Feet & Inches to CM
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centimetres (cm)
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metres (m)
CM to Feet & Inches
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feet and inches
Popular Height Conversions
| Feet & Inches | Centimetres | Metres |
|---|---|---|
| 5'0" (5 foot) | 152.40 cm | 1.52 m |
| 5'2" (5 ft 2 in) | 157.48 cm | 1.57 m |
| 5'4" (5 ft 4 in) - UK avg female | 162.56 cm | 1.63 m |
| 5'5" (5 ft 5 in) | 165.10 cm | 1.65 m |
| 5'7" (5 ft 7 in) | 170.18 cm | 1.70 m |
| 5'9" (5 ft 9 in) - UK avg male | 175.26 cm | 1.75 m |
| 5'10" (5 ft 10 in) | 177.80 cm | 1.78 m |
| 5'11" (5 ft 11 in) | 180.34 cm | 1.80 m |
| 6'0" (6 foot) | 182.88 cm | 1.83 m |
| 6'2" (6 ft 2 in) | 187.96 cm | 1.88 m |
Batch Height Converter
Convert multiple heights at once. Enter one height per line in feet'inches" format (e.g., 5'8" or 6'0").
Compare Two Heights
Enter two heights to see the difference in both imperial and metric.
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Height 2
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UK Height Percentile Calculator
See where your height ranks compared to the UK population based on NHS Health Survey data.
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Percentile
Enter your height to see your UK percentile
UK Height Percentile Reference Table
| Percentile | UK Men | UK Women |
|---|---|---|
| 5th (shorter than 95%) | 5'4" (163 cm) | 4'11" (150 cm) |
| 25th (shorter than 75%) | 5'7" (170 cm) | 5'2" (157 cm) |
| 50th (average) | 5'9" (175 cm) | 5'4" (162 cm) |
| 75th (taller than 75%) | 5'11" (180 cm) | 5'6" (168 cm) |
| 95th (taller than 95%) | 6'2" (188 cm) | 5'9" (175 cm) |
What is Feet to CM Conversion?
Feet to centimetres conversion is the process of transforming height measurements from the imperial system (feet and inches) to the metric system (centimetres). In the United Kingdom, this conversion is essential because while people commonly use feet and inches in everyday conversation, official documents, medical records, and international forms typically require metric measurements.
The UK has a unique relationship with measurement systems. Since the 1965 Weights and Measures Act officially adopted the metric system, the country has been gradually transitioning from imperial to metric units. However, imperial measurements remain deeply embedded in British culture, particularly for personal height and weight.
Why This Converter Matters for UK Residents
- NHS and Medical Records: All UK healthcare providers record height in centimetres or metres. When you visit your GP, hospital, or complete medical forms, metric measurements are required.
- Passport Applications: UK passport forms accept both systems but metric is preferred for international recognition.
- Employment: Job applications for certain roles (military, aviation, emergency services) specify height requirements in centimetres.
- International Documents: When dealing with EU or international forms, metric measurements are mandatory.
- Sports and Fitness: Professional sports, gym equipment, and fitness trackers typically use metric measurements.
- Online Shopping: Clothing sizes from international retailers often use centimetres for body measurements.
The Conversion Formula
Essential Conversion Factors:
1 foot = 30.48 cm (exactly)
1 inch = 2.54 cm (exactly)
1 foot = 12 inches
100 cm = 1 metre
1 inch = 2.54 cm (exactly)
1 foot = 12 inches
100 cm = 1 metre
Feet and Inches to CM Formula:
CM = (Feet × 30.48) + (Inches × 2.54)
Step-by-Step Worked Examples
Example 1: Convert 5 feet 8 inches to CM
Step 1: Convert feet to cm: 5 × 30.48 = 152.40 cm
Step 2: Convert inches to cm: 8 × 2.54 = 20.32 cm
Step 3: Add together: 152.40 + 20.32 = 172.72 cm
Step 2: Convert inches to cm: 8 × 2.54 = 20.32 cm
Step 3: Add together: 152.40 + 20.32 = 172.72 cm
Example 2: Convert 6 feet exactly to CM
6 × 30.48 = 182.88 cm (or 1.83 metres)
Example 3: Convert 175 cm to Feet and Inches
Step 1: Divide cm by 2.54 to get total inches: 175 ÷ 2.54 = 68.9 inches
Step 2: Divide by 12 for feet: 68.9 ÷ 12 = 5 feet with remainder
Step 3: Remainder is inches: 68.9 - 60 = 8.9 inches
Result: 5 feet 9 inches (5'9")
Step 2: Divide by 12 for feet: 68.9 ÷ 12 = 5 feet with remainder
Step 3: Remainder is inches: 68.9 - 60 = 8.9 inches
Result: 5 feet 9 inches (5'9")
Tips for Accurate Height Measurement
- Measure in the morning: People are typically 1-2 cm taller in the morning due to spinal compression throughout the day.
- Stand straight: Keep your back against a wall, heels together, and look straight ahead at the horizon.
- Remove shoes: Always measure barefoot or in thin socks for accuracy.
- Use a flat surface: Place a book or ruler flat on top of your head, perpendicular to the wall.
- Round appropriately: For official documents, round to the nearest whole centimetre.
- Double-check calculations: Use our calculator to verify any manual conversions.
- Know your baseline: Memorise your height in both systems for quick reference.
- Account for posture: Poor posture can reduce measured height by 2-5 cm.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing feet with inches: Remember there are 12 inches in a foot, not 10.
- Wrong conversion factor: Using 2.5 instead of 2.54 for inches leads to significant errors.
- Forgetting the inches: When someone says "5'8", both numbers matter - don't ignore the 8 inches.
- Rounding too early: Complete the full calculation before rounding to avoid cumulative errors.
- Mixing up units: Don't confuse centimetres with metres (100 cm = 1 metre).
- Measuring with shoes on: Shoes add 2-5 cm depending on style - always measure barefoot.
- Assuming 30 cm per foot: The correct factor is 30.48 cm, not 30 cm.
UK Height Statistics and Data
Understanding average heights in the United Kingdom helps put your own measurements in context. These statistics come from NHS Health Survey for England and the Office for National Statistics.
Average Height in the UK (2024 Data)
| Group | Feet & Inches | Centimetres |
|---|---|---|
| Average UK Adult Male | 5'9" | 175.3 cm |
| Average UK Adult Female | 5'4" | 161.6 cm |
| Average UK Male (age 16-24) | 5'10" | 177.8 cm |
| Average UK Female (age 16-24) | 5'5" | 164.4 cm |
| Average UK Male (age 65+) | 5'8" | 172.7 cm |
| Average UK Female (age 65+) | 5'2" | 157.5 cm |
UK Height Requirements for Careers
While many industries have removed height requirements, some professions still have guidelines:
- British Army: Minimum 148 cm (4'10"), maximum 203 cm (6'8")
- Royal Navy: Minimum 151.5 cm (4'11.5")
- Royal Air Force: Minimum 151.5 cm, with specific requirements for aircrew
- Cabin Crew: Typically must reach 212 cm overhead (arm reach requirement)
- UK Police: No minimum height requirement since 1990
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 6ft in cm?
6 feet equals exactly 182.88 cm. The calculation is: 6 × 30.48 = 182.88 cm (approximately 1.83 metres). In the UK, 6 feet places a man in the 85th percentile for height, making them taller than 85% of the male population. This is considered tall in Britain and often a benchmark height mentioned in casual conversation.
What is 5ft 4 in cm?
5 feet 4 inches equals 162.56 cm. The calculation is: (5 × 30.48) + (4 × 2.54) = 152.40 + 10.16 = 162.56 cm. This is the average height for adult women in the UK according to NHS Health Survey data, placing them at the 50th percentile.
How many cm are in one foot?
There are exactly 30.48 centimetres in one foot. This is an internationally standardised conversion factor. Since 1959, the international foot has been defined as exactly 0.3048 metres. One inch equals 2.54 cm exactly, and there are 12 inches in a foot.
What is the average height in the UK?
According to NHS Health Survey data for 2024, the average UK adult male height is 175.3 cm (5'9") and the average UK adult female height is 161.6 cm (5'4"). Younger adults (16-24) tend to be slightly taller on average, with men averaging 177.8 cm and women 164.4 cm. Heights have been gradually increasing over the past century due to improved nutrition and healthcare.