Feet and Inches to Centimeters (cm) Converter – Height Calculator

ft/in → cm Converter

Feet (ft)

Inches (in)

Enter feet and inches (or decimal feet) and click "Convert to cm".

Example: 5 ft 8 in = 172.72 cm

The Feet and Inches to Centimeters Converter quickly transforms any height or length from the imperial system (feet and inches) into the metric system (centimeters). Whether you need to convert your own height, furniture dimensions, or international travel measurements, this tool provides an instant answer with a full step‑by‑step breakdown. Use the feet and inches to cm converter above to get started.

How to Convert Feet and Inches to cm

The process involves two simple steps. First, convert the entire height into total inches: multiply the feet by 12 (since one foot equals 12 inches) and add the remaining inches. Second, multiply the total inches by 2.54, because one inch is exactly 2.54 centimeters. For example, to convert 5 feet 8 inches to cm: (5×12+8) = 68 inches; then 68 × 2.54 = 172.72 cm.

If you have a decimal feet value (like 5.75 ft), simply multiply by 30.48 (since 1 foot = 30.48 cm). Our calculator supports both formats – just choose the appropriate tab.

Why Convert ft/in to cm?

Medical and health records – many health forms use cm for height.
International travel – luggage size limits are often in cm.
Furniture and room planning – metric measurements are standard worldwide.
Sports and fitness – athletic stats (e.g., basketball player heights) are often listed in cm.

Feet & Inches to Centimeters Complete Height Reference Table

Height (Feet ' Inches ")	Total Inches	Exact Centimeters (cm)	Decimal Feet (ft)	Demographic Benchmark Note
5' 0"	60 in	152.40 cm	5.00 ft	Petite adult height benchmark
5' 2"	62 in	157.48 cm	5.17 ft	Average global female height range
5' 4"	64 in	162.56 cm	5.33 ft	US average female height
5' 6"	66 in	167.64 cm	5.50 ft	Intermediate unisex height
5' 8"	68 in	172.72 cm	5.67 ft	Global average male height
5' 10"	70 in	177.80 cm	5.83 ft	US average male height
6' 0"	72 in	182.88 cm	6.00 ft	6-foot milestone height
6' 2"	74 in	187.96 cm	6.17 ft	Tall athletic height
6' 4"	76 in	193.04 cm	6.33 ft	Basketball / sports athlete height

Common Heights: ft/in to cm Quick Chart

Height (ft/in)	Centimeters
5 ft 8 in	172.72 cm
6 ft 0 in	182.88 cm
5 ft 4 in	162.56 cm
5 ft 10 in	177.80 cm

Understanding the Conversion Factors

The inch is officially defined as exactly 2.54 cm since 1959. This means that any measurement in inches can be multiplied by 2.54 to get centimeters. Since one foot is 12 inches, one foot equals 12 × 2.54 = 30.48 cm exactly. These fixed factors make conversions reliable and precise.

For decimal feet, the formula is direct: cm = feet × 30.48. For instance, a person who is 5.9 feet tall (which is 5 feet plus 0.9×12=10.8 inches) would be 5.9×30.48 = 179.83 cm. Our calculator handles both mixed units and decimal feet.

Step‑by‑Step Manual Conversion Examples

Example 1: 6 feet 2 inches → total inches = 6×12+2 = 74 → 74×2.54 = 187.96 cm.

Example 2: 5 feet 0 inches → 5×12 = 60 inches → 60×2.54 = 152.40 cm.

Example 3: Decimal feet: 5.25 ft → 5.25×30.48 = 160.02 cm.

Our converter automates these calculations, but understanding the math helps you verify results and convert any height manually. Use the tool above for instant, accurate conversions every time.

Frequently Asked Questions about Feet/Inches to cm

How do you convert feet and inches to centimeters?

First convert the height to total inches (feet × 12 + inches), then multiply by 2.54. For example, 5 feet 8 inches = (5×12+8) = 68 inches; 68 × 2.54 = 172.72 cm.

What is the formula for feet to cm?

1 foot = 30.48 cm. Multiply feet by 30.48. For inches: 1 inch = 2.54 cm. The combined formula is cm = (feet × 30.48) + (inches × 2.54).

What is the average human height in cm?

Globally, average adult male height is about 171 cm (≈ 5 ft 7.3 in) and average adult female height is about 159 cm (≈ 5 ft 2.6 in).

How do I convert decimal feet (like 5.75 ft) to cm?

Multiply decimal feet directly by 30.48. For example, 5.75 ft × 30.48 = 175.26 cm.

Why do we multiply by 2.54 for inches to cm?

The international inch was legally standardized in 1959 as exactly 2.54 centimeters worldwide.

How many centimeters are in 6 feet?

6 feet = 6 × 12 = 72 inches. 72 × 2.54 = 182.88 cm.

What is 5'4" in cm?

5 ft 4 in = (5 × 12 + 4) = 64 inches. 64 × 2.54 = 162.56 cm.

What is 5'10" in cm?

5 ft 10 in = (5 × 12 + 10) = 70 inches. 70 × 2.54 = 177.80 cm.