How to convert square kilometers to square meters
To convert a measurement in square kilometers to square meters, multiply the value by 1,000,000. The conversion factor comes from the relationship between both units and the square meter.
For example, to convert 5 km² to square meters: 5 × 1,000,000 = 5,000,000 m².
What is a square kilometer?
A square kilometer is a metric unit of area equal to the area of a square one kilometer on each side, or 1,000,000 square meters. The square kilometer became the standard unit for large land areas as the metric system spread. It is used for the areas of cities, countries, lakes, and other geographic features worldwide.
Common uses of square kilometers include: Areas of cities, countries, and regions; Land, forest, and agricultural coverage; Lake and reservoir surface area; Population density (people per km²).
What is a square meter?
A square meter is the SI derived unit of area, equal to the area of a square one meter on each side, about 10.764 square feet. The square meter follows directly from the meter, the SI base unit of length. It is the standard unit for floor area and land measurement across most of the world, often written 'sqm' in real estate.
Common uses of square meters include: Floor area and room size in real estate; Flooring, tiling, and carpet ordering; Land plot size in metric countries; Solar panel and roofing coverage.
Square Kilometers to square meters worked examples
Here are some common values converted:
1 km² = 1,000,000 m² 5 km² = 5,000,000 m² 10 km² = 10,000,000 m² 50 km² = 50,000,000 m² 100 km² = 100,000,000 m²
Frequently asked questions
How many square meters are in one square kilometer?
One square kilometer (km²) equals 1,000,000 square meters (m²). Multiply any value in square kilometers by 1,000,000 to convert to square meters.
How do I convert square kilometers to square meters?
Multiply the value in square kilometers by 1,000,000. For example, 5 km² × 1,000,000 = 5,000,000 m².
How do I convert square meters to square kilometers?
Multiply the value in square meters by 0.000001, or divide by 1,000,000. Use the swap button on the converter above to reverse the direction.
Is the square kilometer to square meter conversion exact?
Yes. Area conversions derive from the exact 1959 international definitions of the meter, yard, and foot, so the factors are exact.
What is the formula for square kilometers to square meters?
The formula is: m² = km² × 1,000,000. This comes from the definition of both units relative to the square meter.