Feet to Centimetres Calculator | ft to cm
Convert feet and inches to centimetres (ft to cm) and centimetres back to feet and inches with this precise height converter. One foot equals 30.48 centimetres (exactly) and one inch equals 2.54 centimetres (exactly). The UK uses both systems: feet and inches for everyday height discussions, and centimetres for medical records and NHS data.
Feet & Inches to Centimetres
Conversion Formula
cm to feet & inches:
total_inches = cm ÷ 2.54
feet = floor(total_inches ÷ 12)
remaining_inches = total_inches mod 12
Example Calculation
cm = (5 × 30.48) + (10 × 2.54)
cm = 152.4 + 25.4
cm = 177.8 cm
Complete Height Chart: 4 ft to 7 ft
| Feet & Inches | Centimetres | Metres |
|---|---|---|
| 4 ft 0 in | 121.92 cm | 1.22 m |
| 4 ft 3 in | 129.54 cm | 1.30 m |
| 4 ft 6 in | 137.16 cm | 1.37 m |
| 4 ft 9 in | 144.78 cm | 1.45 m |
| 5 ft 0 in | 152.40 cm | 1.52 m |
| 5 ft 1 in | 154.94 cm | 1.55 m |
| 5 ft 2 in | 157.48 cm | 1.57 m |
| 5 ft 3 in | 160.02 cm | 1.60 m |
| 5 ft 4 in | 162.56 cm | 1.63 m |
| 5 ft 5 in | 165.10 cm | 1.65 m |
| 5 ft 6 in | 167.64 cm | 1.68 m |
| 5 ft 7 in | 170.18 cm | 1.70 m |
| 5 ft 8 in | 172.72 cm | 1.73 m |
| 5 ft 9 in | 175.26 cm | 1.75 m |
| 5 ft 10 in | 177.80 cm | 1.78 m |
| 5 ft 11 in | 180.34 cm | 1.80 m |
| 6 ft 0 in | 182.88 cm | 1.83 m |
| 6 ft 1 in | 185.42 cm | 1.85 m |
| 6 ft 2 in | 187.96 cm | 1.88 m |
| 6 ft 3 in | 190.50 cm | 1.91 m |
| 6 ft 4 in | 193.04 cm | 1.93 m |
| 6 ft 5 in | 195.58 cm | 1.96 m |
| 6 ft 6 in | 198.12 cm | 1.98 m |
| 6 ft 7 in | 200.66 cm | 2.01 m |
| 6 ft 8 in | 203.20 cm | 2.03 m |
| 7 ft 0 in | 213.36 cm | 2.13 m |
UK Height in Context: Informal vs Official
In the United Kingdom, height is one of the last everyday measurements where imperial units (feet and inches) dominate informal usage, despite the UK officially adopting metric units. A typical conversation:
- At the doctor's surgery (NHS): Height is measured and recorded in centimetres. A nurse will measure you against a stadiometer marked in cm.
- On your passport: The HMPO (His Majesty's Passport Office) accepts height in either feet and inches or centimetres.
- In everyday conversation: Most British people describe their height in feet and inches ("I'm 5 foot 11").
- Children's growth charts: NHS uses centimetres for all growth monitoring from birth through childhood.
- Online dating profiles: Typically listed in feet and inches in the UK.
Heights in Fashion and Sports
| Context | Height | cm |
|---|---|---|
| Average UK male (HSE 2022) | 5 ft 9 in | 175.3 cm |
| Average UK female (HSE 2022) | 5 ft 4 in | 162.5 cm |
| Female UK model (typical) | 5 ft 11 in | 180.3 cm |
| Male UK model (typical) | 6 ft 0 in | 182.9 cm |
| NBA average player | 6 ft 6 in | 198.1 cm |
| Premier League average player | 5 ft 11 in | 180.3 cm |
| Average UK jockey | 5 ft 3 in | 160.0 cm |
| British Army minimum (males) | 5 ft 8 in | 172.7 cm |
| British Army minimum (females) | 5 ft 4 in | 162.6 cm |
Feet Only Conversion Table (no inches)
| Feet | cm | Metres |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ft | 30.48 cm | 0.305 m |
| 2 ft | 60.96 cm | 0.610 m |
| 3 ft | 91.44 cm | 0.914 m |
| 4 ft | 121.92 cm | 1.219 m |
| 5 ft | 152.40 cm | 1.524 m |
| 6 ft | 182.88 cm | 1.829 m |
| 7 ft | 213.36 cm | 2.134 m |
| 8 ft | 243.84 cm | 2.438 m |
| 9 ft | 274.32 cm | 2.743 m |
| 10 ft | 304.80 cm | 3.048 m |
Worked Examples
Example 1: 5 ft 6 in to cm
cm = 152.40 + 15.24 = 167.64 cm
Example 2: 6 ft 0 in to cm
cm = 182.88 + 0 = 182.88 cm
Example 3: 180 cm to feet and inches
feet = floor(70.866 ÷ 12) = 5 feet
remaining_inches = 70.866 - (5 × 12) = 10.866 inches ≈ 10⅞ inches
Result: 5 feet 10.9 inches
Frequently Asked Questions
How many centimetres are in 1 foot?
1 foot equals exactly 30.48 centimetres. This is because 1 foot = 12 inches and 1 inch = 2.54 cm exactly, so 12 × 2.54 = 30.48 cm. The conversion is defined precisely and requires no rounding.
What is 5 feet 10 inches in centimetres?
5 feet 10 inches equals 177.8 cm. Calculation: (5 × 30.48) + (10 × 2.54) = 152.4 + 25.4 = 177.8 cm. This is approximately the average height of an adult British male (the NHS Health Survey for England records the mean male height as about 175.3 cm / 5ft 9in).
Does the UK use feet or centimetres for height?
The UK uses both. Informal everyday usage (most British people's self-description) uses feet and inches. Medical and official contexts — NHS records, clinical measurements, children's growth charts — use centimetres. UK passports accept either unit. The dual-system usage is a uniquely British cultural characteristic.
What height must you be in cm on a UK passport?
UK passports accept height in either feet and inches or centimetres. There is no minimum or maximum height requirement for a UK passport — height is included purely for identification purposes. You can state 5ft 11in or 180 cm; both formats are accepted by HMPO.
What is the average height of a UK woman in cm and feet?
The average height of an adult woman in the UK is approximately 164 cm (5 feet 4.6 inches), according to the NHS Health Survey for England. For adult men, the average is approximately 176 cm (5 feet 9.3 inches). Average heights have increased over the past century due to improved nutrition and healthcare.
What height do you need to be for UK police?
As of 2024, UK police forces have no minimum height requirement. Minimum height requirements were abolished in the 1990s after being found discriminatory, particularly against women and shorter men. Physical fitness tests, assessment centres, and background checks determine suitability, not height.
What is 6 feet in centimetres?
6 feet equals exactly 182.88 cm. In the UK, 6 feet (183 cm) is considered notably tall for a man, as the average male height is approximately 176 cm (5ft 9in). About 20% of UK men are 6 feet or taller.