5'9" in CM

Understanding 5 feet 9 inches in Centimetres

How tall is 5 feet 9 inches in cm? 5'9" equals exactly 175.26 centimetres (1.75 metres). This is the average height for UK men according to NHS data.

Why Convert to Centimetres?

In the UK, while we commonly use feet and inches in conversation, official documents like NHS records, passport applications, and medical forms require metric measurements. Knowing that 5 feet 9 inches equals 175.26 cm helps when filling out these forms.

UK Height Context

The average UK male height is 175.3 cm (5'9") and the average UK female height is 161.6 cm (5'4"). At 175.26 cm, this height is around the UK average.

Height Comparison and UK Percentile Data

Understanding where 5'9" (175.26 cm) falls within the UK population provides valuable context. According to the NHS Health Survey for England and data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the average height for adult men in the United Kingdom is 175.3 cm (5'9"), while the average height for adult women is 161.6 cm (5'4").

At 175.26 cm, this height is approximately the average height for UK men, placing you right around the 50th percentile. This is the most commonly reported male height in Britain. For women, 175.26 cm is well above average for UK women, placing you approximately in the 95th percentile.

These averages are drawn from large-scale population studies and represent the adult population aged 16 and over. Height can vary by region within the UK, with people in Scotland and Northern England tending to be slightly taller on average than those in Southern England and Wales. Age also plays a role, as younger generations tend to be slightly taller than older ones due to improved nutrition and healthcare.

Notable people at approximately this height include actor Robert Downey Jr. (174 cm), former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (175 cm), and footballer Wayne Rooney (176 cm). At 5'9", you stand at the most typical height for British men.

Complete Conversion Reference Table

The following table shows height conversions from 4'10" to 6'4" in one-inch increments. The row for 5'9" is highlighted for quick reference.

How the Conversion Works

Converting feet and inches to centimetres uses a straightforward mathematical formula based on the internationally agreed definition that one inch equals exactly 2.54 centimetres. Since one foot contains exactly 12 inches, one foot equals 30.48 centimetres (12 x 2.54).

The formula is: Centimetres = (feet x 30.48) + (inches x 2.54)

Worked example for 5'9":

• Step 1: Multiply the feet by 30.48: 5 x 30.48 = 152.40 cm
• Step 2: Multiply the remaining inches by 2.54: 9 x 2.54 = 22.86 cm
• Step 3: Add both values together: 152.40 + 22.86 = 175.26 cm

This conversion factor of 2.54 cm per inch is an exact definition, not an approximation. It was internationally agreed upon in 1959 when the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa adopted the international yard and pound agreement. This means all feet-to-centimetre conversions are mathematically precise.

An alternative method is to first convert the entire height to inches (69 inches for 5'9"), then multiply by 2.54: 69 x 2.54 = 175.26 cm. Both methods give the same result.

When You Need This Conversion in the UK

Despite the UK officially adopting the metric system decades ago, many Britons still think of their height in feet and inches. However, numerous official and practical situations require the metric equivalent. Here are the most common scenarios where you will need to know that 5'9" equals 175.26 cm:

• NHS medical records and GP registrations: When you register with a new GP surgery or attend hospital appointments, your height is recorded in centimetres. The NHS uses metric measurements throughout its systems, so knowing your height as 175.26 cm saves time during medical consultations. Your height is also essential for calculating drug dosages and assessing growth in younger patients.
• Passport and driving licence applications: UK passport applications through the HM Passport Office require height in metric units. Similarly, the DVLA records height in centimetres on driving licences. Having 175.26 cm ready when filling out these forms avoids delays and errors.
• BMI calculations: Body Mass Index calculations require height in metres. At 5'9", your height in metres is 1.75m. Use our BMI Calculator to quickly determine your BMI and healthy weight range.
• Clothing size charts and international sizing: When shopping online from European or Asian retailers, clothing sizes are often based on centimetre measurements. Knowing you are 175.26 cm tall helps you select the correct size for trousers, dresses, jackets, and other garments. Many UK retailers including ASOS, Next, and M&S now include centimetre measurements in their size guides.
• Sports and fitness applications: Gym equipment, fitness apps, and sports organisations commonly use metric measurements. Whether you are setting up a rowing machine, entering your details into a fitness tracker like Fitbit or Apple Health, or registering for a sporting event, 175.26 cm is the measurement you will need. Many personal trainers also use metric measurements for body composition assessments.
• Dating profiles: It is one of the most commonly asked questions on dating platforms. While many UK users still list their height in feet and inches, international platforms like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge increasingly display height in centimetres, especially when connecting with users in European countries. Knowing both 5'9" and 175.26 cm ensures your profile is accurate for all audiences.

BMI and Healthy Weight Range at 5'9"

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used screening tool that estimates whether a person is at a healthy weight for their height. The NHS uses BMI categories to assess health risks associated with being underweight or overweight. At 5'9" (1.7526m), here is how BMI translates into weight ranges:

The BMI formula is: BMI = weight (kg) / height (m) squared. For a height of 1.7526m, the height squared is 1.7526 x 1.7526 = 3.0716.

For someone who is 5'9" tall, the healthy weight range (BMI 18.5 to 24.9) is approximately 56.8 kg (8st 13lb) to 76.5 kg (12st 1lb). These ranges are guidelines and do not account for factors such as muscle mass, bone density, age, sex, and ethnic background. Athletes and muscular individuals may have a high BMI without excess body fat.

Use our BMI Calculator for a detailed and personalised analysis of your weight relative to your height. The calculator provides your exact BMI score along with NHS-recommended guidance for your specific measurements.