Feet to Metres Calculator
Last updated: February 2026
Convert feet and inches to metres and centimetres instantly. Perfect for height, room dimensions, and measurement conversions used across the UK.
Height & Length Converter
Imperial to Metric conversion
Enter your measurement in feet and inches:
Common Height Conversions
This reference table shows the most common height conversions between feet/inches and metres/centimetres used in the UK.
| Feet & Inches | Metres | Centimetres | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4'10" | 1.47 m | 147.3 cm | Short adult |
| 5'0" | 1.52 m | 152.4 cm | Below average for women |
| 5'3.5" | 1.62 m | 161.6 cm | UK average (women) |
| 5'6" | 1.68 m | 167.6 cm | Tall for women, short for men |
| 5'9" | 1.75 m | 175.3 cm | UK average (men) |
| 5'10" | 1.78 m | 177.8 cm | Slightly above average male |
| 6'0" | 1.83 m | 182.9 cm | Tall (~14% of UK men) |
| 6'2" | 1.88 m | 188.0 cm | Very tall |
| 6'4" | 1.93 m | 193.0 cm | Exceptionally tall |
| 6'6" | 1.98 m | 198.1 cm | Very rare height |
When You Need This Conversion
Understanding when and why you might need to convert between feet and metres in the UK:
Passport Applications
UK passport applications require your height in metres. If you only know your height in feet and inches, use this converter to fill in the form correctly.
Medical Records
NHS and private healthcare providers record height in centimetres. Your GP will convert if you give feet, but knowing your metric height saves time.
Driving Licence
The DVLA requires height in metric format. When applying for or renewing your licence, convert your imperial height to metres.
Gym & Fitness
Many fitness apps and gym equipment use metric measurements. Knowing your height in cm helps with BMI calculations and exercise machines.
Online Shopping
European clothing brands often use metric sizing. Convert your height to ensure clothes fit properly when shopping from EU retailers.
Travel & Work
Airlines have cabin crew height requirements in cm. International job applications often require metric measurements.
Room & Building Measurements
Beyond personal height, feet-to-metres conversion is essential for property and construction measurements in the UK.
Standard UK Room Dimensions
| Room Type | Typical Size (ft) | Metric Equivalent | Area (m²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Bedroom | 8' × 10' | 2.44m × 3.05m | 7.4 m² |
| Double Bedroom | 12' × 12' | 3.66m × 3.66m | 13.4 m² |
| Master Bedroom | 14' × 16' | 4.27m × 4.88m | 20.8 m² |
| Living Room | 16' × 18' | 4.88m × 5.49m | 26.8 m² |
| Kitchen | 10' × 12' | 3.05m × 3.66m | 11.1 m² |
| Bathroom | 7' × 8' | 2.13m × 2.44m | 5.2 m² |
Why the UK Uses Both Systems
The UK has a unique relationship with measurement systems, using both imperial and metric in daily life.
Historical Timeline
- 1824: Imperial system officially standardised in the UK
- 1965: UK government announced intention to adopt metric system
- 1985: Metric measurements became compulsory for most trade purposes
- 2000: Metric became primary system for packaged goods and retail
- Today: Dual-use continues - metric for official purposes, imperial in everyday conversation
What Uses Which System?
| Imperial (still common) | Metric (official) |
|---|---|
| Personal height ("I'm 5'10") | Medical records (175 cm) |
| Road distances (miles) | Athletics (100 metres) |
| Beer and cider (pints) | Wine and spirits (ml, litres) |
| Body weight (stones, lbs) | Food packaging (grams, kg) |
| Tyre pressure (PSI) | Fuel (litres) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Unit Converters
Last updated: February 2026 | Conversion formulas verified against international standards
Expert Reviewed — This calculator is reviewed by our team of financial experts and updated regularly with the latest UK tax rates and regulations. Last verified: February 2026.
Pro Tips for Accurate Results
- Double-check your input values before calculating
- Use the correct unit format (metric or imperial)
- For complex calculations, break them into smaller steps
- Bookmark this page for quick future access
Understanding Your Results
Our Feet To Metres Calculator provides:
- Instant calculations - Results appear immediately
- Accurate formulas - Based on official UK standards
- Clear explanations - Understand how results are derived
- 2025/26 updated - Using current rates and regulations
Common Questions
Is this calculator free?
Yes, all our calculators are 100% free to use with no registration required.
Are the results accurate?
Our calculators use verified formulas and are regularly updated for accuracy.
Can I use this on mobile?
Yes, all calculators are fully responsive and work on any device.
People Also Ask
Practical Example: Converting Heights for a UK Passport Application
When completing a UK passport application, you must enter your height in metres. If you know your height as 5 feet 7 inches, the conversion works as follows: first multiply 5 feet by 12 to get 60 inches, then add the remaining 7 inches for a total of 67 inches. Multiply 67 by 2.54 to get 170.18 centimetres, which rounds to 1.70 metres.
You would enter this as 1.70m on your application form. The same conversion applies when filling in medical forms for the NHS, registering at a new GP surgery, or applying for a DVLA driving licence. For property measurements, estate agents in England and Wales commonly list room dimensions in both formats, so knowing that a 12-foot by 10-foot room equals approximately 3.66 by 3.05 metres helps you compare properties listed in different measurement systems.
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