Figuring out how to switch between miles and kilometers is something you’ll probably need to do at some point. Whether you’re planning a trip, following a sporting event, or just trying to understand something you read online, knowing how to convert between these units is helpful.
So, how many kilometers is 71 miles? This article will walk you through everything you need to know to convert 71 miles to km.
We’ll cover both the precise formula and some easy approximations you can use in a pinch.
What are miles and kilometers?
When you’re converting from one unit of measure to another, it helps to know what those units represent.
What is a mile?
A mile is a unit of length in the imperial and U.S. customary systems of measurement. One mile equals 5,280 feet or 1,760 yards. Although most of the world has adopted the metric system, the mile is still commonly used in the United States and the United Kingdom.
What is a kilometer?
A kilometer is a unit of length in the International System of Units (SI). One kilometer is equal to 1,000 meters. Most countries around the world use kilometers to measure distance.
The conversion factor: miles to kilometers
The exact conversion factor between miles and kilometers is as follows: 1 mile equals 1.609344 kilometers.
This conversion factor comes from the international standardization of measurement. Both miles and kilometers have long histories, and this precise number reflects their established relationship.
For a quick mental calculation, you can often round this number. A mile is roughly 1.6 kilometers.
Converting 71 Miles to Kilometers: Formulas and Examples
To convert miles to kilometers, you’ll multiply by 1.609344. In other words, the formula looks like this:
kilometers = miles 1.609344
Let’s use that formula to convert 71 miles into kilometers:
kilometers = 71 miles 1.609344 = 114.263424 kilometers
So, 71 miles is equal to 114.263424 kilometers.
For practical purposes, it’s often best to round that result to a reasonable number of decimal places. If we round to two decimal places, we get:
71 miles = approximately 114.26 kilometers
When would you need to convert 71 miles to kilometers?
There are plenty of situations where knowing that 71 miles is about 114.26 kilometers could come in handy.
Imagine you’re planning a road trip through Europe. Most European countries use the metric system, so road signs and maps will display distances in kilometers. You’ll need to convert miles to kilometers to estimate travel times and distances between destinations.
Or, consider international sporting events like the Tour de France. Race distances are measured in kilometers, so converting to miles can help you understand the scale of the competition.
Fortunately, converting between miles and kilometers is easy thanks to online conversion tools. These converters provide quick and accurate results, saving you the hassle of manual calculations.
Quick Estimation Methods
Want to get a rough estimate in your head? Here are a couple of ways:
- Multiply by 1.6: Multiply the number of miles by 1.6. For 71 miles, that’s 71 1.6 = 113.6 kilometers.
- Use the Fibonacci Sequence: The Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, etc.) offers another, less precise, way to estimate.
Keep in mind that quick estimates sacrifice accuracy for speed.
Wrapping Up
So, to recap, 71 miles is equal to 114.263424 kilometers. Remember that the conversion factor is 1 mile = 1.61 kilometers (approximately).
Knowing how to convert between miles and kilometers using both precise and approximate methods can come in handy whether you’re traveling abroad or just trying to understand distances in different parts of the world.