Kilometers and miles: both are units we use to measure distance, but one belongs to the metric system, and the other is part of the imperial system. You’ll see kilometers used in many countries around the world, but in the United States, we tend to use miles.
So, if someone asks you “How many miles is 400 kilometers?” how would you answer?
That’s exactly what we’re here to explain! Accurate conversions are essential in lots of different situations, from travel to sports to school assignments.
What are kilometers and miles?
The kilometer is a unit of length in the metric system. Most countries around the world use kilometers to measure distance.
The mile is a unit of length in the imperial and US customary systems. The United States and the United Kingdom use miles.
A mile is longer than a kilometer. One mile is equal to about 1.6 kilometers.
How to convert kilometers to miles
To convert kilometers to miles, you’ll need to multiply the number of kilometers by the conversion factor. That factor is approximately 0.621371, but you can round to 0.6214.
So, to convert 400 kilometers to miles, you’d do this calculation:
400 km 0.621371 miles/km = 248.5484 miles
This means that 400 kilometers is about 248.5 miles. Avoid rounding off until the end to ensure you get the most accurate result.
Kilometers to miles: practical examples
It can be helpful to have a few common conversions in mind, just to give you a sense of scale.
- 10 kilometers is approximately 6.2 miles.
- 50 kilometers is roughly 31 miles.
Also, the standard marathon distance is 42.195 kilometers. That’s just a hair over 26.2 miles.
Knowing how to convert kilometers to miles (and vice versa) can come in handy when you’re driving and crossing from one country to another. That way, you’ll know how far you’re going, even when the road signs switch to a different measurement system.
The Bottom Line
So, to quickly answer the question, 400 kilometers is about 248.5 miles.
It’s important to understand the conversion factor and use it correctly whether you’re traveling, working on a project, or just trying to understand a news story.
Kilometer to mile conversions come up in everyday life, and when you need to do one fast, don’t hesitate to use an online calculator or conversion tool.