Height Converter
Easily convert height between feet/inches and centimeters. Perfect for international travel, medical forms, or simply understanding heights in different measurement systems.
How do you convert feet and inches to centimeters?
To convert height from feet and inches to centimeters: First convert everything to inches (feet × 12 + inches), then multiply by 2.54. Formula: cm = (feet × 12 + inches) × 2.54. For example, 5 feet 9 inches = (5 × 12 + 9) × 2.54 = 69 × 2.54 = 175.26 cm. One inch equals exactly 2.54 centimeters.
How do you convert centimeters to feet and inches?
To convert cm to feet and inches: First divide cm by 2.54 to get total inches, then divide inches by 12 to get feet (whole number), and the remainder is inches. For example, 180 cm = 180 / 2.54 = 70.87 inches = 5 feet 10.87 inches (or approximately 5' 11"). Most people round to the nearest inch.
What is the average height for adults?
Average adult heights vary by country and gender. In the US: Men average 5'9" (175 cm), women average 5'4" (163 cm). Globally: Men average 5'7" (171 cm), women average 5'3" (161 cm). Netherlands has the tallest average (men 6'0"/183 cm, women 5'7"/170 cm). Height is influenced by genetics, nutrition, and healthcare.
Why do some countries use feet/inches and others use centimeters?
The US, UK, and a few other countries use the imperial system (feet, inches) for height, inherited from British tradition. Most of the world uses the metric system (centimeters, meters), which is based on powers of 10 and easier for calculations. The metric system was adopted internationally for standardization in science and trade. Conversion tools help bridge the gap.