How to Convert Feet to Centimeters
Converting feet to centimeters is a practical cross-system conversion frequently needed when translating imperial measurements into metric units at a human scale. The foot (ft) is an imperial unit commonly used in the United States and United Kingdom for measuring height, room dimensions, and moderate distances. The centimeter (cm) is a metric unit widely used worldwide for the same types of everyday measurements. One foot equals exactly 30.48 centimeters. This conversion is particularly important for expressing human height, as many countries use centimeters while the US and UK traditionally use feet and inches. International travelers, medical professionals, and athletes frequently convert between these units. Online shopping for furniture, appliances, and clothing often requires this conversion when product dimensions are listed in feet but you think in centimeters (or vice versa). Architects and interior designers working on international projects translate room heights and dimensions between systems. Our converter uses the exact 30.48 cm per foot relationship to deliver precise results instantly, whether you are updating your passport, ordering furniture online, or working on a design project.
Conversion Formula
To convert feet to centimeters, multiply the length in feet by 30.48. This exact factor comes from the definition of one foot as 12 inches, with each inch equaling exactly 2.54 centimeters: 12 × 2.54 = 30.48 centimeters per foot. This is a precise, internationally standardized value with no rounding involved.
Centimeters = Feet × 30.48
6 feet = 182.88 centimeters
Step-by-Step Example
To convert 6 feet to centimeters:
1. Start with the value: 6 feet
2. Multiply by the conversion factor: 6 × 30.48
3. Calculate: 6 × 30.48 = 182.88
4. Result: 6 feet = 182.88 centimeters
Six feet is approximately 183 cm, a common reference height. For someone 6 feet 2 inches, you would add 2 × 2.54 = 5.08 cm, giving 187.96 cm.
Understanding Feet and Centimeters
What is a Foot?
The foot has ancient origins, historically based on the length of a human foot. Different civilizations had varying definitions, from the Roman "pes" (about 11.65 inches) to the Greek "pous." The modern international foot was standardized in 1959 through an international agreement between six English-speaking nations, defining it as exactly 0.3048 meters (or 12 inches of 25.4 mm each). The foot remains a primary unit of measurement in the United States and is still commonly used in the United Kingdom, Canada, and other nations for everyday height and distance measurements.
What is a Centimeter?
The centimeter was established as part of the metric system introduced during the French Revolution in the 1790s. It equals one-hundredth of a meter (from the Latin "centum" meaning hundred). While the metric system initially faced resistance, it gradually became the world standard. The centimeter became the practical everyday unit for small measurements in most countries, used for height, clothing, paper sizes, and everyday objects. In scientific contexts, the CGS (centimeter-gram-second) system used the centimeter as its base length unit before being largely replaced by the MKS/SI system.
Practical Applications
Feet to centimeters conversion is widely used for expressing height on international documents, passports, and medical records. Interior designers convert ceiling heights and room dimensions from feet to centimeters for metric-based furniture and fixture catalogs. Fitness and sports professionals convert athlete heights for international competition records. E-commerce platforms convert product dimensions for international customers. Real estate professionals convert room dimensions for international property listings. Tailors and clothing designers convert body measurements when working with international sizing standards.
Tips and Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using 30 instead of the exact 30.48, which creates a 1.6% error. For mixed feet-and-inches measurements, convert separately and add: multiply feet by 30.48 and inches by 2.54, then sum the results. For example, 5 feet 8 inches = (5 × 30.48) + (8 × 2.54) = 152.4 + 20.32 = 172.72 cm. Another frequent error is forgetting to convert the inches portion, stating only the feet value. Quick reference: 5 feet = 152.4 cm, 5'6" = 167.64 cm, 6 feet = 182.88 cm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Five feet equals exactly 152.4 centimeters (5 × 30.48 = 152.4). This is approximately 1.524 meters. Five feet is the starting point for many height conversions, so remembering that 5 feet = 152.4 cm provides a useful baseline for adding inches.