Furlongs to Miles Converter (furlong ⇄ mile)
Convert distances between furlongs and miles in a single step. Designed for horse racing, historical measures, and imperial length conversions. Supports both directions: furlongs to miles and miles to furlongs.
Furlong ⇄ mile length converter
1 mile = 8 furlongs
1 furlong = 0.125 miles
This converter uses the exact traditional relationship: 1 mile = 8 furlongs. Results are rounded for display but calculated with full precision.
Furlongs to miles conversion table
| Furlongs (fur) | Miles (mi) | Typical race distance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.125 | Short sprint |
| 2 | 0.25 | ¼ mile dash |
| 4 | 0.5 | Half-mile race |
| 6 | 0.75 | 6-furlong sprint |
| 8 | 1 | Standard mile race |
| 10 | 1.25 | Classic distance (e.g. many derbies) |
| 12 | 1.5 | Long distance race |
| 16 | 2 | Extended distance / jumps |
Formulas for converting between furlongs and miles
Both furlong and mile are traditional imperial units of length. The mile is the more common unit today, while the furlong survives mainly in horse racing and some historical references.
By definition:
\[ 1\ \text{mile} = 8\ \text{furlongs} \]
which also means
\[ 1\ \text{furlong} = \frac{1}{8}\ \text{mile} = 0.125\ \text{miles} \]
From furlongs to miles
To convert a distance from furlongs to miles, divide by 8:
\[ \text{miles} = \frac{\text{furlongs}}{8} \]
From miles to furlongs
To convert from miles to furlongs, multiply by 8:
\[ \text{furlongs} = \text{miles} \times 8 \]
Worked examples
-
Example 1 – 10 furlongs to miles
\[ \text{miles} = \frac{10}{8} = 1.25\ \text{miles} \] -
Example 2 – 1.5 miles to furlongs
\[ \text{furlongs} = 1.5 \times 8 = 12\ \text{furlongs} \] -
Example 3 – 6 furlongs to miles
\[ \text{miles} = \frac{6}{8} = 0.75\ \text{miles} \]
Metric equivalents (optional)
While this calculator focuses on furlong–mile conversions, it can be useful to know approximate metric values:
- 1 furlong ≈ 201.168 meters
- 1 mile ≈ 1609.344 meters ≈ 1.609 kilometers
This means that:
\[ 8 \times 201.168\ \text{m} \approx 1609.344\ \text{m} = 1\ \text{mile} \]
Where are furlongs still used?
Today, furlongs are mostly used in:
- Horse racing: race distances are commonly quoted in furlongs and miles.
- Historical documents: old maps, land deeds, and texts may use furlongs.
- Traditional measurements: some countries retain the furlong as part of their heritage units.
FAQ: Furlongs to miles
Is a furlong longer than a kilometer?
No. A furlong is about 201 meters, while a kilometer is 1,000 meters. Roughly speaking, 5 furlongs (about 1,005 meters) are close to 1 kilometer.
How do I convert furlongs to kilometers?
First convert furlongs to miles by dividing by 8, then convert miles to kilometers by multiplying by 1.60934:
\[ \text{km} = \frac{\text{furlongs}}{8} \times 1.60934 \]
Why does horse racing still use furlongs instead of just miles or meters?
Horse racing adopted the furlong long before metric units became common. Because racing culture and records are deeply tied to these distances, many tracks and fans prefer to keep using furlongs and miles for tradition and consistency.