Centimeters to Feet Converter
Instant, Accurate Height Conversion Tool - cm to feet and inches
Understanding Centimeter to Feet Conversion
The centimeter and foot are two fundamental units of length measurement used across different regions globally. The centimeter (cm) is part of the International System of Units (SI) and serves as the standard measurement in most countries worldwide, while the foot (ft) is predominantly used in the United States and a few other nations. Converting between these units is essential for international travel, construction projects, height measurements, clothing sizes, and medical documentation.
One foot equals exactly 30.48 centimeters, which forms the foundation of all cm to feet conversions. This conversion factor was internationally standardized in 1959 when the foot was officially defined as 0.3048 meters. Understanding this relationship enables accurate height calculations whether you're measuring human height, room dimensions, fabric lengths, or any other distance-related application.
Conversion Formulas
Centimeters to Feet Formula:
feet = centimeters ÷ 30.48
or alternatively:
feet = centimeters × 0.0328084
Feet to Centimeters Formula:
centimeters = feet × 30.48
Centimeters to Feet and Inches:
total inches = centimeters × 0.393701
feet = floor(total inches ÷ 12)
remaining inches = total inches mod 12
These formulas provide mathematically precise conversions. The conversion factor 0.0328084 represents the exact ratio between centimeters and feet based on their standardized definitions. Since 1 foot equals 30.48 cm, dividing any centimeter value by 30.48 gives you the equivalent in feet. The feet and inches conversion is particularly useful for expressing human height in a more intuitive format.
Key Conversion Values:
✓ 1 cm = 0.0328084 feet
✓ 1 foot = 30.48 cm
✓ 1 inch = 2.54 cm
✓ 100 cm = 3.28084 feet = 3 feet 3.37 inches
✓ 170 cm = 5.577 feet = 5 feet 6.93 inches
✓ 180 cm = 5.906 feet = 5 feet 10.87 inches
Step-by-Step Conversion Examples
Converting Centimeters to Feet
Example 1: Convert 170 cm to feet
Step 1: Identify the value in centimeters = 170 cm
Step 2: Apply the formula: feet = cm ÷ 30.48
Step 3: Calculate: 170 ÷ 30.48 = 5.577 feet
Step 4: Convert to feet and inches: 5 feet 6.93 inches
Result: 170 cm = 5 feet 6.93 inches (approximately 5'7")
Example 2: Convert 180 cm to feet and inches
Step 1: Value in centimeters = 180 cm
Step 2: Convert to total inches: 180 × 0.393701 = 70.866 inches
Step 3: Divide by 12: 70.866 ÷ 12 = 5 remainder 10.866
Step 4: Express as feet and inches: 5 feet 10.87 inches
Result: 180 cm = 5 feet 10.87 inches (approximately 5'11")
Example 3: Convert 160 cm to feet
Step 1: Value = 160 cm
Step 2: Calculate: 160 ÷ 30.48 = 5.249 feet
Step 3: Convert: 5 feet 2.99 inches
Result: 160 cm = 5 feet 3 inches (approximately)
Converting Feet to Centimeters
Example 4: Convert 6 feet to centimeters
Step 1: Identify the value = 6 feet
Step 2: Apply formula: cm = feet × 30.48
Step 3: Calculate: 6 × 30.48 = 182.88 cm
Result: 6 feet = 182.88 centimeters
Popular Height Conversions
Below are the most commonly searched height conversions from centimeters to feet and inches, particularly useful for understanding human height measurements across different measurement systems.
Comprehensive Conversion Reference Table
| Centimeters (cm) | Feet (decimal) | Feet and Inches |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cm | 0.0328 ft | 0' 0.39" |
| 30 cm | 0.984 ft | 0' 11.81" |
| 60 cm | 1.969 ft | 1' 11.62" |
| 100 cm | 3.281 ft | 3' 3.37" |
| 120 cm | 3.937 ft | 3' 11.24" |
| 150 cm | 4.921 ft | 4' 11.06" |
| 155 cm | 5.085 ft | 5' 1.02" |
| 160 cm | 5.249 ft | 5' 2.99" |
| 165 cm | 5.413 ft | 5' 4.96" |
| 170 cm | 5.577 ft | 5' 6.93" |
| 175 cm | 5.741 ft | 5' 8.90" |
| 180 cm | 5.906 ft | 5' 10.87" |
| 185 cm | 6.070 ft | 6' 0.83" |
| 190 cm | 6.234 ft | 6' 2.80" |
| 200 cm | 6.562 ft | 6' 6.74" |
Practical Applications
Human Height Measurement
Height conversion between centimeters and feet is most commonly needed for human height measurements. Medical records, government documents, and personal identification in metric-using countries list height in centimeters, while countries like the United States use feet and inches. Understanding both systems helps when traveling internationally, filling out forms, or communicating height in different contexts. The average adult male height globally is approximately 171 cm (5'7"), while the average female height is around 159 cm (5'2.6").
Construction and Interior Design
Construction blueprints, architectural plans, and interior design measurements often require conversion between metric and imperial units. Room dimensions, ceiling heights, door frames, and furniture specifications may be provided in either system. For example, standard door height in metric countries is 200 cm (6'6.7"), while in the US it's typically 6'8" (203 cm). Accurate conversion ensures proper planning and avoids costly mistakes in construction projects.
Clothing and Fashion Industry
The fashion and apparel industry uses different sizing systems globally. European and Asian clothing sizes typically reference height and measurements in centimeters, while American sizes use inches and feet. When shopping for clothes online from international retailers or while traveling, converting measurements ensures proper fit. For instance, pants marked for 180 cm height are designed for someone approximately 5'11" tall.
Sports and Athletics
Athletic competitions, player statistics, and sports equipment specifications frequently require height conversions. Basketball players' heights, high jump records, and equipment dimensions are recorded differently depending on the country. NBA player heights are listed in feet and inches, while international competitions use centimeters. A player listed as 6'6" in the US would be 198 cm internationally.
Why Use This Calculator?
- Instant Conversions: Get accurate results immediately without manual calculations
- Bidirectional Functionality: Convert from cm to feet or feet to cm with equal ease
- Multiple Format Display: Shows results in decimal feet and feet-inches format
- High Precision: Uses exact conversion factor (30.48) for maximum accuracy
- Mobile Responsive: Works perfectly on all devices - desktop, tablet, and smartphone
- No Registration: Completely free to use without any sign-ups or subscriptions
- Educational Value: Includes formulas, examples, and comprehensive reference tables
- Common Heights Included: Quick reference for frequently searched heights (150-200 cm)
Historical Context
The centimeter originated as part of the metric system developed during the French Revolution in the 1790s. The metric system was designed to create a universal, decimal-based measurement system that could be adopted worldwide. The meter was originally defined as one ten-millionth of the distance from the Earth's equator to the North Pole, making the centimeter one-hundredth of this fundamental unit.
The foot has ancient origins dating back thousands of years, originally based on the length of a human foot. Throughout history, the foot varied in length across different regions and kingdoms. In 1959, the international foot was standardized as exactly 0.3048 meters (30.48 centimeters) through an agreement between English-speaking nations. This standardization ensures consistent measurements globally and facilitates international trade and communication.
Common Conversion Scenarios
Medical Records and Healthcare
Healthcare providers worldwide record patient height for medical assessments, medication dosing, and health monitoring. When traveling abroad or sharing medical records internationally, height conversion becomes essential. A patient height of 165 cm (5'5") might be needed in feet and inches for US healthcare systems, while international medical journals typically use metric measurements.
Travel and Immigration Documents
Passport applications, visa forms, and immigration documents require height information. Different countries request this information in different units. US passports list height in feet and inches, while European passports use centimeters. Knowing both formats ensures accurate documentation and avoids potential issues during international travel.
Online Shopping and E-commerce
Shopping from international retailers requires understanding product dimensions and sizing charts in different measurement systems. Clothing inseam lengths, shoe sizes, and furniture dimensions may be listed in either centimeters or inches. Converting these measurements helps ensure you order the correct size and avoid returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many feet is 1 centimeter?
1 centimeter equals 0.0328084 feet. Since 1 foot equals 30.48 cm, we calculate 1 ÷ 30.48 = 0.0328084 feet. For practical purposes, 1 cm is approximately 0.033 feet.
What is the formula to convert cm to feet?
The formula to convert centimeters to feet is: feet = centimeters ÷ 30.48, or alternatively: feet = centimeters × 0.0328084. Both formulas produce the same accurate result. For feet and inches, first convert to total inches by multiplying cm by 0.393701, then divide by 12 to separate feet and inches.
How tall is 170 cm in feet?
170 cm equals 5 feet 6.93 inches, or approximately 5.577 feet in decimal format. This is calculated as 170 ÷ 30.48 = 5.577 feet. This is a common height globally, representing slightly above average for women and slightly below average for men in most countries.
How tall is 180 cm in feet?
180 cm equals 5 feet 10.87 inches, or approximately 5.906 feet. This is commonly rounded to 5'11". The calculation is 180 ÷ 30.48 = 5.906 feet. This represents above-average height for men in most countries.
How do I convert 160 cm to feet?
To convert 160 cm to feet, divide 160 by 30.48: 160 ÷ 30.48 = 5.249 feet. This equals 5 feet 2.99 inches, commonly rounded to 5'3". This represents average height for adult women in many countries.
What is 150 cm in feet?
150 cm equals 4 feet 11.06 inches, or approximately 4.921 feet. This is calculated as 150 ÷ 30.48 = 4.921 feet. This height is below average for adults but common for teenagers and shorter adults.
How to convert cm to feet and inches?
To convert cm to feet and inches: First multiply the cm value by 0.393701 to get total inches. Then divide total inches by 12 - the whole number is feet, the remainder is inches. Example: 165 cm × 0.393701 = 64.96 inches. 64.96 ÷ 12 = 5 feet with 4.96 inches remaining, so 165 cm = 5'5".
Why is 1 foot equal to 30.48 cm?
In 1959, the international foot was standardized as exactly 0.3048 meters through an agreement between the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Since 1 meter equals 100 centimeters, 0.3048 meters equals 30.48 centimeters. This standardization ensures consistent measurements across countries using the foot as a unit.
How tall is 200 cm in feet?
200 cm equals 6 feet 6.74 inches, or approximately 6.562 feet. This is calculated as 200 ÷ 30.48 = 6.562 feet. This represents very tall height for adults and is above the 95th percentile for male height in most countries.
What is centimeter height used for?
Centimeter height is the standard measurement in most countries worldwide for expressing human height, medical records, identification documents, and architectural measurements. It's part of the metric system and provides precise, easily calculable measurements. Over 95% of the world's population lives in countries that officially use the metric system.
Tips for Quick Mental Conversions
For approximate mental calculations without a calculator, you can use simplified conversion methods. To quickly convert centimeters to feet, divide by 30 (instead of 30.48). For example, 180 cm ÷ 30 = 6 feet (actual: 5.906 feet). While not perfectly accurate, this gives you a close ballpark estimate for everyday situations.
Another helpful trick: remember that 30 cm is approximately 1 foot (actual: 0.984 feet). Using this, 150 cm is about 5 feet (actual: 4.92 feet), and 180 cm is about 6 feet (actual: 5.91 feet). For more precise estimates, remember that every 2.5 cm equals approximately 1 inch, so you can estimate the additional inches beyond whole feet.
For converting feet to centimeters quickly, multiply feet by 30 (instead of 30.48). For instance, 6 feet × 30 = 180 cm (actual: 182.88 cm). These mental shortcuts work well for travel, casual conversations, or when you need a quick estimate without requiring exact precision.
Technical Specifications
The centimeter is defined as one-hundredth of a meter in the International System of Units (SI). The meter itself is defined as the distance light travels in a vacuum in exactly 1/299,792,458 of a second, making it an extremely precise measurement based on fundamental physical constants. This definition was adopted in 1983 to ensure maximum accuracy and consistency worldwide.
The international foot is legally defined as exactly 0.3048 meters or 30.48 centimeters. This definition was established in 1959 through the International Yard and Pound Agreement, standardizing the foot across English-speaking nations. One foot also equals exactly 12 inches, with each inch measuring 2.54 centimeters.
The exact mathematical relationship is: 1 foot = 30.48 cm, which when inverted gives 1 cm = 0.0328083989501312 feet. For practical purposes, rounding to 0.0328084 feet per centimeter provides sufficient accuracy for virtually all applications while maintaining reasonable precision.