How to convert feet to metres

The metric system is an international decimalised system of measurement that was first adopted by France in 1791. It is the common system of measuring units used by most countries of the world. Other systems of measurement, however, are widely used. For example, in the UK, the Traffic Sign Regulations permit distance signs to display only imperial units (ie, miles or yards). The metre is one of the metric system's base units. A common conversion is from feet into metres, particularly for the purposes of construction and design.

Calculation

• 1
  Make a note of your figures to avoid confusion. pencil and paper image by Anita P Peppers from Fotolia.com

  Write down the distance in feet you want to convert to metres.

• 2
  Using a calculator is easier than working the sum out in your head. calculator image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com

  Multiply the number of feet you have by 0.3048 to convert the distance into metres, using a calculator.

• 3
  Check that the answer is correct. Calculator image by Alhazm Salemi from Fotolia.com

  Divide this figure by 0.3048, using the calculator, to check that it the calculation is correct. Your answer should be the original distance in feet.