1 cm = 0.0328 ft

30.48 cm = 1 ft

180 cm = 5.91 ft

feet = centimeters ÷ 30.48

feet = centimeters × 0.0328084

feet = 170 ÷ 30.48

feet = 5.577427822

170 cm ≈ 5.58 feet or 5' 6.9"

Step 1: Note Your Height in Centimeters

Start with your measurement in centimeters.

Example: 165 cm

Step 2: Divide by 30.48

Divide the centimeter value by 30.48 to get decimal feet.

Example: 165 ÷ 30.48 = 5.4134 feet

Step 3: Separate Whole Feet

The whole number part is your feet measurement.

Example: 5 feet (from 5.4134)

Step 4: Convert Decimal to Inches

Multiply the decimal part by 12 to get inches.

Example: 0.4134 × 12 = 4.96 inches

Result: 165 cm = 5' 5"

Metric System Origin

The centimeter is part of the metric system, which was developed in France during the late 18th century. The prefix "centi-" means one-hundredth, derived from the Latin "centum" meaning hundred. The metric system was designed to be based on powers of 10, making calculations and conversions much simpler than traditional systems with irregular conversion factors.

Everyday Applications

Centimeters are the standard unit for measuring height in most countries outside the United States. They're used on rulers, measuring tapes, medical charts, identification documents, and clothing size labels. A standard credit card is 8.5 cm wide, and a standard sheet of A4 paper is 21 cm wide by 29.7 cm tall. Human height typically ranges from about 150 cm to 200 cm.

Historical Origins

The foot as a unit of measurement has ancient origins, originally based on the length of a human foot. Throughout history, different civilizations defined the foot differently, ranging from about 25 to 34 centimeters. The English foot, which forms the basis of modern imperial measurements, was standardized in 1959 when international agreement established it as exactly 0.3048 meters (30.48 cm).

Modern Definition and Usage

Since the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement, the foot has been officially defined as exactly 30.48 centimeters. In the United States, height is typically expressed in feet and inches (e.g., 5'10"), while in most other countries, centimeters are used (e.g., 178 cm). Both systems describe the same physical measurement but use different units. The foot remains entrenched in US construction, real estate, and aviation.

Height Measurements and Medical Records

Medical professionals worldwide need to convert between centimeters and feet/inches regularly. Electronic health records in the US use feet and inches, while most international medical systems use centimeters. Accurate height conversion is crucial for calculating BMI (Body Mass Index), determining medication dosages based on body surface area, and assessing child growth patterns against standardized charts.

International Travel and Documentation

Passports, driver's licenses, and identification documents use different height formats depending on the issuing country. Travelers often need to convert their height when filling out visa applications, customs forms, or international driver's permits. Understanding both systems prevents confusion at border crossings and when dealing with foreign authorities.

Sports and Athletics

International sports competitions require height conversions for athlete profiles and eligibility requirements. Basketball players' heights are often reported in feet and inches in the US but in centimeters internationally. Olympic records, FIFA regulations, and other global sporting bodies typically use metric measurements, requiring conversion for American athletes and spectators.

Online Shopping and Clothing

International clothing retailers and e-commerce sites often provide size charts in both centimeters and feet/inches. When purchasing items like pants, dresses, or shoes from international brands, converting height helps determine the correct size. Many fashion brands use height recommendations to suggest appropriate garment lengths, requiring accurate conversion between systems.

Height Varies Throughout the Day: Human height can vary by up to 2 cm (about 0.8 inches) throughout the day due to spinal compression from gravity. People are typically tallest in the morning after sleeping and shortest in the evening. Medical measurements are often taken in the morning for consistency.

Average Height Differences: Average height varies significantly by country and gender. Dutch men average 183 cm (6'0"), making them the tallest population globally, while women in Guatemala average 149 cm (4'11"). Accurate height conversion helps understand these global statistics.

The 6-Foot Barrier: In the US, the height of 6 feet (182.88 cm) has psychological significance, often considered a desirable height for men. This has no scientific basis but demonstrates how round numbers in the imperial system influence cultural perceptions of height.

Measurement in Space: Astronauts grow up to 5 cm (2 inches) taller in space due to the absence of gravity's compressive force on the spine. NASA tracks astronaut height in both centimeters and inches to monitor these changes and ensure proper fit in spacesuits and spacecraft.

centimeters = feet × 30.48

cm = (feet × 30.48) + (inches × 2.54)

Example: Convert 5'10" to cm

cm = (5 × 30.48) + (10 × 2.54)

cm = 152.4 + 25.4

cm = 177.8 cm