Kilometer to Mile Converter

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.

A mile is a unit of length commonly used in the United States and United Kingdom, equal to 5,280 feet or approximately 1.609 kilometers. The statute mile is the most common variant.

The mile originated from the Roman 'mille passus' meaning 'thousand paces', approximately 5,000 Roman feet. The English mile evolved through various definitions until the statute mile of 5,280 feet was standardized in 1593 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

Miles are primarily used in the United States, United Kingdom, and a few other countries for road distances, speed measurements (mph), and in aviation (nautical miles). They remain the standard for highway signs, odometers, and speed limits in these countries.