How to use the height converter
Type your height in centimetres on the left, or in feet and inches on the right – the other side updates as you type. The result also shows your height in metres and in total inches, and the chart below highlights the nearest common height.
The conversion formulas
- 1 inch = 2.54 cm exactly, and 1 foot = 12 inches = 30.48 cm.
- cm to feet and inches: divide by 2.54 to get total inches, then divide by 12. The whole number is feet; the remainder is inches. For example, 170 cm ÷ 2.54 = 66.93 inches = 5 ft 6.9 in (about 5′7″).
- Feet and inches to cm: (feet × 12 + inches) × 2.54. For example, 5′6″ = 66 inches × 2.54 = 167.64 cm.
Common heights
| Height | In cm |
|---|---|
| 5′0″ | 152.4 cm |
| 5′3″ | 160.0 cm |
| 5′6″ | 167.6 cm |
| 5′8″ | 172.7 cm |
| 5′10″ | 177.8 cm |
| 6′0″ | 182.9 cm |
The full chart in the tool lists every centimetre from 140 to 200 cm.
Tips for measuring your height accurately
- Stand barefoot on a hard floor with your back, heels and head against a wall.
- Look straight ahead, and place a flat object like a book on top of your head, level with the floor.
- Mark where the bottom of the book meets the wall, then measure from the floor to the mark.
- Measure in the morning if you can – most people are slightly taller after a night's sleep than in the evening.
Where you might need it
- Government and defence recruitment, where physical standards are often given in cm – always check the official notice for the exact requirement.
- Forms, ID documents and visas that ask for height in cm.
- Health and fitness: your BMI needs your height – try our BMI calculator, which accepts both units.
Frequently asked questions
How many feet is 170 cm?
170 cm is 5 feet 6.9 inches, which is about 5′7″.
What is 5 feet 6 inches in cm?
5′6″ is 66 inches, and 66 × 2.54 = 167.64 cm.
How do I convert cm to feet quickly?
Divide by 30.48 for feet as a decimal, or divide by 2.54 for total inches and then split into feet (÷ 12) and the remaining inches.
Is 1 inch exactly 2.54 cm?
Yes. Since 1959, the inch has been defined as exactly 2.54 centimetres.