Height Converter
Convert height between feet/inches, centimeters, and meters instantly
Height Conversion Formulas
Understanding Height Measurements
Height is one of the most commonly converted measurements, especially when dealing with international medical records, sports statistics, or personal data. The US uses feet and inches, while most other countries use centimeters or meters. Being able to quickly convert between these systems is essential for doctors, athletes, travelers, and anyone comparing data across borders.
The imperial system expresses height as feet and inches (e.g., 5'10"), while the metric system uses centimeters (e.g., 178 cm) or meters (e.g., 1.78 m). Medical records worldwide increasingly use metric, but everyday conversation in the US still relies on feet and inches.
This converter handles all common height formats, making it easy to fill out international forms, understand height requirements, or compare yourself to athletes and celebrities from different countries.
Height Formats Explained
Feet & Inches
US standard format. Written as 5'10" or 5 ft 10 in. 1 foot = 12 inches = 30.48 cm.
Centimeters
Metric standard for height. Used in medicine worldwide. Average adult: 160-180 cm.
Meters
SI unit for length. Heights expressed as decimals (1.75 m). Preferred in scientific contexts.
Total Inches
Sometimes used in US medical/fitness contexts. 5'10" = 70 inches total.
Common Height Reference Points
| Description | Feet/Inches | Centimeters | Meters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average US Woman | 5'4" | 163 cm | 1.63 m |
| Average US Man | 5'9" | 175 cm | 1.75 m |
| Average NBA Player | 6'6" | 198 cm | 1.98 m |
| Doorway Height | 6'8" | 203 cm | 2.03 m |
| Ceiling Height | 8'0" | 244 cm | 2.44 m |
| Tallest Person Ever | 8'11" | 272 cm | 2.72 m |
Quick Conversion Tips
Quick Mental Math
For rough cm to feet: divide by 30 for feet, remainder ÷ 2.5 for inches. 180 cm ≈ 6 feet (180÷30=6).
Common Benchmarks
5 feet = 152.4 cm, 6 feet = 182.9 cm. Each inch adds about 2.5 cm.
Medical Forms
International medical forms use cm. Remember: your height in cm = (feet × 30.48) + (inches × 2.54).
Travel Tip
Many countries list height requirements in cm (amusement parks, military, etc.). Know your metric height!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert 5'10" to centimeters?
5 feet = 60 inches. Add 10 inches = 70 inches total. Multiply by 2.54 = 177.8 cm. Alternatively: (5 × 30.48) + (10 × 2.54) = 152.4 + 25.4 = 177.8 cm.
Why do doctors use centimeters instead of feet?
The metric system is the international standard in medicine and science. It allows for more precise measurements and easier calculations, especially for drug dosages based on body size. Most countries outside the US use metric exclusively.
What's the average height difference between countries?
The Netherlands has the tallest average (6'0" / 183 cm for men). The US averages 5'9" (175 cm) for men. Asian countries average 5'5"-5'7" (165-170 cm). Genetics, nutrition, and healthcare all affect national averages.
How accurate should height measurements be?
For most purposes, rounding to the nearest half-inch or centimeter is fine. Height varies by 1-2 cm throughout the day (taller in morning, shorter at night due to spinal compression). Medical contexts may require more precision.
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