Length · Unit Converter

Convert Dekameter to Kilometer

Convert dekameters to kilometers instantly. 1 dekameter = 0.01 kilometer — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Kilometer to Dekameter converter for the reverse conversion.

Written by Sunith Babu L, Ph.D., Lead Engineer Reviewed by Girish V Kulkarni Ph.D.
Length category 2 min read Published Last reviewed Updated

Units explained

Metric / SI

Dekameter

What is a dekameter?

A dekameter (also spelled decameter) is a metric unit of length equal to ten meters (10 m). It is one of the less commonly used SI prefix units and primarily appears in agricultural, surveying, and atmospheric contexts.

Origin of the dekameter

The dekameter was defined alongside the meter when France adopted the metric system in 1795, using the standard SI prefix deca- (from Greek deka, ten) to denote a multiplication by ten.

Where it is used

Dekameters are used in some European agricultural contexts (parcel sizes, field measurements), atmospheric science (cloud heights), and certain track and field events. Modern usage is uncommon outside specialised technical fields.

When and where it was developed

Adopted in 1795 in France; ratified through the Metre Convention of 1875; remains a recognised SI prefix unit although informally superseded by the more common meter and hectometer in everyday surveying.

Metric / SI

Kilometer

What is a kilometer?

A kilometer is a metric unit of length equal to one thousand meters. It is the standard unit for measuring road distances, geographic distances, and other large-scale measurements in metric countries.

Origin of the kilometer

The kilometer was defined alongside the meter in 1795 using the standard SI prefix kilo- (from Greek chilioi, "thousand"), denoting one thousand units.

Where it is used

Kilometers are used worldwide (except the United States and a few others) for road signage, geographic distance, athletic events, and scientific distances at planetary scale. Speed limits in most countries are given in km/h.

When and where it was developed

Adopted 1795 in France as part of the original metric system; the kilometer became the global standard for road and geographic distance through the 19th and 20th century metric adoption.

Dekameter to Kilometer conversion formula

The relationship between dekameters and kilometers:

1 dam = 0.01 km
1 km = 100 dam

To convert dekameters to kilometers, multiply the value in dekameters by 0.01. To reverse, multiply kilometers by 100.

How to use this converter

Type a value into the calculator. The result in kilometers updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Kilometer to Dekameter converter for the reverse direction.

Step-by-step: convert dekameters to kilometers

  1. Write down the value in dekameters (dam).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 0.01.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in kilometers (km).
  4. To reverse, multiply the kilometer value by 100.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 dam to km:
1 × 0.01 = 0.01 km

Example 2 — Convert 100 dam to km:
100 × 0.01 = 1 km

Dekameter to Kilometer conversion table

Standard reference values for converting dekameters to kilometers:

Dekameter [dam]Kilometer [km]
0.010.0001
0.10.001
10.01
20.02
30.03
40.04
50.05
100.1
200.2
300.3
400.4
500.5
1001
5005
100010

Frequently asked questions

How many kilometers is 1 dekameter?
1 dekameter equals 0.01 kilometer.
How do I convert dekameters to kilometers?
Multiply the value in dekameters by 0.01 to get kilometers.
How do I convert kilometers back to dekameters?
Multiply the value in kilometers by 100, or use the Kilometer to Dekameter converter.
How many kilometers is 100 dekameters?
100 dekameters equals 1 kilometers, because 100 × 0.01 = 1.

Convert Dekameter to other length units

Show all Dekameter conversions

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 dam = 0.01 km) verified against the following authoritative sources:

Results are provided for general reference. Verify critical measurements against an authoritative standard.