Height is given in feet and inches in the US and in centimeters almost everywhere else, so the same person can be “5′10″” on one form and “178 cm” on another. This height converter works in both directions and shows the result in centimeters, meters, total inches and feet-and-inches at once.
How to use the height converter
- Choose the direction — feet and inches to centimeters, or centimeters to feet and inches.
- Enter the height. Inches can include decimals, such as 10.5.
- Read the conversions. Feet-and-inches results are rounded to a tenth of an inch.
Height conversion formula
Total inches = cm ÷ 2.54 · feet = ⌊ total inches ÷ 12 ⌋ · inches = remainder
The factor 2.54 is exact: the inch has been defined as 2.54 cm since 1959.
Worked examples
- 5 ft 10 in to cm: 5 × 12 + 10 = 70 in; 70 × 2.54 = 177.8 cm
- 180 cm to feet: 180 ÷ 2.54 = 70.87 in = 5 × 12 + 10.87 → 5 ft 10.9 in
- 6 ft to meters: 72 × 2.54 = 182.88 cm = 1.83 m
Height conversion chart
| Feet & inches | Centimeters | Feet & inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4′10″ | 147.3 | 5′8″ | 172.7 |
| 4′11″ | 149.9 | 5′9″ | 175.3 |
| 5′0″ | 152.4 | 5′10″ | 177.8 |
| 5′1″ | 154.9 | 5′11″ | 180.3 |
| 5′2″ | 157.5 | 6′0″ | 182.9 |
| 5′3″ | 160.0 | 6′1″ | 185.4 |
| 5′4″ | 162.6 | 6′2″ | 188.0 |
| 5′5″ | 165.1 | 6′3″ | 190.5 |
| 5′6″ | 167.6 | 6′4″ | 193.0 |
| 5′7″ | 170.2 | 6′5″ | 195.6 |
Centimeters to feet chart
| cm | Feet & inches | cm | Feet & inches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 | 4′11.1″ | 175 | 5′8.9″ |
| 155 | 5′1.0″ | 180 | 5′10.9″ |
| 160 | 5′3.0″ | 185 | 6′0.8″ |
| 165 | 5′5.0″ | 190 | 6′2.8″ |
| 170 | 5′6.9″ | 195 | 6′4.8″ |
Measuring height accurately
- Stand barefoot with heels, back and head against a wall, looking straight ahead.
- Rest a flat object such as a book on top of your head, level with the floor, and mark the wall.
- Measure from the floor to the mark. Measuring in the morning gives a slightly taller result than in the evening, because the spine compresses a little during the day.
Height in other contexts
Different countries record height in different ways, which is why a converter is handy for travel, medical forms and sports rosters. The US, and to a lesser degree the UK, quote adult height in feet and inches, while most other countries use centimeters. Sports databases often list both. Clothing and furniture designers also work in centimeters for sizing guides, while door frames and ceiling heights in US homes are given in feet and inches; a standard interior door is 6 ft 8 in tall, which is 203.2 cm.
Quick mental conversion
For a rough answer without a calculator, remember that 1 foot is about 30 cm and 1 inch is about 2.5 cm. To estimate 5 ft 9 in, take 5 × 30 = 150 and 9 × 2.5 = 22.5, giving about 172.5 cm; the exact value is 175.26 cm, so this shortcut runs a little low and is fine only for a first guess. Use the converter above whenever the number goes on a form, a visa application or a medical record, since those rely on exact values.
Converting other lengths? The Unit Converter tool handles millimeters to miles.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert feet and inches to centimeters?
Convert to total inches (feet × 12 + inches), then multiply by 2.54. 5 ft 10 in = 70 in × 2.54 = 177.8 cm.
How do I convert cm to feet and inches?
Divide by 2.54 to get inches, then divide by 12: the whole number is feet and the remainder is inches. 180 cm ÷ 2.54 = 70.87 in = 5 ft 10.9 in.
How tall is 170 cm in feet?
About 5 ft 7 in (5 ft 6.9 in).
How many cm is 6 feet?
182.88 cm. Six feet is 72 inches, and 72 × 2.54 = 182.88.
Is 1 inch exactly 2.54 cm?
Yes. Since 1959 the inch has been defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters, so these conversions are exact.