How Long Is a Quarter Mile? Complete Distance Guide
How Long Is a Quarter Mile?
If you've ever wondered "how long is a quarter mile?", you're not alone. This distance measurement comes up frequently in racing, athletics, walking routes, and everyday navigation.
Quick Answer
A quarter mile is exactly 1,320 feet, 440 yards, or approximately 402.34 meters.
To put this in perspective:
- It takes about 3-5 minutes to walk a quarter mile at a normal pace
- A professional sprinter can cover this distance in under 60 seconds
- Most cars can accelerate through a quarter mile in 12-20 seconds
Quarter Mile in Different Units
| Unit | Quarter Mile Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Feet | 1,320 ft |
| Yards | 440 yd |
| Meters | 402.336 m |
| Kilometers | 0.402336 km |
Why Is the Quarter Mile Important?
Drag Racing
The quarter mile is the standard distance for drag racing in North America. This tradition dates back to the 1950s when drag racing was formalized. The distance was chosen because:
- It's long enough to showcase a vehicle's full acceleration potential
- It's short enough to keep races exciting and safe
- It allows vehicles to approach their top speed without excessive danger
Track and Field
In athletics, the 400-meter race is often called the "quarter mile" even though it's slightly shorter (by about 2.3 meters). This race is one of the most demanding sprints, requiring both speed and endurance.
Real Estate and Urban Planning
Quarter miles are commonly used in:
- Walking distance measurements from transit stops
- Neighborhood accessibility planning
- Retail location analysis (quarter-mile radius studies)
How to Visualize a Quarter Mile
Here are some helpful comparisons:
- Four football fields end to end (American football fields are 100 yards each)
- About 4-5 city blocks in most urban areas
- Roughly 1,300 steps for an average adult
- A 2-minute bike ride at a moderate pace
Quarter Mile Walking Times
| Walking Speed | Time to Walk 1/4 Mile |
|---|---|
| Slow (2 mph) | 7.5 minutes |
| Average (3 mph) | 5 minutes |
| Brisk (4 mph) | 3.75 minutes |
| Power walk (5 mph) | 3 minutes |
Quarter Mile Running Times
| Running Pace | Time for 1/4 Mile |
|---|---|
| Jogging (6 mph) | 2.5 minutes |
| Running (8 mph) | 1.875 minutes |
| Fast running (10 mph) | 1.5 minutes |
| Sprinting (15 mph) | 1 minute |
| Elite sprint (20 mph) | 45 seconds |
Interesting Facts About the Quarter Mile
- The world record for a Top Fuel dragster in the quarter mile is approximately 3.6 seconds at over 330 mph
- The fastest street-legal car quarter mile times are around 8-9 seconds
- A typical sedan runs the quarter mile in 15-18 seconds
- Walking 10 quarter miles equals 2.5 miles, a common daily step goal
How to Measure a Quarter Mile
If you need to measure a quarter mile distance:
- Use our online calculator - Simply enter 0.25 miles and get instant conversions
- Use a GPS device - Most running/walking apps can track quarter-mile segments
- Count paces - An average adult stride is about 2.5 feet, so 528 steps ≈ 1/4 mile
- Use landmarks - Four standard blocks in most cities is approximately a quarter mile
Conclusion
A quarter mile—1,320 feet or 402 meters—is a versatile distance measurement used in racing, athletics, urban planning, and everyday life. Whether you're timing your car at the drag strip or planning a walking route, understanding this distance helps you better navigate the world around you.
Use our free quarter mile calculator to convert distances and estimate travel times instantly.