Convert between metric units of length - m & km
Theory
There are 1000 m in a kilometre. Metres to kilometres is a change to a larger unit, so divide by 1000; kilometres to metres is a change to a smaller unit, so multiply by 1000.
The metre (m) and the kilometre (km) measure longer lengths and distances. There are \(1000\) m in \(1\) km.
Metres to kilometres is a change to a larger unit, so divide by \(1000\). Kilometres to metres is a change to a smaller unit, so multiply by \(1000\).
Multiplying by \(1000\) moves every digit three places to the left; dividing moves them three places to the right.
The same factor of \(1000\) is used both ways.
| Change | Do this |
|---|---|
| km to m | \(\times 1000\) |
| m to km | \(\div 1000\) |
How to convert m and km
- Decide whether the new unit is smaller (m) or larger (km).
- Use \(1000\) as the factor between metres and kilometres.
- Multiply to reach metres, or divide to reach kilometres.
Smaller unit, so multiply by \(1000\): \(3 \times 1000 = 3000\).
The answer is 3000 m.
Larger unit, so divide by \(1000\): \(5000 \div 1000 = 5\).
The answer is 5 km.
Smaller unit, so multiply by \(1000\): \(1.6 \times 1000 = 1600\).
The answer is 1600 m.
Larger unit, so divide by \(1000\): \(2400 \div 1000 = 2.4\).
The answer is 2.4 km.
Common pitfalls
Frequently asked questions
How many metres are in a kilometre?
There are \(1000\) metres in \(1\) kilometre.
How do you change kilometres to metres?
Multiply by \(1000\), because metres are the smaller unit. For example \(3\text{ km} = 3000\text{ m}\).
How do you change metres to kilometres?
Divide by \(1000\), because kilometres are the larger unit. For example \(5000\text{ m} = 5\text{ km}\).
What is 1.6 km in metres?
Multiply by \(1000\): \(1.6 \times 1000 = 1600\), so \(1.6\text{ km} = 1600\text{ m}\).