How Many Feet Is a Quarter Mile? Quick Conversion Guide
How Many Feet Is a Quarter Mile?
A quarter mile is exactly 1,320 feet.
This conversion is straightforward once you know that one mile equals 5,280 feet. Simply divide by 4:
5,280 feet ÷ 4 = 1,320 feet
The Math Behind the Conversion
Basic Formula
To convert any fraction of a mile to feet:
Feet = (Fraction of Mile) × 5,280
For a quarter mile:
0.25 × 5,280 = 1,320 feet
Other Common Mile Fractions in Feet
| Fraction | Calculation | Feet |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8 mile | 5,280 ÷ 8 | 660 ft |
| 1/4 mile | 5,280 ÷ 4 | 1,320 ft |
| 1/2 mile | 5,280 ÷ 2 | 2,640 ft |
| 3/4 mile | 5,280 × 0.75 | 3,960 ft |
| 1 mile | 5,280 × 1 | 5,280 ft |
Why 1,320 Feet Matters
Drag Racing
The 1,320-foot quarter mile is the gold standard in drag racing. When you hear someone say "my car runs 12s in the 1320," they mean their car completes 1,320 feet in approximately 12 seconds.
Real Estate
Property descriptions often use feet for precise measurements:
- "Located 1,320 feet from the train station" = quarter mile
- "Within a 2,640-foot radius" = half mile
Running Tracks
Standard outdoor running tracks are 400 meters (1,312 feet), which is very close to a quarter mile. The small 8-foot difference is why the 400-meter dash is sometimes called the "quarter mile" even though it's technically slightly shorter.
Practical Examples
Walking Speed
If you walk at 3 mph (264 feet per minute):
1,320 feet ÷ 264 feet/min = 5 minutes
Walking a quarter mile takes about 5 minutes at average pace.
Driving Speed
At 60 mph (88 feet per second):
1,320 feet ÷ 88 feet/sec = 15 seconds
A car traveling at highway speed covers a quarter mile in 15 seconds.
Counting Steps
Average adult stride ≈ 2.5 feet:
1,320 feet ÷ 2.5 feet/step = 528 steps
Walking a quarter mile takes approximately 528 steps.
Quick Reference Chart
| Distance | Feet | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 100 yards | 300 | Football field |
| 1/8 mile | 660 | Junior drag racing |
| 1/4 mile | 1,320 | Standard drag racing |
| 1/2 mile | 2,640 | Walking distance |
| 1 mile | 5,280 | Standard mile |
Converting Back: Feet to Quarter Miles
To convert feet to quarter miles:
Quarter Miles = Feet ÷ 1,320
Examples:
- 2,640 feet = 2 quarter miles (0.5 mile)
- 660 feet = 0.5 quarter miles (1/8 mile)
- 5,280 feet = 4 quarter miles (1 mile)
Tips for Remembering
- The 1320 Rule: A quarter mile is always 1,320 feet
- Football Fields: A quarter mile is almost exactly 4.4 football fields (100 yards each)
- City Blocks: In most cities, 4-5 blocks ≈ 1,320 feet
Use Our Calculator
Don't want to do the math? Use our free quarter mile calculator to instantly convert between miles, feet, meters, and kilometers.
Simply enter any value and all other units update automatically—no calculations needed!
Conclusion
A quarter mile equals exactly 1,320 feet. This fundamental conversion is essential for:
- Drag racing measurements
- Walking and running distances
- Real estate and urban planning
- Athletic track comparisons
Remember: 1/4 mile = 1,320 feet = 440 yards
Bookmark our calculator for quick conversions anytime you need them!