Decameter to Kilometer Converter

A decameter (dam) is a unit of length in the metric system equal to 10 meters. It serves as an intermediate unit between meters and hectometers.

The decameter was part of the original metric system established in 1795. The prefix 'deca-' comes from the Greek word 'deka' meaning 'ten'. Despite being part of the original system, it has seen very limited practical adoption.

Decameters are rarely used in practical applications. They may occasionally appear in some technical or scientific contexts, but meters and kilometers are generally preferred for most measurements that would fall within the decameter range.

A kilometer (km) is a unit of length in the metric system equal to 1,000 meters. It is one of the most commonly used units for measuring medium to long distances on Earth.

The kilometer was first introduced in 1795 during the French Revolution as part of the original metric system. The term comes from the Greek word 'khilioi' meaning 'thousand' and the French word 'mètre'. It became widely adopted throughout Europe in the 19th century and is now the standard unit for road distances in most countries worldwide.

Kilometers are extensively used for measuring road distances, city planning, geographical surveys, and athletic events like marathons. Most countries use kilometers for speed limits (km/h) and fuel efficiency measurements. It's the standard unit for mapping and GPS navigation systems globally.