How to convert centimetres to feet: A step-by-step guide for students
This is one of those skills that school textbooks don't always teach in a practical way. But it's surprisingly useful once you learn how it works. The good news? It only takes a few clear steps, and you'll be able to calculate it on your own anytime, no last-minute Google search required.
This guide is here to help you do just that.
First things first: Why does this matter?
The metric system (which includes centimetres, metres, etc.) is used in India and most of the world.
But countries like the United States and the United Kingdom often use the imperial system, which includes feet and inches. If you're filling out a form, giving your measurements for sports, ordering clothes from a global brand, or applying to an international university, chances are you'll need to express your height in feet and inches.
It's one of those life skills you don't realise you need until you're halfway through a form, Googling '170 cm in feet' and hoping you don't mess up the next digit.
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The formula: Centimetres to feet
Let's break down the math in the simplest way possible.
1 centimetre = 0.0328084 feet
This is your golden number. To convert any number of centimetres to feet, just multiply by 0.0328084.
So if you're 170 cm tall, the calculation looks like this:
170 × 0.0328084 = 5.577428 feet
Looks like a long decimal? Don't worry. You're not expected to walk around saying you're 'five point five seven seven four two eight feet' tall.
Before we move on, here's an important point:
Height in feet is almost always written along with inches to be more precise and familiar.
That's why once you get a decimal like 5.5774 feet, you'll need to convert the decimal part into inches to get a complete and clear answer.
The next step: Convert the decimal into inches
There are 12 inches in one foot, so to figure out the inches part of your height, take the decimal portion and multiply it by 12.
In this case:
0.5774 × 12 = 6.9288 inches
So, 170 cm = 5 feet and approximately 7 inches
Now that sounds a lot more familiar.
Quick recap: How to convert
cm to ft
+ in
Multiply your centimetres by 0.0328084
Separate the whole number (this is the feet)
Take the decimal and multiply it by 12 (this is the inches)
Round off to the nearest inch for a clean answer
Real-life scenarios where this is useful
This isn't just a math trick for your next class test. Here are some real-life cases where knowing how to convert centimetres to feet can save you from unnecessary confusion:
Passport and visa applications often ask for height in feet and inches
College applications abroad may require height in the imperial format
Online clothing sizes (especially from UK or US-based brands) use feet/inches
Sports registrations sometimes list eligibility or categories by height
Medical forms or fitness charts may switch between metric and imperial units
A few memory tips that actually help
Think of 30 cm as roughly 1 foot. It's not exact (1 foot = 30.48 cm), but it's a fast mental shortcut.
For quick estimation:
160 cm ≈ 5 ft 3 in
170 cm ≈ 5 ft 7 in
180 cm ≈ 5 ft 11 in
Practice time: Try these on your own
Give these a shot before peeking at the answers:
152 cm = ?
168 cm = ?
182 cm = ?
Answers:
152 cm ≈ 4 ft 11.8 in → 4 ft 11 in
168 cm ≈ 5 ft 6 in
182 cm ≈ 5 ft 11.7 in → 5 ft 11 in
Learning how to convert centimetres to feet isn't just about memorising a number. It's about building confidence with everyday math, the kind that shows up in forms, interviews, gym routines, and study-abroad dreams.
So the next time someone asks, 'How tall are you in feet?' you'll know what to say, how to calculate it, and why it matters.
Keep this guide handy, chances are, you'll need it again.
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