Convert Foot (ft) to Mile (US Survey) (mi (US)) instantly.
About these units
Foot (ft)
A foot, equal to 12 inches, has been used for thousands of years and likely originated from the length of a human foot. Though early definitions varied, the modern standard foot—established internationally in 1959—provides a stable and consistent reference. The foot remains the foundation of architectural and construction measurements in the United States, influencing everything from lumber dimensions to ceiling heights and room layouts. Because the foot is intuitively relatable to human scale, people often estimate heights, furniture sizes, and walking distances in feet. In aviation, altitude is universally measured in feet worldwide, even in countries that otherwise use metric units—an unusual but deeply embedded global convention. The foot's persistence shows how cultural inertia can remain strong even when a unit predates modern scientific measurement.
Mile (US Survey) (mi (US))
The US Survey Mile equals 5,280 US Survey Feet (~1,609.347 meters). Slightly longer than the international mile due to the use of the US survey foot, it has been essential for mapping, transportation planning, and geodetic calculations in the United States. Surveyors and engineers relied on the US survey mile to ensure precise alignment of property boundaries, railroad tracks, and infrastructure projects. Over long distances, even small differences between the US survey and international mile can accumulate significantly, necessitating care in measurement. Though the international mile is now standard, the US survey mile remains important for interpreting historical maps, legal descriptions, and older engineering plans.