Foot to Centimeter Converter

Convert feet to centimeters and back with metric-imperial scale bar, combined feet+inches display, and height conversion table for 4′ 0″ through 7′ 0″.

About the Foot to Centimeter Converter

One foot equals exactly 30.48 centimeters. This is the most common metric-to-imperial length conversion, used billions of times daily for height measurement, room dimensions, product specifications, and travel distances. If you live in a country that uses metric but deal with US products or media, or vice versa, this conversion is essential.

This converter works both directions: enter feet to get centimeters, or enter centimeters to get feet. It outputs centimeters, meters, millimeters, decimal feet, combined feet+inches, total inches, yards, and kilometers. The metric-imperial scale bar provides a visual comparison, and the mental math shortcut (multiply feet by 30) is highlighted for everyday estimation.

The collapsible height conversion table covers every standard human height from 4′ 0″ (121.9 cm) to 7′ 0″ (213.4 cm) in two-inch increments, with your current value highlighted. This is the go-to table for filling out medical forms, passport applications, and online profiles that require metric height.

Why Use This Foot to Centimeter Converter?

The foot-to-centimeter conversion (× 30.48) is not a round number, making mental math imprecise. This tool gives exact values, provides combined feet+inches output, and includes a complete height table that covers every practical human height for forms, clinics, travel, international shopping, and profile documentation workflows across different regions and professional contexts.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Select feet → cm or cm → feet.
  2. Enter the value or click a preset.
  3. Choose decimal precision.
  4. Read outputs in cm, m, mm, feet, inches, yards, and km.
  5. View the metric-imperial scale bar.
  6. Use the mental math shortcut (× 30) for quick estimates.
  7. Expand the height conversion table for detailed lookups.

Formula

1 foot = 30.48 cm (exactly) 1 cm = 0.032808 ft Centimeters = Feet × 30.48

Example Calculation

Result: 182.88 cm / 1.829 m

6 feet × 30.48 = 182.88 cm = 1.829 m = 72 inches. This is a common height for tall adults.

Tips & Best Practices

The Exact Relationship

In 1959, six English-speaking countries agreed that 1 inch = exactly 25.4 millimeters. From this single definition, all imperial-to-metric length conversions follow exactly: 1 foot = 304.8 mm = 30.48 cm = 0.3048 m. There is no rounding or approximation — these are exact by definition.

Height Conversion for Travel and Documents

US passports list height in feet-inches, but many countries require centimeters on visa applications, medical forms, and ID cards. Airlines may request height in cm for certain visa-exempt transit countries. Having the exact conversion avoids delays at immigration.

Feet and Centimeters in Building Standards

US building codes use feet (8-foot ceilings, 6-foot-8-inch doors), while international building standards use centimeters or millimeters. IKEA products, for example, are designed in metric but must fit US rooms measured in feet. Understanding the 30.48 cm/ft conversion is essential for interior design with international products.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many centimeters is 1 foot?

Exactly 30.48 cm. This is an exact value, not an approximation.

How many feet is 100 cm?

3.281 feet (3 feet 3.37 inches).

How tall is 5 feet 6 inches in cm?

167.64 cm. (5 × 30.48) + (6 × 2.54) = 152.4 + 15.24 = 167.64 cm.

How do I convert cm to feet and inches?

Divide cm by 30.48 to get decimal feet. Multiply the decimal part by 12 to get inches. E.g., 170 cm = 5.577 ft → 5′ 6.9″.

Why is 1 foot exactly 30.48 cm?

Because 1 inch was defined as exactly 25.4 mm (2.54 cm) in 1959 by international agreement, and 1 foot = 12 inches = 12 × 2.54 = 30.48 cm.

Is 6 feet tall?

6 feet = 182.88 cm. This is above average height globally (171 cm) and above the US male average (175.3 cm). About 14.5% of US men are 6 feet or taller.

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