How many metres are in a kilometre?

There are exactly 1,000 metres in one kilometre. The prefix 'kilo' means one thousand in the International System of Units (SI), so 1 km = 1,000 m by definition. To convert kilometres to metres, multiply by 1,000. For example, 5 km = 5,000 m.

How do I convert metres back to kilometres?

To convert metres to kilometres, divide by 1,000. For example, 2,500 m divided by 1,000 = 2.5 km. This calculator supports reverse conversion: enter a value in the metres field and it will calculate the equivalent kilometres automatically.

Is a kilometre the same as 1,000 metres in all countries?

Yes. The kilometre is an SI unit used worldwide and is defined as exactly 1,000 metres everywhere. Countries that use the imperial system (such as the United States) measure road distances in miles, but the definition of 1 km = 1,000 m is universal. One mile equals approximately 1.609 kilometres or 1,609 metres.

Kilometres to Metres Converter

Enter a distance in kilometres or metres to convert between them instantly, using presets for common distances like a mile or marathon. Results also show the equivalent in centimetres and millimetres, based on the exact SI definition.

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SI Definition International System of Units (SI): 1 km = 1,000 m exactly. No rounding or approximation.

Convert Kilometres to Metres

Kilometres (km)

Preset distance

Convert Metres to Kilometres

Metres (m)

Type in either field. Editing kilometres updates metres and vice versa.

Conversion Result

Kilometres

Metres
1,000
m

Centimetres

100,000

Common km to m Reference

Kilometres (km)	Metres (m)	Centimetres (cm)	Millimetres (mm)
0.001 km	1 m	100 cm	1,000 mm
0.01 km	10 m	1,000 cm	10,000 mm
0.1 km	100 m	10,000 cm	100,000 mm
0.5 km	500 m	50,000 cm	500,000 mm
1 km	1,000 m	100,000 cm	1,000,000 mm
5 km	5,000 m	500,000 cm	5,000,000 mm
10 km	10,000 m	1,000,000 cm	10,000,000 mm
42.195 km	42,195 m	4,219,500 cm	42,195,000 mm
100 km	100,000 m	10,000,000 cm	100,000,000 mm

Your Conversion

Input (km)1 km

Formulakm × 1,000

Result (m)1,000 m

Also in centimetres100,000 cm

Also in millimetres1,000,000 mm

Worked Example

Input1 km

Step 11 × 1,000

Result1,000 m

Also equals100,000 cm

Also equals1,000,000 mm

How to Convert Kilometres to Metres

The conversion between kilometres and metres is exact and always the same: multiply kilometres by 1,000 to get metres. This follows directly from the SI prefix system, where "kilo" means one thousand. So 1 kilometre is defined as exactly 1,000 metres, 2 km is 2,000 m, 0.5 km is 500 m, and so on.

To go the other way (metres to kilometres), divide by 1,000. For example, 750 m divided by 1,000 = 0.75 km.

The Formula

Direction	Formula	Example
Kilometres to metres	m = km × 1,000	3.5 km × 1,000 = 3,500 m
Metres to kilometres	km = m ÷ 1,000	4,200 m ÷ 1,000 = 4.2 km

Why the km and m Units Exist

The metre was defined in 1799 as part of the French metric system that eventually became the International System of Units (SI). The kilometre was introduced as a convenient multiple for measuring longer distances such as road lengths, geographic features, and travel distances. In New Zealand and most countries worldwide, road signs, speed limits, and distances are expressed in kilometres. Scientific and engineering measurements often require the base unit, metres.

Common Uses of km to m Conversion

Running and cycling events: a 5 km run is 5,000 m; a 10 km race is 10,000 m
Road distances: a 2.5 km stretch is 2,500 m
Physics and engineering: velocity, acceleration, and many formulas require SI base units (metres, not kilometres)
Mapping and surveying: converting GPS coordinates or contour intervals
Construction: site plans often use metres while road specifications use kilometres

The SI Metric Prefix Ladder

Unit	Symbol	Relation to 1 metre
Kilometre	km	1,000 m
Metre	m	1 m (base unit)
Centimetre	cm	0.01 m
Millimetre	mm	0.001 m
Micrometre	um	0.000001 m

Related Calculators

Essential Calculators hub: all converters and tools.
Centimetres to Metres Converter: convert cm to m.
Yards to Metres Conversion: imperial to metric length.
Centimetres to Feet and Inches Converter: metric to imperial height.
Area Conversion Calculator: convert square metres, hectares, and more.

Sources and method: International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM), The International System of Units (SI), 9th edition (2019). The conversion 1 km = 1,000 m is exact by definition with no rounding error.

This converter uses the exact SI definition: 1 kilometre = 1,000 metres. Results are mathematically precise. For scientific calculations requiring significant figures, apply appropriate rounding to your input values.

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