How to convert miles and kilometers
Convert distance and speed between miles and kilometers using exact factors or simple mental estimates.
Miles to kilometers
One mile equals approximately 1.609 kilometers. Ten miles therefore equals about 16.09 kilometers. For most everyday planning, using 1.6 is accurate enough and easier to calculate mentally.
Kilometers to miles
Divide kilometers by 1.609 for the direct conversion, or multiply by approximately 0.621. A 5-kilometer distance is about 3.11 miles.
Mental shortcuts using familiar distances
The Fibonacci sequence provides useful rough pairs: 5 miles is about 8 kilometers, 8 miles is about 13 kilometers, and 13 miles is about 21 kilometers. These are close enough for quick travel or exercise estimates.
For a very fast kilometers-to-miles estimate, take 60% of the kilometer number and add a little. Sixty percent of 100 kilometers is 60 miles; the more accurate answer is about 62.1 miles.
Convert speed the same way
The distance conversion factors also work for speed. Multiply miles per hour by 1.609 to get kilometers per hour. A speed of 60 mph is about 96.6 km/h. Divide km/h by 1.609 to convert in the other direction.
- 1 mile ≈ 1.61 km
- 5 miles ≈ 8.05 km
- 10 km ≈ 6.21 miles
- 100 km ≈ 62.1 miles
Frequently asked questions
How many kilometers are in one mile?
One mile equals approximately 1.609 kilometers.
How many miles is a 5K?
Five kilometers is approximately 3.11 miles.
How do I convert mph to km/h?
Multiply the mph value by approximately 1.609.
Published August 3, 2026 · Reviewed for clarity and source accuracy.