.84. This conversion is important in various fields, from aviation and geography to sports and architecture. Understanding km to ft helps in many real-world applications, making measurement conversions more practical and accessible. Ready to handle any unit conversion with ease? Explore our Conversion tool and convert like a pro!