Centimeters to Feet Converter

How to Convert Centimeters to Feet

Converting centimeters (cm) to feet is one of the most common unit conversions, especially when measuring human height. The metric system uses centimeters, while the imperial system (used in the US and UK) uses feet and inches. Understanding this conversion is essential for international communication, medical records, and everyday measurements.

The Conversion Formula

To convert centimeters to feet, you divide the centimeter value by 30.48, since one foot equals exactly 30.48 centimeters.

Formula: Feet = Centimeters ÷ 30.48

For a more intuitive result that includes inches, first convert to total feet, then separate the whole feet from the fractional part and multiply the fraction by 12 to get inches.

Step-by-Step Conversion Example

1. Start with your value: Let's convert 170 cm to feet.
2. Divide by 30.48: 170 ÷ 30.48 = 5.577 feet
3. Get whole feet: The whole number is 5 feet
4. Convert remainder to inches: 0.577 × 12 = 6.93 inches
5. Result: 170 cm = 5 feet 7 inches (approximately)

Common Height Conversions (CM to Feet)

• 150 cm = 4 ft 11 in (4.92 ft)
• 155 cm = 5 ft 1 in (5.09 ft)
• 160 cm = 5 ft 3 in (5.25 ft)
• 165 cm = 5 ft 5 in (5.41 ft)
• 170 cm = 5 ft 7 in (5.58 ft)
• 175 cm = 5 ft 9 in (5.74 ft)
• 180 cm = 5 ft 11 in (5.91 ft)
• 185 cm = 6 ft 1 in (6.07 ft)
• 190 cm = 6 ft 3 in (6.23 ft)
• 200 cm = 6 ft 7 in (6.56 ft)

Why Do We Need This Conversion?

Height is measured differently across the world. Most countries use centimeters, but the United States, United Kingdom (for height), and a few other nations prefer feet and inches. This creates a need for conversion in various scenarios:

• Medical records: Doctors in the US record height in feet/inches
• Driver's licenses: Some countries list height in feet
• Dating profiles: Many apps use the imperial system
• Sports: NBA and other leagues list player heights in feet
• Travel documents: Some visa forms require imperial measurements

History of the Foot Measurement

The "foot" as a unit of measurement dates back to ancient civilizations. Originally based on the length of a human foot (which varied by region), it was standardized in 1959 when the international foot was defined as exactly 0.3048 meters (30.48 cm). This standardization ensures consistency across all nations using the imperial system.

Quick Mental Math Tip

For a rough estimate, divide the centimeter value by 30. This gives you a close approximation since 30.48 is very close to 30. For example, 180 cm ÷ 30 = 6 feet (actual: 5.91 ft). This is helpful when you need a quick conversion without a calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is 170 cm in feet?
170 cm is approximately 5 feet 7 inches, making it close to the average height for women in many Western countries.

Is 180 cm considered tall?
Yes, 180 cm (5'11") is above average height for men globally and is often considered the threshold for "tall" in many cultures.

What is 6 feet in cm?
6 feet equals 182.88 cm. Many people round this to 183 cm for convenience.