Meters per second.
m/s to ft/s Converter — m/s to ft/s
Convert m/s (m/s) to ft/s (ft/s) using the exact conversion factor (1 m/s = 3.280839895 ft/s). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
m/s to ft/s converter
Converter
Speed Converter
Convert road, aviation, marine, lab, and scientific speed units.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
Feet per second.
Result = input x 1 / 0.3048.
Speed uses meters per second as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting m/s to ft/s
m/s and ft/s both describe speed, and the conversion matters whenever a maritime or aviation speed (knots) needs to be compared against a road speed (mph). m/s is most often used for scientific and engineering speed/velocity calculations.
Formula
ft/s = m/s × 3.28083989501
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 m/s equals 1 base unit, and 1 ft/s equals 0.3048 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct m/s-to-ft/s factor of 3.28083989501.
Simple example
1 m/s × 3.280839895 = 3.280839895 ft/s
1 m/s = 3.280839895 ft/s.
Real-world example
10 m/s × 3.280839895 = 32.80839895 ft/s
10 m/s = 32.80839895 ft/s.
Conversion table
| m/s (m/s) | ft/s (ft/s) |
|---|---|
| 1 m/s | 3.280839895 ft/s |
| 5 m/s | 16.40419948 ft/s |
| 10 m/s | 32.80839895 ft/s |
| 25 m/s | 82.02099738 ft/s |
| 50 m/s | 164.0419948 ft/s |
| 100 m/s | 328.0839895 ft/s |
Reverse conversion: ft/s to m/s
3.280839895 ft/s × 0.3048 = 1 m/s
3.280839895 ft/s = 1 m/s.
m/s = ft/s × 0.3048
For a page dedicated to this direction, see ft/s to m/s.
Understanding the m/s
m/s (m/s) measures speed. The meter per second is the SI derived unit of speed: one meter of distance per second of time. It is classified as a SI derived unit.
Where it's used: Standard scientific speed unit worldwide
Uses of the m/s today
- Scientific and engineering speed/velocity calculations
- Meteorology (wind speed, alongside km/h and knots)
- Physics education and calculations
History of the m/s
As a coherent SI derived unit, meters per second follows automatically from the meter and second, the SI base units of length and time, without an independent historical origin.
Historical origin. m/s was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Understanding the ft/s (ft/s)
Feet per second.
m/s — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — Coherent derived units — Defines m/s as the SI unit of speed.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many ft/s are in 1 m/s?
1 m/s equals 3.280839895 ft/s, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert m/s to ft/s?
Multiply the m/s value by 3.280839895. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert ft/s back to m/s?
Use the reverse factor: 1 ft/s equals 0.3048 m/s. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a m/s?
m/s (m/s) measures speed. The meter per second is the SI derived unit of speed: one meter of distance per second of time. It is classified as a SI derived unit.
What is a ft/s?
ft/s (ft/s) is a unit of speed.
Is the m/s to ft/s conversion exact?
Yes. Both m/s and ft/s are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 3.280839895 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.
Where is the m/s still used today?
Standard scientific speed unit worldwide