6 Feet in CM

Understanding 6 feet in Centimetres

6 feet equals exactly 182.88 centimetres (1.83 metres). This height has significant cultural importance in the UK and worldwide, often seen as a benchmark for being "tall" in many contexts.

UK Height Percentiles

At 6 feet (183 cm), here's where you stand among the UK population:

• For men: You're around the 85th percentile - taller than about 85% of British men
• For women: You're above the 99th percentile - taller than virtually all British women

This makes 6 feet a genuinely tall height in the UK context, well above the male average of 175.3 cm (5'9").

The Cultural Significance of 6 Feet

Six feet has become a culturally significant height marker, particularly in dating and social contexts. Studies suggest it's often referenced as a preferred height in dating profiles. However, it's worth noting that only about 15% of British men actually reach 6 feet or taller, making it less common than many assume.

Why Convert to Centimetres?

Official UK documents require metric measurements. You'll need 182.88 cm for NHS records, passport applications, driving licences, and international travel documents. When filling out forms for European countries, only centimetres are accepted.

BMI Calculations at 183 cm

For someone 6 feet (183 cm) tall, the NHS recommends these weight ranges:

• Underweight (BMI <18.5): Under 62 kg (9 st 11 lb)
• Healthy (BMI 18.5-24.9): 62 - 83.5 kg (9 st 11 lb - 13 st 2 lb)
• Overweight (BMI 25-29.9): 83.5 - 100 kg (13 st 2 lb - 15 st 10 lb)

Sports and Professional Requirements

Many sports have height preferences or requirements:

• Basketball: 6 feet is below average for professional players but common in amateur leagues
• Rugby: Excellent height for many positions, particularly back row or centres
• Football: Above average for outfield players; goalkeepers often prefer 6ft+
• Police: While no longer a strict requirement, many UK forces historically preferred candidates over 5'8"

Practical Considerations at 6 Feet

At 183 cm, you may encounter some everyday challenges in the UK:

• Headroom in older British buildings and doorways (often built for shorter populations)
• Legroom on budget airlines and trains (consider extra legroom seats)
• Car seat positions (test drive before buying)
• Finding long enough beds (standard UK single beds are 190 cm)

Clothing at 6 Feet

At this height, you may need to shop in "tall" ranges at UK retailers. Look for trouser leg lengths of 34" or longer. Brands like Next, ASOS, and M&S offer dedicated tall ranges that cater well to the 6-foot frame.

Height Comparison and UK Percentile Data

Understanding where 6'0" (182.88 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 182.88 cm, this height is above average for UK men, placing you approximately in the 85th percentile. You are about 7.5 cm taller than the typical British male. For women, 182.88 cm is exceptionally above average for UK women, well above the 99th 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 Idris Elba (189 cm, slightly taller), musician Ed Sheeran (173 cm, shorter), and footballer Jamie Vardy (179 cm, slightly shorter). Six feet is often considered a cultural benchmark for being tall.

Complete Conversion Reference Table

The following table shows height conversions from 4'10" to 6'4" in one-inch increments. The row for 6'0" 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 6'0":

• Step 1: Multiply the feet by 30.48: 6 x 30.48 = 182.88 cm
• Step 2: Multiply the remaining inches by 2.54: 0 x 2.54 = 0.00 cm
• Step 3: Add both values together: 182.88 + 0.00 = 182.88 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 (72 inches for 6'0"), then multiply by 2.54: 72 x 2.54 = 182.88 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 6'0" equals 182.88 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 182.88 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 182.88 cm ready when filling out these forms avoids delays and errors.
• BMI calculations: Body Mass Index calculations require height in metres. At 6'0", your height in metres is 1.83m. 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 182.88 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, 182.88 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 6'0" and 182.88 cm ensures your profile is accurate for all audiences.

BMI and Healthy Weight Range at 6'0"

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 6'0" (1.8288m), here is how BMI translates into weight ranges:

The BMI formula is: BMI = weight (kg) / height (m) squared. For a height of 1.8288m, the height squared is 1.8288 x 1.8288 = 3.3445.

For someone who is 6'0" tall, the healthy weight range (BMI 18.5 to 24.9) is approximately 61.9 kg (9st 10lb) to 83.3 kg (13st 2lb). 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.