Height Converter - Feet/Inches to CM
Free height converter. Convert between feet and inches, centimeters, and meters. Perfect for converting human height measurements between imperial and metric systems.
Convert Height Between Imperial and Metric Systems
Our free height converter makes it easy to convert between feet and inches (imperial) and centimeters or meters (metric). This is essential when dealing with international height measurements, medical records, or when traveling between countries that use different measurement systems.
How Height is Measured Around the World
Different countries use different systems for measuring human height:
- United States: Feet and inches (e.g., 5' 9")
- United Kingdom: Feet and inches, though metric is also used officially
- Canada: Both systems used, but metric is official
- Most of the world: Centimeters (e.g., 175 cm) or meters
Common Height Conversions
Short Heights
| Feet/Inches | Centimeters | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 4' 10" | 147 cm | Very short adult |
| 5' 0" | 152 cm | Short adult woman |
| 5' 2" | 157 cm | Below average woman |
| 5' 4" | 163 cm | Average woman (US) |
Average Heights
| Feet/Inches | Centimeters | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 5' 6" | 168 cm | Average woman (Global) |
| 5' 8" | 173 cm | Tall woman / Short man |
| 5' 9" | 175 cm | Average man (US) |
| 5' 10" | 178 cm | Slightly above average man |
Tall Heights
| Feet/Inches | Centimeters | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 6' 0" | 183 cm | Tall man |
| 6' 2" | 188 cm | Very tall man |
| 6' 4" | 193 cm | Extremely tall |
| 6' 6" | 198 cm | Professional basketball height |
The Conversion Formulas
Feet and Inches to Centimeters:
cm = (feet × 30.48) + (inches × 2.54)
For example: 5' 9" = (5 × 30.48) + (9 × 2.54) = 152.4 + 22.86 = 175.26 cm
Centimeters to Feet and Inches:
Total inches = cm ÷ 2.54
Feet = floor(total inches ÷ 12)
Inches = total inches mod 12
Average Heights by Country
| Country | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | 183 cm (6' 0") | 170 cm (5' 7") |
| United States | 175 cm (5' 9") | 162 cm (5' 4") |
| United Kingdom | 178 cm (5' 10") | 164 cm (5' 5") |
| Japan | 172 cm (5' 8") | 158 cm (5' 2") |
| India | 166 cm (5' 5") | 155 cm (5' 1") |
| World Average | 171 cm (5' 7") | 159 cm (5' 3") |
When You Need This Converter
- Filling out international forms or applications
- Understanding medical records from different countries
- Shopping for clothes online from international retailers
- Comparing heights of athletes or celebrities from different countries
- Traveling and understanding height requirements or restrictions
Height in Medical Contexts
Medical professionals worldwide typically use metric measurements (centimeters or meters) for:
- Calculating BMI (Body Mass Index)
- Dosage calculations for medications
- Growth charts for children
- Medical records and documentation
This converter helps patients understand their measurements regardless of which system their country uses.
Popular Height Conversions
View all height conversions on our conversion tables page.