Length converter: meter → kilometer
Facts about the Meter
The meter (m) is the base unit of length in the International System of Units (SI). Originally defined in the late 18th century as one ten-millionth of the distance from the equator to the North Pole, it has since been redefined using the speed of light. Today, 1 meter is exactly the distance light travels in 1/299,792,458 of a second. Meters are used globally in science, construction, athletics, and daily measurements.
Facts about the Kilometer
The kilometer (km) is a metric unit of length equal to 1,000 meters. It is most commonly used to measure long distances, especially in transportation and geography. Road signs, GPS systems, and athletic events like marathons often use kilometers. The term comes from the Greek words 'khilioi' (thousand) and 'metron' (measure).