Most of the world measures distance in kilometres, but the US and UK still use miles — so road signs, speed limits and directions can suddenly stop making sense. Misreading a speed limit isn't just confusing; it can be genuinely dangerous or land you a fine. The converter handles exact numbers; the tips below help you think in the local unit without reaching for your phone every time.
Quick reference
| Kilometres | Miles (approx) |
|---|---|
| 1 km | 0.62 mi |
| 10 km | 6.2 mi |
| 50 km | 31 mi |
| 100 km/h | 62 mph |
| 1 mile | 1.61 km |
Mental shortcuts
You don't need exact maths on the road. To turn kilometres into miles, roughly multiply by 0.6 (so 100 km ≈ 60 mi). To go the other way, multiply miles by 1.6. For a quick speed sense: a 100 km/h limit is about 60 mph, and 50 km/h (common in towns) is around 30 mph. Close enough for everyday driving decisions, with the converter for when you need precision.
Why it matters on the road
- Speed limits: a "100" sign means km/h in most countries but mph in the US/UK — a huge difference. Know which you're in.
- Fuel planning: distances to the next town or fuel stop are in the local unit; misjudging can leave you short.
- Hire car dashboards: check whether the speedo's main scale is km/h or mph before you set off.
- Walking distances: "2 km away" feels very different from "2 miles" on foot — about 25 minutes vs 40.
Convert exactly below
Enter a distance and unit for the precise figure in all the others.
Convert distance → km, miles, nautical miles, metres
For quick reference — always follow the actual local road signs and limits.
Go deeper
Questions
How do I quickly convert km to miles in my head?
Multiply kilometres by about 0.6 — so 100 km is roughly 60 miles. It's not exact (the precise factor is 0.621), but it's close enough for driving and walking decisions on the go.
Which countries use miles?
The US and the UK are the main ones travellers encounter using miles for road distances and speed limits. Most of the rest of the world uses kilometres, so be alert when crossing between them.
Is a 100 km/h limit fast or slow?
About 62 mph — a typical highway/motorway speed. By contrast a 50 km/h urban limit is roughly 30 mph. Always confirm whether signs are in km/h or mph for the country you're driving in.
Does my hire car show km/h or mph?
It usually matches the country you hired in. Before driving off, glance at the speedometer to see which unit is the large primary scale, so you read your speed against the local limit correctly.
How long does it take to walk a kilometre?
At an average pace, roughly 12–15 minutes per kilometre (about 20 minutes per mile). Handy for judging whether a sight is walkable or worth a taxi when directions are given in local units.
Do phone maps convert automatically?
Map apps usually show distances in the unit set on your phone, which may not match local signs. You can change the app's unit setting to match the country you're in so your navigation and the road signs agree.
Conversions here are approximate for quick reference. Use the converter above for exact figures, and always follow local road signs and speed limits.