Math has tons of fascinating quirks. For example, if you want to convert between miles and kilometers, you can use the Fibonacci sequence to make a conversion with a stunning degree of accuracy.


The Fibonacci sequence, which is the basis for the golden ratio, goes like this:



0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144

Each number in the sequence after the first two is the sum of the previous two numbers. Coincidentally, it works as a nearly-accurate converter between miles and kilometers. Look at any number in the sequence as a number of miles and the next number in the sequence is approximately that same distance in kilometers. For example, 8 miles is about 13 kilometers. 13 miles is about the same as 21 kilometers.


As Reddit user daneah explains, this is because the golden ratio (~1.618) is very close to the conversion of miles to kilometers (~1.609). Of course, that tiny difference will break down eventually, but for everyday mental conversions, it’s handy.

You can use Fibonacci sequence as quite accurate miles to kilometers conversion. | Reddit