Whether you're measuring your height for international documents, working on home improvements, or interpreting property dimensions, knowing how to convert between metres and feet is essential. The UK uses a mix of metric and imperial measurements, making this conversion particularly useful in everyday life.
The Quick Answer
1 metre = 3.28084 feet
Or approximately 3 feet 3⅜ inches
Metres to Feet Formula
Converting metres to feet is straightforward using this formula:
Feet = Metres × 3.28084
For a quick estimate, multiply by 3.3
Try Our Free Metres to Feet Converter
Get instant results with our Metres to Feet Converter. Also check our Feet to Metres Converter and CM to Inches Converter.
Example: Convert 1.8 metres to feet
1.8 × 3.28084 = 5.91 feet
Or approximately 5 feet 11 inches
Converting to Feet and Inches
Most people prefer measurements in feet and inches rather than decimal feet. Here's how to convert:
Example: Convert 1.75 metres to feet and inches
Step 1: 1.75 × 3.28084 = 5.74 feet
Step 2: Whole feet = 5
Step 3: 0.74 × 12 = 8.88 inches ≈ 9 inches
Result: 1.75 m = 5 feet 9 inches
Quick Conversion Table: Metres to Feet
| Metres | Feet (decimal) | Feet & Inches |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 1.64 | 1' 8" |
| 1.0 | 3.28 | 3' 3" |
| 1.5 | 4.92 | 4' 11" |
| 1.6 | 5.25 | 5' 3" |
| 1.65 | 5.41 | 5' 5" |
| 1.7 | 5.58 | 5' 7" |
| 1.75 | 5.74 | 5' 9" |
| 1.8 | 5.91 | 5' 11" |
| 1.85 | 6.07 | 6' 1" |
| 1.9 | 6.23 | 6' 3" |
| 2.0 | 6.56 | 6' 7" |
| 2.5 | 8.20 | 8' 2" |
| 3.0 | 9.84 | 9' 10" |
| 5.0 | 16.40 | 16' 5" |
| 10.0 | 32.81 | 32' 10" |
Common Height Conversions
Here's a quick reference for human height conversions commonly needed for passports, medical records, and international use:
| Metres | Feet & Inches | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1.50 m | 4' 11" | Short adult |
| 1.55 m | 5' 1" | Average female (UK) |
| 1.60 m | 5' 3" | Below average male |
| 1.65 m | 5' 5" | Average adult |
| 1.70 m | 5' 7" | Average male (UK) |
| 1.75 m | 5' 9" | Above average |
| 1.80 m | 5' 11" | Tall |
| 1.85 m | 6' 1" | Very tall |
| 1.90 m | 6' 3" | Exceptionally tall |
| 2.00 m | 6' 7" | Basketball player height |
Room Dimensions: Metres to Feet
UK estate agents often list room sizes in metres, but many people find feet easier to visualise:
| Metric (m) | Imperial (ft) | Typical Room |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 × 2.5 | 8' 2" × 8' 2" | Small bathroom |
| 3.0 × 2.5 | 9' 10" × 8' 2" | Single bedroom |
| 3.5 × 3.0 | 11' 6" × 9' 10" | Double bedroom |
| 4.0 × 3.5 | 13' 1" × 11' 6" | Master bedroom |
| 5.0 × 4.0 | 16' 5" × 13' 1" | Living room |
| 6.0 × 4.0 | 19' 8" × 13' 1" | Large living room |
Feet to Metres (Reverse Conversion)
If you need to convert feet back to metres:
Metres = Feet × 0.3048
Or divide feet by 3.28084
| Feet | Metres |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.30 |
| 3 | 0.91 |
| 5 | 1.52 |
| 6 | 1.83 |
| 10 | 3.05 |
| 20 | 6.10 |
| 50 | 15.24 |
| 100 | 30.48 |
Why Do We Use Both Systems?
The UK officially uses the metric system but retains imperial measurements in many contexts:
- Road signs: Distances in miles, not kilometres
- Height: Commonly stated in feet and inches
- Weight: Often given in stone and pounds
- Property: Often listed in both systems
This dual system means conversions between metres and feet remain essential for everyday life in Britain.
Convert Metres to Feet Instantly
Use our free calculator for quick, accurate conversions
Use Calculator →Quick Mental Conversion Tips
- Multiply by 3.3: Close enough for estimates (actual is 3.28084)
- Add 10%: Take metres × 3, then add 10% for a quick approximation
- Remember benchmarks: 1.5m ≈ 5ft, 1.8m ≈ 6ft, 3m ≈ 10ft
The UK's Dual Measurement System Explained
The United Kingdom occupies a unique position in the world of measurement, officially using the metric system while retaining imperial measurements in many everyday contexts. This dual system has its roots in the Weights and Measures Act 1985 and subsequent EU metrication directives, which required metric units for trade but allowed continued use of imperial units in certain situations. Since Brexit, the UK government has signalled it may allow greater use of imperial measurements in trade, though metric remains the standard for most official purposes.
In practice, this means that a British person might describe their height in feet and inches, weigh themselves in stone and pounds, drive in miles per hour, but buy food in kilograms and measure furniture in centimetres. Property listings from estate agents typically include room dimensions in both metres and feet, recognising that older buyers tend to think in imperial while younger generations are more comfortable with metric. Knowing how to convert between the two systems is therefore not merely an academic exercise but a practical daily necessity for UK residents.
The construction industry in the UK works predominantly in metric, with building regulations, architectural plans, and material specifications all using metres and millimetres. However, many tradespeople, particularly those trained before full metrication, continue to use feet and inches informally on site. Timber is still commonly sold in imperial-derived sizes, with a standard stud being referred to as a two-by-four despite its actual metric dimensions of 38mm by 89mm. Understanding both systems prevents costly misunderstandings when planning home improvement projects.
1 metre = 3 feet 3 inches (approximately)
1.5 metres = 4 feet 11 inches
1.8 metres = 5 feet 11 inches
3 metres = 9 feet 10 inches
Practical Applications in UK Daily Life
Height conversions between metres and feet are most frequently needed for medical records, passport applications, and driving licence forms. The NHS records patient height in both metric and imperial, but clinical measurements are taken in centimetres and converted as needed. When applying for a UK passport, height can be entered in either system, but the form defaults to metric. For dating profiles and social media, most UK adults describe their height in feet and inches, making the conversion from a metric measurement essential.
Property transactions represent another area where metre-to-feet conversions are constantly required. The Nationally Described Space Standard, which applies to new-build homes in England, specifies minimum floor areas in square metres. A one-bedroom, two-person flat must have at least 50 square metres of floor space, equivalent to approximately 538 square feet. Understanding these conversions helps buyers and renters evaluate whether a property meets minimum standards and compare sizes across different listings.
Sports also frequently require conversion between measurement systems. A standard football pitch is 100 to 110 metres long (328 to 360 feet), while a cricket pitch is exactly 22 yards (20.12 metres). Athletics tracks are measured in metres, but horse racing in the UK uses furlongs and miles. Swimmers think in metres for pool lengths but often quote open water distances in miles. This mixing of systems means that sports fans and participants regularly need to convert between metres and feet or imperial equivalents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average height in the UK in metres and feet?
According to NHS Health Survey for England data, the average adult male height in the UK is approximately 1.753 metres, which equals 5 feet 9 inches. The average adult female height is approximately 1.615 metres, or 5 feet 3.5 inches. These averages have increased by roughly 1 centimetre per decade over the past century due to improved nutrition and healthcare. Height varies by region, with people in southern England tending to be slightly taller on average than those in northern England and Scotland.
Why does the UK use metres for some things and feet for others?
The UK began its transition to metric in 1965 but never completed full metrication. Road signs remained in miles due to the enormous cost of conversion, and personal measurements such as height and weight remained in imperial by popular preference. The result is a pragmatic hybrid system where official measurements use metric but everyday conversation often defaults to imperial. Generations educated after the 1970s learned metric in school but absorbed imperial from their parents and the media, creating a population fluent in both systems but fully comfortable in neither.
How do I convert a room size from metres to square feet?
To convert room dimensions from metres to square feet, first convert each dimension to feet by multiplying by 3.28084, then multiply the two figures together. For example, a room measuring 4.5 metres by 3.2 metres converts to 14.76 feet by 10.50 feet, giving an area of 155 square feet. Alternatively, calculate the area in square metres first (4.5 x 3.2 = 14.4 square metres) and then multiply by 10.764 to get square feet (14.4 x 10.764 = 155 square feet). Both methods give the same result.
Related Conversions
You might also find these conversions useful:
- Centimetres to inches: Multiply cm by 0.3937
- Metres to yards: Multiply metres by 1.0936
- Kilometres to miles: Multiply km by 0.6214
Did You Know? UK Measurement Facts
The United Kingdom has a fascinating relationship with measurement systems that often surprises visitors. While the country officially adopted the metric system for trade and education, imperial measurements remain deeply embedded in daily life, creating a unique hybrid system that requires regular conversions between metres and feet.
Height on your driving licence. The DVLA requires height to be entered on UK driving licence applications. You can provide this in either metres or feet and inches. However, since most people describe their height in feet and inches conversationally, many applicants need to convert from metric measurements taken at their GP surgery. The average UK male height is 5 feet 9 inches (1.753 metres) and the average UK female height is 5 feet 3 inches (1.615 metres), according to NHS Health Survey data.
Property ceiling heights. UK building regulations specify minimum ceiling heights in metres. The standard ceiling height in modern UK homes is 2.4 metres (approximately 7 feet 10 inches), though Victorian and Edwardian properties often have ceilings of 3 metres (9 feet 10 inches) or higher. When viewing properties, estate agents list dimensions in metres, but many buyers instinctively convert to feet to visualise the space. A room described as 4.2 by 3.6 metres may not sound large, but when you realise that is nearly 14 by 12 feet, most people can picture it more readily.
Garden fencing rules. Planning permission in England allows garden fences up to 2 metres (6 feet 7 inches) high without permission, or 1 metre (3 feet 3 inches) if the fence borders a highway. These limits are specified in metres under planning law, but most fencing suppliers in the UK sell panels in 6-foot (1.83 metre) and 5-foot (1.52 metre) heights, reflecting the imperial tradition of the timber industry.
Why do UK estate agents use both metres and feet?
Is a metre longer or shorter than a yard?
How do I measure my height accurately in metres at home?
Emma Thompson
Senior Content Editor
Emma is a senior content editor with a background in financial journalism. She specialises in making UK regulations and calculator tools understandable for consumers, working closely with qualified professionals to ensure accuracy.