Square Mile [mi2] to Square Kilometer [km2] Converter

Definition: A square mile (mi²) is a unit of area equal to the area of a square that is 1 mile on each side. It is commonly used in the United States and other countries that use the imperial system.

History/origin: The square mile is derived from the mile, which has ancient origins and was traditionally based on the distance a Roman legion could march in a certain amount of time.

Current use: Square miles are used to measure very large areas, such as the size of cities, counties, and regions. It's a common unit in geography, cartography, and environmental studies in the US.

Definition: A square kilometer (km²) is a unit of area equal to a square that is 1 kilometer on each side. It is a multiple of the square meter, the SI unit of area.

History/origin: The square kilometer is derived from the kilometer, which is part of the metric system established in France in the late 18th century. The metric system was designed to be a standardized and coherent system of measurement based on decimal multiples.

Current use: Square kilometers are used to measure large areas, such as the size of cities, countries, lakes, and other geographical features. It's a common unit in geography, cartography, and environmental studies.