How do I convert cm to feet and inches?
download.fan · Updated
Short answer
To convert cm to feet and inches, divide centimeters by 2.54 to get total inches, divide by 12 for the feet, and the remainder is the inches. 170 cm ÷ 2.54 = 66.93 inches. 66.93 ÷ 12 is 5 with 6.93 left over, so 170 cm is about 5 feet 7 inches. If you only need decimal feet, divide centimeters by 30.48: 170 cm is 5.58 feet.
Step by step
Step 1: Convert to inches
Divide centimeters by 2.54: 170 ÷ 2.54 = 66.93.
Step 2: Find whole feet
Divide by 12 and keep the whole number: 66.93 ÷ 12 = 5 feet.
Step 3: Find the remaining inches
Subtract 5 × 12 = 60 inches from the total: 66.93 − 60 = 6.93 inches.
Step 4: Round
6.93 inches rounds to 7, so you get 5 feet 7 inches.
What are common heights in feet and inches?
- 150 cm: about 4 ft 11 in
- 160 cm: about 5 ft 3 in
- 165 cm: about 5 ft 5 in
- 170 cm: about 5 ft 7 in
- 175 cm: about 5 ft 9 in
- 180 cm: about 5 ft 11 in
- 185 cm: about 6 ft 1 in
- 190 cm: about 6 ft 3 in
Why does 5.58 feet not mean 5 feet 58 inches?
Decimal feet are parts of a foot, not inches. Multiply the decimal part by 12 to get inches: 0.58 × 12 is about 7, so 5.58 feet is about 5 feet 7 inches. This is the most common mistake in height conversions.
Why is the conversion exactly 2.54?
It's a defined value rather than a measured one. NIST states that the inch is exactly 25.4 mm, which makes one inch exactly 2.54 cm and one foot exactly 30.48 cm.
How do I convert the other way, and other units?
Multiply feet by 30.48 and inches by 2.54, then add them. 5 feet 10 inches is 152.4 + 25.4 = 177.8 cm, and 6 feet is 182.88 cm.
This conversion calculator also handles centimeters, feet and inches, along with area, volume and other measurements. It lists a value in every other unit of the same kind, which is useful when you're converting more than one thing.