Convert Kilometers to Miles

Convert a distance given in kilometers to miles using a standard conversion factor.

PythonBeginner

What You'll Learn

  • Working with floating-point numbers
  • Using constants for conversion factors
  • Applying a simple mathematical formula
Python
# Program to convert kilometers to miles

kilometers = float(input("Enter distance in kilometers: "))

conversion_factor = 0.621371  # 1 kilometer = 0.621371 miles
miles = kilometers * conversion_factor

print(kilometers, "km is equal to", miles, "miles")

Output

Enter distance in kilometers: 5
5.0 km is equal to 3.106855 miles

Convert Kilometers to Miles in Python

We use the standard conversion:

  • 1 kilometer = 0.621371 miles

So to convert kilometers to miles, we multiply by the conversion factor. This type of program is a common example of basic arithmetic with real-world meaning.

Conversion Formula

Miles = Kilometers × 0.621371

Example

If you have 5 kilometers:

  • Miles = 5 × 0.621371 = 3.106855 miles

Program Logic

python
kilometers = float(input("Enter distance in kilometers: "))
conversion_factor = 0.621371
miles = kilometers * conversion_factor
print(kilometers, "km is equal to", miles, "miles")

Key Takeaways

1

Use constants for conversion factors

2

Multiply by the conversion factor

3

Use float for decimal results

4

This pattern applies to many unit conversions

Step-by-Step Breakdown

  1. 1Read the distance in kilometers from the user.
  2. 2Multiply by the conversion factor 0.621371.
  3. 3Store the result in a miles variable.
  4. 4Print both the original and converted values.