What is a Kilometer? (km)
Definition
A kilometer (symbol: km) is a unit of length equal to 1,000 meters. It is the standard unit for measuring road distances and geographic distances in countries that use the metric system. The kilometer is used by most of the world for everyday distance measurement, with the notable exception of the United States and United Kingdom which use miles.
Common Uses
- › Road distances and speed limits
- › Geographic and map distances
- › Running and cycling races
- › Weather forecast visibility
Converters
Key Facts
- Symbolkm
- CategoryLength
- 1 km = 1,000 m
- 1 km ≈ 0.6214 miles
- 1 km = 100,000 cm
- 1 km ≈ 3,280.84 ft
Related Terms
About the Kilometer
A kilometer (symbol: km) is a unit of length equal to 1,000 meters. It is the standard unit for measuring road distances and geographic distances in countries that use the metric system. The kilometer is used by most of the world for everyday distance measurement, with the notable exception of the United States and United Kingdom which use miles.
Equivalents and conversions
- 1 km = 1,000 m
- 1 km ≈ 0.6214 miles
- 1 km = 100,000 cm
- 1 km ≈ 3,280.84 ft