How to convert square kilometers to square miles
To convert a measurement in square kilometers to square miles, multiply the value by 0.386102158542. The conversion factor comes from the relationship between both units and the square meter.
For example, to convert 5 km² to square miles: 5 × 0.386102158542 = 1.930511 mi².
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 mile?
A square mile is an imperial and US customary unit of area equal to the area of a square one mile on each side, or 640 acres, about 2.59 square kilometers. The square mile is the traditional unit for large land areas in the US and UK. In the US Public Land Survey System, a 'section' is exactly one square mile, the building block of the township grid.
Common uses of square miles include: Areas of US and UK cities and counties; Land survey sections (640 acres); Geographic and census area reporting; Property and ranch land in imperial countries.
Square Kilometers to square miles worked examples
Here are some common values converted:
1 km² = 0.386102158542 mi² 5 km² = 1.930511 mi² 10 km² = 3.861022 mi² 50 km² = 19.305108 mi² 100 km² = 38.610216 mi²
Frequently asked questions
How many square miles are in one square kilometer?
One square kilometer (km²) equals 0.386102158542 square miles (mi²). Multiply any value in square kilometers by 0.386102158542 to convert to square miles.
How do I convert square kilometers to square miles?
Multiply the value in square kilometers by 0.386102158542. For example, 5 km² × 0.386102158542 = 1.930511 mi².
How do I convert square miles to square kilometers?
Multiply the value in square miles by 2.589988, or divide by 0.386102158542. Use the swap button on the converter above to reverse the direction.
Is the square kilometer to square mile 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 miles?
The formula is: mi² = km² × 0.386102158542. This comes from the definition of both units relative to the square meter.