Height Converter
Convert heights between centimeters, meters, and feet/inches.
Converting height measurements is a common task when filling out US DMV driver's license applications, medical records, or travel visa forms. While the United States measures height in feet and inches (e.g., 5 feet 10 inches), international systems, passports, and medical databases utilize centimeters (cm) or meters (m). The Height Converter provides a simple, accurate tool to translate measurements.
Ergonomic setups and clinical assessments also require precise heights to determine desk clearances or BMI index categories. This calculator handles both directions of height mappings instantly, converting feet and inches directly to centimeters and meters without rounding errors.
Height Converter
Convert between imperial heights (feet & inches) and metric heights (centimeters/meters).
Conversion Results
Your height metrics converted are displayed below.
Enter measurements and click Convert to see the results.
How to Use the Height Converter
Input your height using feet and inches, or enter your height in centimeters. The calculator will instantly output the equivalent values in both systems. Use the swap or reset buttons to clear the form.
Practical Use Cases:
- Official Identity Forms: Filling out passport applications, visa logs, or DMV driver's license forms where height must be stated in both units.
- Ergonomic Desk Calibrations: Adjusting height-adjustable standing desks, chair clearances, and monitor levels to fit your posture parameters.
- Pediatric Checkups: Sizing development targets for children's health percentiles where US clinics track charts in centimeters.
Below is a standard height reference table mapping US feet and inches to centimeters and meters:
| US Height (ft/in) | Total Inches | Centimeters (cm) | Meters (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'0" | 60 in | 152.4 cm | 1.52 m |
| 5'3" | 63 in | 160.0 cm | 1.60 m |
| 5'6" | 66 in | 167.6 cm | 1.68 m |
| 5'8" | 68 in | 172.7 cm | 1.73 m |
| 5'9" | 69 in | 175.3 cm | 1.75 m |
| 6'0" | 72 in | 182.9 cm | 1.83 m |
| 6'3" | 75 in | 190.5 cm | 1.91 m |
Formula & Calculation Logic
Height conversions apply standard physical definitions where one inch equals exactly 2.54 centimeters, and one foot equals 12 inches.
Total Inches = (Feet × 12) + Inches
Height in Centimeters (cm) = Total Inches × 2.54
To go in reverse: first divide centimeters by 2.54 to get total inches. Next, divide total inches by 12 using integer division to find feet, and the remainder represents the remaining inches.
Real Example Calculation
Let's work through three practical US examples for height conversions:
Example 1 (Medical Record): An athlete is filling out an international passport registry, and needs to convert their US height of 6 feet 1 inch to centimeters:
Total Inches = (6 × 12) + 1 = 73 inches
73 inches × 2.54 = 185.42 centimeters
The athlete's height is exactly 185.42 cm.
Example 2 (ID Application): A student from France studying in Boston measures 170 cm, and needs to list their height in feet and inches for a local state ID form:
Total Inches = 170 / 2.54 = 66.93 inches
66.93 inches / 12 = 5 feet with 6.93 inches remaining (approx. 5'7")
The French student will list their height as 5 feet 7 inches.
Example 3 (Ergonomic Fit): A worker is setting up an ergonomic chair requiring their height in total inches. They are 180 cm tall:
180 cm / 2.54 = 70.87 inches (approx. 5'11")
The worker will configure the workstation settings for a 71-inch user.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many centimeters are in a foot?
There are exactly 30.48 centimeters in one foot. This is found by multiplying 12 inches by 2.54 cm. It is a standard physical constant.
How tall is 5'9" in cm?
A height of 5 feet 9 inches is equal to exactly 175.26 centimeters. (69 total inches multiplied by 2.54).
What height is considered 6 feet in centimeters?
Six feet tall is equal to exactly 182.88 centimeters. (72 total inches multiplied by 2.54).
How tall is 170 cm in feet and inches?
170 centimeters is equal to approximately 5 feet 7 inches (specifically, 5'6.93").
How do I calculate my height in meters?
First find your height in centimeters, and then divide the value by 100. For example, 175.26 cm is equal to 1.75 meters. This is standard metric conversion.
Is this height calculator secure for private biological inputs?
Yes. All scripts process height variables locally in your web browser. No details are transmitted or saved on our servers, ensuring absolute privacy.
What is the average height in the US for men and women?
According to CDC statistics, the average height for US men is approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm), and for US women is approximately 5 feet 4 inches (162 cm).
Does this height converter support offline calculations?
Yes, once the page loads, the converter logic operates locally in the browser sandbox without requiring an internet connection.
How do I convert height from meters to feet and inches?
First, convert meters to centimeters by multiplying by 100 (e.g., 1.8 meters = 180 cm). Then, divide the centimeters by 2.54 to get total inches, and split those total inches into feet and remaining inches.
Why do US pediatricians track children's height in centimeters?
Centimeters offer a more precise scale for tracking growth increments. Because 1 centimeter is smaller than 1 inch, pediatricians can note small growth trends more easily on percentile growth charts.