Centimeters to Feet and Inches Calculator
Complete Guide: Centimeters to Feet & Inches Conversion
This guide shows you how to convert centimeters (and meters) to feet and inchesproviding clear conversion methods for height measurementsconstruction projectsinterior designscientific applicationsand international measurements. We've operated this calculator for over a decade and noticed most searches come from people converting heights (especially from countries using metric) and contractors working with imported specifications.
Understanding Metric and Imperial Units: History and Modern Usage
The Centimeter: Foundation of Metric Measurement
The centimeter is part of the metric systembased on the meter which was originally defined as one ten-millionth of the distance from Earth's equator to the North Pole. Since 1983the meter has been defined by the speed of lightmaking it extraordinarily precise. One centimeter equals exactly 0.01 meters or 10 millimeters. The relationship to imperial units was standardized in 1959: 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters exactly.
Where you'll use centimeters: height measurements worldwide (175 cm tall)medical measurementsclothing sizes in most countriesfurniture dimensions from IKEA and European manufacturersscientific measurementsscreen sizes in some regionsand construction in metric countries. Fun fact: most of the world uses centimeters for heightwhile the United States primarily uses feet and inches.
The Meter: International Standard
The meter is the base unit of length in the International System of Units (SI). Since 1959it's been exactly defined in relation to imperial units: 1 meter = 39.3701 inches or approximately 3.28084 feet. The meter is used worldwide for longer measurementswhile centimeters handle smaller dimensions.
Where you'll use meters: room dimensions internationallyswimming pool lengths (Olympic pool is 50 meters)track and field events (100-meter dash)building heights outside the USfabric sold by the metersurveying and mappingscientific researchand international trade specifications.
The Foot and Inch: American and British Standards
The foot (12 inches) and inch remain standard in the United States for constructionreal estateand everyday measurements. Since the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreementthese units have exact metric definitions: 1 inch = 2.54 cm exactly and 1 foot = 30.48 cm exactly.
Where you'll use feet and inches: US construction and architectureheight measurements in the US and UKreal estate listings in Americalumber dimensionsplumbing and electrical specificationsaviation altitudesand many manufacturing standards in the United States.
Real-World Conversion Scenarios
Height Measurements
People constantly ask us about height conversions from centimeters to feet and inches. For example175 cm is 5 feet 9 inches - a common adult height. For international travelerspassport heights often need conversion: 180 cm equals 5 feet 11 inches. Athletes measuring their height for international competitions find that 200 cm converts to 6 feet 6¾ inches - a typical professional basketball player height.
Construction and Architecture
We see lots of queries from contractors working with imported specifications and international plans. A standard European ceiling height of 250 cm equals 8 feet 2½ inches - slightly taller than the American 8-foot standard. Architects converting room dimensions often need precise conversions: a 400 cm width is exactly 13 feet 1½ inches.
Furniture and Interior Design
Interior designers regularly convert furniture dimensions from European manufacturers. A 220 cm sofa measures 7 feet 2¾ inches long - perfect for most living rooms. IKEA shoppers calculate whether European furniture fits: a 160 cm bed is 5 feet 3 incheswhich is actually a queen size in US measurements.
Medical and Scientific Applications
Healthcare professionals convert patient heights from metric medical records to imperial charts. A newborn measuring 50 cm is 1 foot 7¾ inches long. Scientists and engineers working on international projects constantly convert specifications: a 2-meter pole is 6 feet 6¾ inches tall.
Technical Definitions and Conversion Factors
Definition of Centimeter
- Definition
- Centimeter (cm) — a metric unit of length equal to exactly one-hundredth of a meter. Part of the International System of Units (SI)standardized worldwide.
- Exact factors
-
1 cm = 0.01 m (exact)
1 cm = 10 mm (exact)
1 cm = 0.393701 inches (derived from 1 in = 2.54 cm exactly) - Common equivalents
-
- 1 cm ≈ 0.393701 inches
- 1 cm ≈ 0.0328084 feet
- 2.54 cm = 1 inch (exact by international agreement)
- 30.48 cm = 1 foot (exact)
- Official sources
Definition of Meter
- Definition
- Meter (m) — the base unit of length in the International System of Units (SI). Since 1983defined as the distance light travels in vacuum in 1/299,792,458 of a second.
- Exact factors
-
1 m = 100 cm (exact)
1 m = 39.3701 inches (derived from 1 in = 2.54 cm exactly)
1 m = 3.28084 feet (derived) - Common equivalents
-
- 1 m ≈ 39.3701 inches
- 1 m ≈ 3.28084 feet
- 1 m ≈ 1.09361 yards
- 0.3048 m = 1 foot (exact)
Definition of Foot
- Definition
- Foot (ft) — an imperial/US customary unit equal to 12 inches or 0.3048 meters exactly. Standardized internationally in 1959.
- Exact factors
-
1 ft = 12 in (exact)
1 ft = 0.3048 m (exact)
1 ft = 30.48 cm (exact) - Common equivalents
-
- 1 ft = 304.8 millimeters
- 1 ft = 0.333333 yards (1/3 yard)
- Official sources
Definition of Inch
- Definition
- Inch (in) — an imperial unit of length equal to exactly 2.54 centimeters. This relationship was established by international agreement in 1959 and is the foundation for all metric-to-imperial length conversions.
- Exact factor
- 1 in = 2.54 cm (exact by international agreement)
- Common equivalents
-
- 1 in = 0.0254 meters (exact)
- 1 in = 25.4 millimeters (exact)
- 1 in = 0.0833333 feet (1/12 foot)
Step-by-Step Conversion Examples
Example 1: Converting 175 cm to feet and inches
Practical use: Average adult height in many countries - common for medical recordsclothing sizesand sports statistics
Step 1: Convert centimeters to inches
Start with the exact conversion: 1 inch = 2.54 cmtherefore 1 cm = 1/2.54 inches
175 cm ÷ 2.54 = 68.898 inches
Step 2: Convert total inches to feet and inches
Divide by 12 to get feet: 68.898 ÷ 12 = 5.7415 feet
Whole feet = 5 feet
Decimal portion = 0.7415 feet
Convert to inches: 0.7415 × 12 = 8.898 inches ≈ 8.9 inches
Final result: 175 cm = 5 feet 9 inches (or 5′9″)
Context: This is approximately the average height for adult males in many countries.
Example 2: Converting 190 cm to feet and inches
Practical use: Tall adult height - important for doorway clearancesclothingand ergonomic furniture
Conversion process
190 cm ÷ 2.54 = 74.803 inches
74.803 ÷ 12 = 6.234 feet
Whole feet = 6 feet
0.234 × 12 = 2.8 inches ≈ 2¾ inches
Result: 190 cm = 6 feet 2¾ inches (or 6′2¾″)
This is a tall height in most populationsoften requiring custom clothing or extra legroom.
Example 3: Converting 2 meters (200 cm) to feet and inches
Practical use: Door heightceiling heightor basketball player height
Calculation
200 cm ÷ 2.54 = 78.740 inches
78.740 ÷ 12 = 6.562 feet
= 6 feet + (0.562 × 12 inches)
= 6 feet 6.74 inches ≈ 6 feet 6¾ inches
Mental shortcut: Remember that 1 meter ≈ 3.28 feetso 2 meters ≈ 6.56 feet. This gives a quick estimate before precise calculation.
Example 4: Converting 160 cm to feet and inches
Practical use: Common furniture width or average female height in many countries
Step-by-step calculation
160 cm ÷ 2.54 = 62.992 inches
62.992 ÷ 12 = 5.249 feet
= 5 feet + 0.249 feet
= 5 feet + (0.249 × 12) inches = 5 feet 3 inches
Context: This is approximately the average height for adult women in the United States. Alsoa 160 cm bed width is close to a queen-size mattress.
Example 5: Converting 250 cm to feet and inches
Practical use: Standard ceiling height in many European buildings
Calculation
250 cm ÷ 2.54 = 98.425 inches
98.425 ÷ 12 = 8.202 feet
= 8 feet + (0.202 × 12) inches
= 8 feet 2.4 inches ≈ 8 feet 2½ inches
Note: This is slightly taller than the standard American 8-foot ceiling (243.84 cm).
Quick Reference Chart: Common Height Conversions
Keep these handy for quick mental calculations:
- 150 cm = 4 feet 11 inches (common for children/petite adults)
- 160 cm = 5 feet 3 inches (average female height in US)
- 170 cm = 5 feet 7 inches (tall female/average male)
- 175 cm = 5 feet 9 inches (average male height globally)
- 180 cm = 5 feet 11 inches (tall male)
- 190 cm = 6 feet 3 inches (very tall)
- 200 cm = 6 feet 6¾ inches (basketball player height)
- Quick rule: Divide cm by 2.54 to get inches; divide inches by 12 for feet
Conversion Formula Summary
Method 1: Two-step conversion (centimeters → inches → feet and inches)
- Divide centimeters by 2.54 to convert to total inches
- Divide total inches by 12 to get decimal feet
- Take the whole number as your feet
- Multiply the decimal portion by 12 to get remaining inches
- Round inches to nearest practical fraction (¼½¾ inch)
Method 2: Direct conversion (meters → feet and inches)
- Multiply meters by 3.28084 to get decimal feet
- Take the whole number as your feet
- Multiply the decimal portion by 12 to get inches
- Round to nearest practical increment
Pro tip: For height measurementsrounding to the nearest quarter-inch is usually sufficient. For construction and engineeringyou may need sixteenth-inch precision.
Quick Reference: Centimeters vs Feet and Inches Comparison Table
| Centimeters | Meters | Inches | Feet (decimal) | Feet + Inches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 cm | 0.3 m | 11.81 in | 0.98 ft | 0 ft 11¾ in |
| 60 cm | 0.6 m | 23.62 in | 1.97 ft | 1 ft 11⅝ in |
| 90 cm | 0.9 m | 35.43 in | 2.95 ft | 2 ft 11½ in |
| 100 cm | 1.0 m | 39.37 in | 3.28 ft | 3 ft 3⅜ in |
| 120 cm | 1.2 m | 47.24 in | 3.94 ft | 3 ft 11¼ in |
| 150 cm | 1.5 m | 59.06 in | 4.92 ft | 4 ft 11 in |
| 160 cm | 1.6 m | 62.99 in | 5.25 ft | 5 ft 3 in |
| 170 cm | 1.7 m | 66.93 in | 5.58 ft | 5 ft 7 in |
| 175 cm | 1.75 m | 68.90 in | 5.74 ft | 5 ft 9 in |
| 180 cm | 1.8 m | 70.87 in | 5.91 ft | 5 ft 11 in |
| 190 cm | 1.9 m | 74.80 in | 6.23 ft | 6 ft 2¾ in |
| 200 cm | 2.0 m | 78.74 in | 6.56 ft | 6 ft 6¾ in |
| 250 cm | 2.5 m | 98.43 in | 8.20 ft | 8 ft 2½ in |
| 300 cm | 3.0 m | 118.11 in | 9.84 ft | 9 ft 10 in |
Complete Height Conversion Chart
You can use this table to find any value in feetin inches or in feet plus inches when you know the value in centimeters. It is an alternative to the converter above. Here is another version of this Centimeter to feet and inches table.
| cm | ft | in | ft′in″(1/32) | ft′in″(1/16) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 | 3.94 | 47.24 | 3′111/4″ | 3′111/4″ |
| 121 | 3.97 | 47.64 | 3′115/8″ | 3′115/8″ |
| 122 | 4 | 48.03 | 4′1/32″ | 4′1/16″ |
| 123 | 4.04 | 48.43 | 4′7/16″ | 4′7/16″ |
| 124 | 4.07 | 48.82 | 4′13/16″ | 4′13/16″ |
| 125 | 4.1 | 49.21 | 4′17/32″ | 4′13/16″ |
| 126 | 4.13 | 49.61 | 4′119/32″ | 4′15/8″ |
| 127 | 4.17 | 50 | 4′2 | 4′2 |
| 128 | 4.2 | 50.39 | 4′213/32″ | 4′23/8″ |
| 129 | 4.23 | 50.79 | 4′225/32″ | 4′213/16″ |
| 130 | 4.27 | 51.18 | 4′33/16″ | 4′33/16″ |
| 131 | 4.3 | 51.57 | 4′39/16″ | 4′39/16″ |
| 132 | 4.33 | 51.97 | 4′331/32″ | 4′315/16″ |
| 133 | 4.36 | 52.36 | 4′43/8″ | 4′43/8″ |
| 134 | 4.4 | 52.76 | 4′43/4″ | 4′43/4″ |
| 135 | 4.43 | 53.15 | 4′55/32″ | 4′51/8″ |
| 136 | 4.46 | 53.54 | 4′517/32″ | 4′59/16″ |
| 137 | 4.49 | 53.94 | 4′515/16″ | 4′515/16″ |
| 138 | 4.53 | 54.33 | 4′611/32″ | 4′65/16″ |
| 139 | 4.56 | 54.72 | 4′623/32″ | 4′63/4″ |
| 140 | 4.59 | 55.12 | 4′71/8″ | 4′71/8″ |
| 141 | 4.63 | 55.51 | 4′71/2″ | 4′71/2″ |
| 142 | 4.66 | 55.91 | 4′729/32″ | 4′77/8″ |
| 143 | 4.69 | 56.3 | 4′85/16″ | 4′85/16″ |
| 144 | 4.72 | 56.69 | 4′811/16″ | 4′811/16″ |
| 145 | 4.76 | 57.09 | 4′93/32″ | 4′91/16″ |
| 146 | 4.79 | 57.48 | 4′915/32″ | 4′91/2″ |
| 147 | 4.82 | 57.87 | 4′97/8″ | 4′97/8″ |
| 148 | 4.86 | 58.27 | 4′109/32″ | 4′101/4″ |
| 149 | 4.89 | 58.66 | 4′1021/32″ | 4′1011/16″ |
| 150 | 4.92 | 59.06 | 4′111/16″ | 4′111/16″ |
| 151 | 4.95 | 59.45 | 4′117/16″ | 4′117/16″ |
| 152 | 4.99 | 59.84 | 4′1127/32″ | 4′1113/16″ |
| 153 | 5.02 | 60.24 | 5′1/4″ | 5′1/4″ |
| 154 | 5.05 | 60.63 | 5′5/8″ | 5′5/8″ |
| 155 | 5.09 | 61.02 | 5′11/32″ | 5′1 |
| 156 | 5.12 | 61.42 | 5′113/32″ | 5′17/16″ |
| 157 | 5.15 | 61.81 | 5′113/16″ | 5′113/16″ |
| 158 | 5.18 | 62.2 | 5′27/32″ | 5′23/16″ |
| 159 | 5.22 | 62.6 | 5′219/32″ | 5′25/8″ |
| 160 | 5.25 | 62.99 | 5′3 | 5′3 |
| 161 | 5.28 | 63.39 | 5′33/8″ | 5′33/8″ |
| 162 | 5.31 | 63.78 | 5′325/32″ | 5′33/4″ |
| 163 | 5.35 | 64.17 | 5′43/16″ | 5′43/16″ |
| 164 | 5.38 | 64.57 | 5′49/16″ | 5′49/16″ |
| 165 | 5.41 | 64.96 | 5′431/32″ | 5′415/16″ |
| 166 | 5.45 | 65.35 | 5′511/32″ | 5′53/8″ |
| 167 | 5.48 | 65.75 | 5′53/4″ | 5′53/4″ |
| cm | ft | in | ft′in″(1/32) | ft′in″(1/16) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 168 | 5.51 | 66.14 | 5′65/32″ | 5′61/8″ |
| 169 | 5.54 | 66.54 | 5′617/32″ | 5′69/16″ |
| 170 | 5.58 | 66.93 | 5′615/16″ | 5′615/16″ |
| 171 | 5.61 | 67.32 | 5′75/16″ | 5′75/16″ |
| 172 | 5.64 | 67.72 | 5′723/32″ | 5′711/16″ |
| 173 | 5.68 | 68.11 | 5′81/8″ | 5′81/8″ |
| 174 | 5.71 | 68.5 | 5′81/2″ | 5′81/2″ |
| 175 | 5.74 | 68.9 | 5′829/32″ | 5′87/8″ |
| 176 | 5.77 | 69.29 | 5′99/32″ | 5′95/16″ |
| 177 | 5.81 | 69.69 | 5′911/16″ | 5′911/16″ |
| 178 | 5.84 | 70.08 | 5′103/32″ | 5′101/16″ |
| 179 | 5.87 | 70.47 | 5′1015/32″ | 5′101/2″ |
| 180 | 5.91 | 70.87 | 5′107/8″ | 5′107/8″ |
| 181 | 5.94 | 71.26 | 5′111/4″ | 5′111/4″ |
| 182 | 5.97 | 71.65 | 5′1121/32″ | 5′115/8″ |
| 183 | 6 | 72.05 | 6′1/16″ | 6′1/16″ |
| 184 | 6.04 | 72.44 | 6′7/16″ | 6′7/16″ |
| 185 | 6.07 | 72.83 | 6′27/32″ | 6′13/16″ |
| 186 | 6.1 | 73.23 | 6′17/32″ | 6′11/4″ |
| 187 | 6.14 | 73.62 | 6′15/8″ | 6′15/8″ |
| 188 | 6.17 | 74.02 | 6′21/32″ | 6′2 |
| 189 | 6.2 | 74.41 | 6′213/32″ | 6′27/16″ |
| 190 | 6.23 | 74.8 | 6′213/16″ | 6′213/16″ |
| 191 | 6.27 | 75.2 | 6′33/16″ | 6′33/16″ |
| 192 | 6.3 | 75.59 | 6′319/32″ | 6′39/16″ |
| 193 | 6.33 | 75.98 | 6′331/32″ | 6′4 |
| 194 | 6.36 | 76.38 | 6′43/8″ | 6′43/8″ |
| 195 | 6.4 | 76.77 | 6′425/32″ | 6′43/4″ |
| 196 | 6.43 | 77.17 | 6′55/32″ | 6′53/16″ |
| 197 | 6.46 | 77.56 | 6′59/16″ | 6′59/16″ |
| 198 | 6.5 | 77.95 | 6′515/16″ | 6′515/16″ |
| 199 | 6.53 | 78.35 | 6′611/32″ | 6′63/8″ |
| 200 | 6.56 | 78.74 | 6′63/4″ | 6′63/4″ |
| 201 | 6.59 | 79.13 | 6′71/8″ | 6′71/8″ |
| 202 | 6.63 | 79.53 | 6′717/32″ | 6′71/2″ |
| 203 | 6.66 | 79.92 | 6′729/32″ | 6′715/16″ |
| 204 | 6.69 | 80.31 | 6′85/16″ | 6′85/16″ |
| 205 | 6.73 | 80.71 | 6′823/32″ | 6′811/16″ |
| 206 | 6.76 | 81.1 | 6′93/32″ | 6′91/8″ |
| 207 | 6.79 | 81.5 | 6′91/2″ | 6′91/2″ |
| 208 | 6.82 | 81.89 | 6′97/8″ | 6′97/8″ |
| 209 | 6.86 | 82.28 | 6′109/32″ | 6′105/16″ |
| 210 | 6.89 | 82.68 | 6′1011/16″ | 6′1011/16″ |
| 211 | 6.92 | 83.07 | 6′111/16″ | 6′111/16″ |
| 212 | 6.96 | 83.46 | 6′1115/32″ | 6′117/16″ |
| 213 | 6.99 | 83.86 | 6′1127/32″ | 6′117/8″ |
| 214 | 7.02 | 84.25 | 7′1/4″ | 7′1/4″ |
| 215 | 7.05 | 84.65 | 7′21/32″ | 7′5/8″ |
Common Conversion Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Confusing 2.54 with 25.4
Remember: 1 inch = 2.54 cm (not 25.4). The decimal point matters! If you accidentally use 25.4your answer will be 10 times too large.
Mistake 2: Forgetting to divide by 12
Converting cm to inches is just the first step. You must then divide by 12 to separate feet from inches. Many people stop after getting total inches.
Mistake 3: Rounding too early
Keep extra decimal places during intermediate calculations. Only round the final inches value. Rounding 68.898 inches to 69 inches changes the result from 5′9″ to 5′9″but rounding 68.4 to 68 changes 5′8.4″ to 5′8″.
Mistake 4: Using 3.28 instead of 3.28084
For rough estimates3.28 feet per meter works fine. But for precision (like construction)use 3.28084 or better yetconvert through inches (meters → cm → inches → feet+inches).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 1 inch exactly 2.54 cm?
In 1959English-speaking countries signed the International Yard and Pound Agreementdefining 1 yard = 0.9144 meters exactly. Since 1 yard = 36 inchesthis makes 1 inch = 2.54 cm exactly. This agreement ensures consistent conversions worldwide.
Is it better to convert through inches or directly to feet?
Converting cm → inches → feet+inches is more accurate than cm → meters → feet because you're using the exact 2.54 cm per inch relationship. Direct meter-to-feet conversion (×3.28084) can introduce tiny rounding errors.
Why do my conversions differ slightly from others?
Differences usually come from when rounding occurs. Some calculators round at each step; others keep full precision until the end. Our calculator maintains precision throughoutrounding only the final display values.
How precise do I need to be?
It depends on your application:
- Height measurements: Nearest quarter-inch is fine
- Construction/carpentry: Nearest sixteenth-inch or better
- Scientific/engineering: Keep at least 4-5 decimal places
- Everyday estimates: Nearest inch works for most purposes
Why Trust Our Centimeters-to-Feet-Inches Converter?
This converter is built on exact international measurement standards established by the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement. Whether you're converting height from international documentationinterpreting European measurements for U.S. applicationsor understanding metric product dimensions in imperial unitsour tool delivers precisereliable conversions.
Real-World Experience
International Documentation
- Visa applications: Converting metric heights (175 cm) to feet-inches format for U.S. forms
- Medical records: Interpreting European medical records (cm) for U.S. healthcare providers
- Sports profiles: Converting international athlete heights (190 cm) to familiar ft-in format
- Immigration documents: Understanding metric measurements from foreign IDs and passports
Construction and Real Estate
- European architecture: Converting metric room dimensions (250 cm ceiling) to feet-inches
- Imported materials: Understanding Asian/European product specs (180 cm door) in U.S. measurements
- International projects: Translating metric blueprints for U.S. construction teams
- Real estate listings: Converting international property dimensions for U.S. buyers
E-Commerce and Product Specifications
- Online shopping: Converting product heights from international sellers (Amazon GlobalAliExpress)
- Furniture imports: Understanding European furniture dimensions (200 cm bookshelf) in feet-inches
- Clothing sizes: Converting metric size charts to U.S. measurements
- Equipment specifications: Translating metric technical specs for U.S. markets
Technical Expertise
Exact Conversion Standards
Our converter implements the official international definition:
- 1 centimeter = 0.393701 inches exactly (derived from 1 inch = 2.54 cm by definition)
- 1 meter = 3.28084 feet exactly (100 cm × 0.393701 in ÷ 12)
- Total inches: cm × 0.393701then divide by 12 for feetremainder = inches
- Zero conversion error: Result exact to floating-point precision limits
Conversion Methodology
Our calculation process:
- Step 1: Convert cm to total inches (cm × 0.393701)
- Step 2: Calculate feet (total inches ÷ 12take integer part)
- Step 3: Calculate remaining inches (total inches mod 12)
- Step 4: Express decimal inches as usable fractions (1/16"1/8"etc.)
Common Conversions Verified
- 150 cm = 4'11" (4 feet 11.055 inches - common reference height)
- 160 cm = 5'3" (5 feet 2.992 inches - average female height globally)
- 175 cm = 5'9" (5 feet 8.898 inches - common male height internationally)
- 180 cm = 5'11" (5 feet 10.866 inches - frequent visa/passport height)
- 190 cm = 6'3" (6 feet 2.803 inches - tall reference point)
Precision Handling
- Input flexibility: Accepts whole cm or decimal (175.5 cm)
- Fractional inches: Converts decimal inches to usable fractions (1/161/81/41/2)
- No rounding errors: Calculation uses full precisionrounds only for display
- Validation: Rejects invalid inputs (negative valuesnon-numeric characters)
Common Mistakes Avoided
- Error: "180 cm = 6 feet" (rough approximation)
Correct: 180 cm = 5'10.87" (5 feet 10.866 inches) - significant difference - Error: Using 2.5 instead of 2.54 for inch-cm ratio
Correct: 1 inch = 2.54 cm exactly - 1.6% error with 2.5 - Error: Forgetting to convert decimal feet to inches
Correct: 5.9 feet ≠ 5'9"it's 5'10.8" (0.9 × 12 = 10.8 inches)
Authoritative Sources
International Standards
- NIST Special Publication 811: Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI)
- ISO 80000-3:2019: Quantities and units - Part 3: Space and time
- BIPM: International Bureau of Weights and Measures - official SI definitions
- Federal Register Vol. 24No. 134 (1959): U.S. adoption of 1 inch = 2.54 cm exactly
Historical Foundation
- 1959: International Yard and Pound Agreement defines inch = 2.54 cm exactly
- 1960: SI system officially establishedmeter and centimeter formally defined
- 1983: Meter redefined based on speed of light (exactno measurement uncertainty)
- 1988: U.S. Omnibus Trade Act recognizes metric system alongside imperial
Industry Recognition
- WHO: World Health Organization uses cm for international health standards
- U.S. Customs: Accepts metric-to-imperial conversions for product documentation
- ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials references exact cm-inch conversion
- ISO: International Organization for Standardization - global measurement harmonization
Educational Alignment
- Conversion factor verified against NIST Handbook 44 (SpecificationsTolerancesand Other Technical Requirements for Weighing and Measuring Devices)
- Methodology consistent with NIST Guide to SI Units
- Precision practices follow ASTM E29 (Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits)
Trustworthiness and Verification
How We Ensure Accuracy
- Exact conversion factor: 1 cm = 0.393701 inches (derived from 1 inch = 2.54 cm definition)
- Transparent calculation: cm × 0.393701 = total inchesthen feet + inches (formula always visible)
- Reverse verification: Result converted back to cm should match input
- Known benchmarks: Cross-check against verified heights (175 cm = 5'8.9"180 cm = 5'10.87")
- Real-time calculation: No lookup tables - every conversion computed fresh
Precision Guarantee
Accuracy: Exact to definition (zero conversion error)
- Conversion factor is exact by international agreement (no approximation)
- Internal calculations use 64-bit floating-point (15-17 significant digits)
- Display rounding only affects final presentationnot calculation accuracy
- Example: 175 cm = 175 × 0.393701 = 68.8977 inches = 5 feet + 8.8977 inches (exact)
Privacy and Security
- Client-side processing: All conversions calculated in your browser (nothing sent to servers)
- No data logging: We don't recordstoreor analyze your measurements
- No tracking: No cookiesno analytics on conversion values
- Open methodology: Conversion formula publicly disclosed and verifiable
Limitations and Scope
- Input range: Accepts 0 to 9999 cm (0 to 99.99 meters)
- Display precision: Feet-inches with decimal inches and fractional equivalents
- Measurement vs. conversion: Tool converts mathematically; actual measurement accuracy depends on measuring device
- U.S. survey foot: This converter uses international foot (since 2023U.S. survey foot deprecated)
About This Converter
Developed by measurement professionals with expertise in international standards compliancecross-border documentationand global commerce. Last updated: January 2025. Conversion factors verified against NIST SP 811ISO 80000-3:2019and BIPM SI Brochure (9th edition).
Report Issues: Found a discrepancy or calculation error? Contact us immediately. We take accuracy seriously and investigate every report within 24 hours. All verified issues result in prompt corrections and methodology updates.
Bottom line: This converter implements the exact international standard (1 cm = 0.393701 inchesderived from 1 inch = 2.54 cm) with zero conversion error. The result is mathematically exact to floating-point precision limits. Use confidently for visa applicationsinternational documentationproduct specificationsconstruction planninge-commerceor any application requiring precise centimeter to feet-inches conversions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert centimeters to feet and inches?
To convert centimeters to feet and inches: (1) Divide centimeters by 2.54 to get total inches(2) Divide total inches by 12 to get feet (take the whole number)(3) The remainder gives you the inches. For example: 175 cm ÷ 2.54 = 68.9 inches ÷ 12 = 5 feet with 8.9 inches remaining.
What is the exact conversion factor from cm to inches?
The exact conversion factor is 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters. This has been the official international standard since the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement. Therefore1 cm = 0.393701 inches (derived value).
How many centimeters are in one foot?
1 foot equals exactly 30.48 centimeters. Since 1 foot = 12 inches and 1 inch = 2.54 cmthe calculation is 12 × 2.54 = 30.48 cm.
What is 175 cm in feet and inches?
175 centimeters equals 5 feet 8.9 inches (5′8.9″). This is approximately 5 feet 9 inches when roundedwhich is a common adult height measurement in many countries.
Why do we need to convert between cm and feet/inches?
The United States primarily uses the imperial system (feet and inches)while most countries use the metric system (centimeters and meters). Converting between these systems is essential for international tradetravelconstruction projectsmedical recordsand product specifications.
How accurate are these cm to feet conversions?
These conversions use exact mathematical relationships defined by international standards. The conversion factor (1 inch = 2.54 cm) is exact by definition with zero approximation error. Our calculator provides results accurate to multiple decimal places and also shows fractional inch equivalents (1/81/161/32) for practical measurements.
Centimeter to Feet and Inches Conversion Chart
This chart provides a quick reference for converting centimeters to feet and inches.
See also this equivalent fractions chart version and also our cm to feet and inches calculator with steps.
Excel version
Download the Excel version of this chart
Word version
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Pdf version
Download the printable pdf version of this chart
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