Height Converter: Feet & Inches to Centimeters
Convert between US height units (feet & inches) and metric units (centimeters)
Common Height Conversions
| Feet & Inches | Centimeters |
|---|
How Height Conversion Works
This calculator converts between the US customary system (feet and inches) and the metric system (centimeters).
Conversion Formula:
1 inch = 2.54 centimeters
Total centimeters = (feet × 12 + inches) × 2.54
Example Calculation:
To convert 5 feet 7 inches to centimeters:
Total inches = 60 + 7 = 67 inches
Centimeters = 67 × 2.54 = 170.18 cm
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Height Converter ft and in to cm
Height Converter ft and in to cm is a simple yet essential tool for anyone who wants to switch between US height units (feet and inches) and metric units (centimeters). Whether you’re tracking your height for health, fitness, or travel documentation, understanding how to accurately convert between these systems is crucial.
What Is a Height Converter?
A Height Converter allows you to convert measurements between the Imperial system (feet and inches) and the Metric system (centimeters). The U.S., Canada, and the U.K. primarily use feet and inches, while most other countries use centimeters for height.
For example, if someone says they are 5 feet 8 inches tall, you can convert it to 172.72 cm using the formula below.
Formula: Feet and Inches to Centimeters
To convert height manually, use this plain text formula:
Height (cm) = (Feet × 30.48) + (Inches × 2.54)
Example:
Convert 5 feet 2 inches to centimeters
- Convert 5 feet to inches → 5 × 12 = 60 inches
- Add extra inches → 60 + 2 = 62 inches
- Convert inches to cm → 62 × 2.54 = 157.48 cm
So, 5’2″ = 157.48 cm
Formula: Centimeters to Feet and Inches
To reverse the conversion:
Height (inches) = cm ÷ 2.54
Feet = Floor(Height in inches ÷ 12)
Inches = Remainder after dividing by 12
Example:
Convert 160 cm to feet and inches
- 160 ÷ 2.54 = 62.99 inches
- 62.99 ÷ 12 = 5 feet, remainder 2.99 inches
- 160 cm = 5 feet 3 inches (approx.)
Quick Height Conversion Table
| Feet & Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|
| 4 ft 11 in | 149.86 cm |
| 5 ft 0 in | 152.40 cm |
| 5 ft 2 in | 157.48 cm |
| 5 ft 5 in | 165.10 cm |
| 5 ft 8 in | 172.72 cm |
| 6 ft 0 in | 182.88 cm |
| 6 ft 2 in | 187.96 cm |
Conversion Reference: Multiplication Factors
Inch Conversions
- Convert inches to feet → multiply by 0.08333333
- Convert inches to centimeters → multiply by 2.54
Foot Conversions
- Convert feet to inches → multiply by 12
- Convert feet to centimeters → multiply by 30.48
Centimeter Conversions
- Convert centimeters to inches → multiply by 0.39370079
- Convert centimeters to feet → multiply by 0.0328084
These constants are based on exact international definitions and provide accurate results every time.
Why Accurate Height Conversion Matters
Accurate conversion between feet, inches, and centimeters is vital in:
- Medical reports: Doctors often record height in centimeters for BMI and health data.
- Sports: Athletes track height in both units for global competitions.
- Travel & visas: International documents often require metric measurements.
- Online forms: Many digital health platforms standardize height data in cm.
If you’re converting for official or health purposes, precision matters — even a small rounding error can affect BMI or size calculations.
Convert US Units to Metric (ft & in to cm)
Let’s go through another example:
Convert 6 feet 1 inch to centimeters
- 6 feet × 12 = 72 inches
- 72 + 1 = 73 inches
- 73 × 2.54 = 185.42 cm
So, 6’1” = 185.42 cm
For quick, accurate conversions, try the height ft and in to cm calculator on CalculatorCave. It handles both directions—US to Metric and Metric to US—with precision.
Convert cm to Inches and Feet
If your measurement is already in centimeters and you want to convert it back:
Example: Convert 175 cm to ft and in
175 ÷ 2.54 = 68.90 inches
68.90 ÷ 12 = 5 feet 8.9 inches
So, 175 cm ≈ 5 feet 9 inches
You can also use the height cm to in and ft converter for instant results without manual calculation.
Related Conversion Tools
Height conversion often goes hand in hand with other measurement conversions. For example:
- When measuring body weight, check the kilograms to pounds converter for quick weight conversions.
- To calculate distance in different units, use the distance conversion calculator.
- Explore all unit converters on CalculatorCave for a complete measurement toolkit.
Common Height Conversion Mistakes
- Mixing up inches and centimeters — They’re not close in scale (1 inch = 2.54 cm).
- Rounding too early — Always calculate with full decimals, then round the final result.
- Forgetting to add inches after feet-to-inches conversion — Always combine both before multiplying.
- Using outdated conversion tables — Stick with precise factors for modern accuracy.
Pro Tip: Quick Mental Conversions
If you need a fast estimate:
- Multiply feet by 30 and inches by 2.5
- Add them together
It won’t be exact but close enough for casual use.
Example: 5’7” → (5×30) + (7×2.5) = 150 + 17.5 = 167.5 cm (actual 170.18 cm)
A Height Converter ft and in to cm tool simplifies an everyday problem — switching between two measurement worlds. Whether you’re filling out an international form, tracking your health stats, or comparing average heights globally, understanding these conversions empowers you to interpret data with confidence.
For complete accuracy, use reliable online converters and reference tables, especially when precision is essential in health, sports, or technical documentation.