cm to ft in Converter

How to Convert cm to ft and in

The conversion from centimetres to feet and inches uses two exact definitions. One inch is exactly 2.54 centimetres, and one foot is exactly 12 inches (so one foot is exactly 30.48 cm). These are international standards, not approximations, meaning the results are precise.

To convert centimetres to feet and inches:

1. Divide the centimetre value by 2.54 to get the total number of inches.
2. Divide the total inches by 12. The whole number part is the feet.
3. Multiply the whole feet by 12 and subtract from total inches to get the remaining inches.

Worked Example

Convert 175 cm to feet and inches:

1. 175 / 2.54 = 68.8976 inches (total)
2. 68.8976 / 12 = 5.7415, so 5 whole feet
3. 68.8976 - (5 x 12) = 68.8976 - 60 = 8.8976 inches remaining
4. Result: 5 ft 8.90 in (rounded to 2 decimal places)

This matches the default output of the calculator above.

Reverse Conversion: ft and in to cm

To convert feet and inches back to centimetres:

1. Multiply feet by 12 to get inches from the feet portion.
2. Add the remaining inches.
3. Multiply total inches by 2.54 to get centimetres.

Example: 5 ft 8.90 in = (5 x 12 + 8.90) x 2.54 = 68.90 x 2.54 = 175.01 cm.

Common Heights Reference

Why Two Systems?

New Zealand officially uses the metric system (centimetres, metres, kilometres), adopted progressively from the 1960s. However, the imperial system (inches, feet, miles) was used before metrication, and many New Zealanders, particularly older generations, still think of height in feet and inches. Medical records and official government documents use centimetres, but gyms, sports commentary, dating profiles, and everyday conversation often use feet and inches. International documents, particularly from the United States and the United Kingdom, may use either system. Being able to convert quickly between cm and ft/in is a practical skill.

The Exact Definition

The conversion factor 1 inch = 2.54 cm was agreed internationally in 1959 under the International Yard and Pound Agreement, signed by the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Before 1959, slightly different values were used in different countries (the US survey inch was 1/39.37 metres, approximately 2.540005 cm). Since 1959, all measurements using 2.54 cm per inch are exact, not approximations, which means there is no rounding error from the conversion factor itself.

Related Calculators

• Essential Calculators hub
• cm to Inches Converter
• Length Converter (multi-unit)
• Height Calculator
• ft to m Converter

Method: Conversion uses the exact definition 1 inch = 2.54 cm (International Yard and Pound Agreement, 1959). 1 foot = 12 inches = 30.48 cm exactly. No approximations are involved.

This converter is for general use. For precise medical, engineering, or legal measurements, verify results using official standards and consult the relevant professional.