The two constants that do all the work
cm = ( feet × 30.48 ) + ( inches × 2.54 )
An inch is exactly 2.54 cm and a foot (12 inches) is exactly 30.48 cm. To go the other way, divide the total cm by 30.48 for whole feet, and the leftover by 2.54 for inches. Divide cm by 100 for meters.
Common heights
| Feet & inches | Centimeters | Meters |
|---|---|---|
| 5'0" | 152.4 cm | 1.52 m |
| 5'2" | 157.5 cm | 1.58 m |
| 5'4" | 162.6 cm | 1.63 m |
| 5'6" | 167.6 cm | 1.68 m |
| 5'7" | 170.2 cm | 1.70 m |
| 5'9" | 175.3 cm | 1.75 m |
| 5'10" | 177.8 cm | 1.78 m |
| 6'0" | 182.9 cm | 1.83 m |
| 6'2" | 187.9 cm | 1.88 m |
| 6'4" | 193.0 cm | 1.93 m |
For reference, US adult averages (CDC) are about 5'9" (175.3 cm) for men and 5'3.5" (161.3 cm) for women.
Watch the decimal-feet trap
- Decimal feet aren't feet-and-inches. 5.5 ft is 5 ft 6 in, not 5 ft 5 in, because 0.5 of a foot is 6 inches. Convert the fractional foot by multiplying it by 12.
- Inches split at 12, not 10. After 11 inches the next inch rolls over to another foot, so 71 inches is 5 ft 11 in and 72 inches is 6 ft 0 in.
- You shrink through the day. Spinal discs compress under gravity, so you measure 1 to 2 cm taller in the morning than at night. Measure at a consistent time.
Common questions
What is 5'7" in cm?
5 feet 7 inches is 170.2 cm. The math is (5 x 30.48) + (7 x 2.54) = 152.4 + 17.78 = 170.18 cm.
Is 5.8 feet the same as 5 feet 8 inches?
No, and this is the most common mistake. 5.8 feet means 5 feet plus 0.8 of a foot, which is 9.6 inches, so 5 feet 9.6 inches (176.8 cm). 5 feet 8 inches is 172.7 cm. The two differ by about 4 cm.
How do I convert feet to centimeters?
Multiply feet by 30.48. If you also have inches, add the inches times 2.54. For example 6'2" is (6 x 30.48) + (2 x 2.54) = 187.96 cm.
