Convert centimeters (cm) to both decimal feet and traditional feet + inches format.
Need to convert centimeters (cm) to feet and inches? You're in the right place! This guide explains everything you need to know about converting cm to feet+inches. Whether you're checking your height, working with measurements in construction, or using international charts, this conversion is frequently needed—especially in countries where the imperial system is still in use. Read on to learn the formula, method, real-world uses, examples, and common FAQs about cm to feet and inches.
A centimeter is a unit of length in the metric system, used widely around the world for everyday measurements. It’s abbreviated as cm.
Feet and inches are units of length used in the Imperial and U.S. customary systems. They are commonly used in countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Most people in metric countries record height in cm, while those in the U.S. and a few other nations prefer feet and inches. This makes conversions essential for:
The standard formula to convert cm to feet and inches involves two steps:
inches = cm ÷ 2.54feet = floor(inches ÷ 12)remaining inches = inches % 12Here’s how to manually convert any cm value to feet and inches:
| Centimeters | Feet | Inches | Feet + Inches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 | 4 | 11 | 4 ft 11 in |
| 160 | 5 | 3 | 5 ft 3 in |
| 165 | 5 | 5 | 5 ft 5 in |
| 170 | 5 | 7 | 5 ft 7 in |
| 175 | 5 | 9 | 5 ft 9 in |
| 180 | 5 | 11 | 5 ft 11 in |
| 183 | 6 | 0 | 6 ft 0 in |
| 190 | 6 | 3 | 6 ft 3 in |
Doctors often convert height from cm to ft+in for medical records depending on the region.
Measurements may be listed in both metric and imperial systems, especially in international manufacturing or fitting charts.
Furniture, ceiling heights, and floor layouts may require converting dimensions to suit both systems.
Math and science problems frequently involve unit conversion exercises, making it important to understand this process.
“cm to ft” gives a decimal answer (e.g., 5.74 ft), while “cm to ft+in” breaks it into two separate units (e.g., 5 ft 9 in).
There are 30.48 centimeters in 1 foot.
1 inch = 2.54 centimeters
Approximately 5 feet 9 inches
6 ft × 30.48 = 182.88 cm
The formulas use exact values (1 inch = 2.54 cm) and are accurate to two decimal places or better.
To simplify your work, use an online cm to feet and inches calculator. Just enter your value in centimeters, and it will instantly convert to both:
It saves time and eliminates the need for manual calculations!
Converting centimeters to feet and inches is simple once you understand the steps and formulas. Whether you're filling out a medical form, working with construction blueprints, or buying clothing from another country, this conversion helps bridge the gap between metric and imperial systems. Bookmark our calculator or use the quick reference table above to get accurate answers every time.
Try our cm to feet and inches calculator today for fast and reliable results!
Centimeters, abbreviated as cm, are a fundamental unit of length in the metric system. They are widely used around the world in everyday measurements, education, science, construction, tailoring, and more. This guide explores everything you need to know about centimeters: their definition, conversions, applications, comparison with other units, and how to use them in real-world scenarios.
A centimeter is a unit of length in the International System of Units (SI). One centimeter is equal to one-hundredth of a meter:
1 centimeter = 0.01 meter = 10 millimeters
The term "centi" comes from the Latin word "centum," meaning one hundred. Therefore, a centimeter represents one hundredth of a meter.
The official symbol for centimeter is cm. This is used universally in scientific papers, educational materials, and measurement devices. For example, a 15-centimeter ruler is commonly labeled as "15 cm".
The metric system is a decimal-based system of measurement that was first adopted in France in the late 18th century and has since become the standard in most parts of the world. The centimeter is one of the smaller units within this system, especially when compared to meters and kilometers. Its simplicity and precision make it ideal for smaller measurements.
Understanding how to convert centimeters into other units is crucial in math, science, and daily life. Here’s how centimeters compare to other units of length:
Here are some handy formulas to convert centimeters to other units:
cm × 0.3937 = inchescm × 0.0328 = feetcm ÷ 100 = meterscm × 10 = mmAnd here are formulas to convert other units to centimeters:
inches × 2.54 = cmfeet × 30.48 = cmmeters × 100 = cmmm ÷ 10 = cmCentimeters are commonly used in a wide variety of contexts:
From measuring your waistline to buying furniture or checking your height, centimeters are part of daily routines. School rulers, fabric measurements, and product dimensions often use centimeters.
In schools and laboratories, students and scientists often use centimeters for precise measurements of objects, especially when millimeters would be too small and meters too large.
While meters and feet are often used for large-scale measurements, centimeters are useful for small-scale architectural details, trims, and fixtures.
In the clothing industry, measurements such as bust, waist, hip, and inseam are commonly recorded in centimeters for accuracy and standardization.
There are many reasons why centimeters remain a favored unit of measurement:
In the United States, inches are more commonly used, whereas centimeters dominate in most other countries. One inch equals approximately 2.54 centimeters. When converting between the two, rounding errors can occur, so precision tools or calculators are often used.
On most rulers or tapes:
No. 1 inch equals approximately 2.54 cm. So, 1 cm is smaller than 1 inch.
There are 100 centimeters in one meter.
There are 10 millimeters in one centimeter.
Centimeters provide a convenient balance between larger (meters) and smaller (millimeters) measurements, especially for everyday objects.
Centimeters are one of the most widely used and versatile units of length in the world. From measuring your height to tailoring clothes or building furniture, this small but powerful unit is essential in many industries and daily life scenarios. Whether you're a student, engineer, or everyday user, understanding centimeters and their conversions will enhance your accuracy and confidence in measurement tasks.
Need a fast and reliable way to convert centimeters to inches, feet, or meters? Try our online Centimeter Conversion Calculator for instant results!