Furlongs to Meters Converter (and Meters to Furlongs)
Convert between furlongs (fur) and meters (m) instantly. Perfect for horse racing distances, historical units, and track comparisons.
Furlong ⇄ Meter Conversion
1 furlong = 201.168 m
1 meter ≈ 0.00497097 fur
1 mile = 8 furlongs
How to convert furlongs to meters
A furlong is a traditional English unit of length still used in horse racing. In the modern metric system, it has an exact definition:
Exact definition
1 furlong = 220 yards
1 yard = 0.9144 meters
Therefore:
1 furlong = 220 × 0.9144 m = 201.168 meters
Formula: furlongs to meters
meters = furlongs × 201.168
Example: Convert 6 furlongs to meters.
- Write the value: 6 furlongs
- Multiply by the factor: 6 × 201.168 = 1,207.008
- Result: 6 furlongs = 1,207.008 m (≈ 1,207.01 m)
Formula: meters to furlongs
To go the other way, divide by the same factor:
furlongs = meters ÷ 201.168
Example: Convert 1,200 meters to furlongs.
- Write the value: 1,200 m
- Divide by 201.168: 1,200 ÷ 201.168 ≈ 5.9649
- Result: 1,200 m ≈ 5.96 furlongs
Common horse racing distances in furlongs and meters
Many horse races are described in furlongs, especially in the UK and US. The table below shows common race distances and their metric equivalents.
| Furlongs | Approx. distance | Meters |
|---|---|---|
| 5 fur | 5/8 mile (sprint) | 1,005.84 m |
| 6 fur | 3/4 mile | 1,207.01 m |
| 7 fur | 7/8 mile | 1,408.18 m |
| 8 fur | 1 mile | 1,609.34 m |
| 10 fur | 1¼ miles | 2,011.68 m |
| 12 fur | 1½ miles | 2,414.02 m |
FAQ: furlongs and meters
How many meters are in a furlong?
There are exactly 201.168 meters in one furlong. This is defined via the yard: 1 furlong = 220 yards and 1 yard = 0.9144 m, so 220 × 0.9144 = 201.168 m.
How many furlongs are in a mile?
There are 8 furlongs in a mile. Since 1 mile = 1,609.344 m and 1 furlong = 201.168 m, dividing 1,609.344 by 201.168 gives exactly 8.
Why are horse races measured in furlongs?
Furlongs come from historical English land measurement. A furlong was the length of a furrow in a ploughed field. Horse racing adopted this unit early on, and it remains a traditional way to describe race distances such as 5, 6, 7, or 8 furlongs.
Is a furlong an SI (metric) unit?
No. The furlong is not part of the SI system. It is a non‑SI unit that is defined in terms of yards and meters. For scientific and engineering work, meters are preferred, which is why conversions like this are useful.
How precise is this converter?
The converter uses the exact factor 1 furlong = 201.168 m internally. You can choose how many decimal places to display (0–6) using the slider, but the underlying calculation keeps full precision.