Height Converter
Convert height between feet and inches, centimeters, meters, and millimeters.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
Height quick reference
| Feet & Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|
| 5'0" | 152.40 cm |
| 5'4" | 162.56 cm |
| 5'8" | 172.72 cm |
| 6'0" | 182.88 cm |
| 6'4" | 193.04 cm |
Why height conversion comes up so often
Height is one of the few everyday measurements where the US and most of the rest of the world still speak different languages. A pediatrician's growth chart, a UK or EU driver's license or ID application, an international visa or passport form, and pretty much every professional sports league outside the US record height in centimeters, while everyday conversation in the US still runs on feet and inches. This tool exists for the moment you're filling out a form in one system but only know your height in the other.
How the conversion works
This converter uses the exact relationship that 1 inch equals 2.54 centimeters, the international standard adopted in 1959. Feet and inches are combined into a total inch count (feet × 12, plus the remaining inches), then multiplied by 2.54 to get centimeters and divided by 100 for meters. Going the other way, centimeters are divided by 2.54 to get total inches, which are then split back into whole feet and remaining inches.
Average adult height, for reference
US CDC data puts average adult height at roughly 5'9" (175 cm) for men and 5'4" (161 cm) for women. Averages shift noticeably by country Dutch men average closer to 6'0" (183 cm), for instance so treat these US figures as a loose anchor point rather than a global standard.
FAQ
How tall is 170 cm in feet and inches?
170 cm is about 5 feet 7 inches. Enter 170 in the centimeters field to see the exact feet-and-inches equivalent.
What's considered average height for an adult?
In the US, average adult height is around 5'9" (175 cm) for men and 5'4" (161 cm) for women, according to CDC data. These numbers vary by country and by the population sampled, so they're a general reference point rather than a target.
Why do doctors and international forms use centimeters instead of feet and inches?
Centimeters are the standard unit in the metric system used by nearly every country's healthcare system and by international paperwork like visas and passports. Using one consistent unit avoids conversion errors on records and charts that may get shared or compared internationally.
Does wearing shoes change the height I should enter?
Shoes typically add 0.5 to 1.5 inches (about 1-4 cm) depending on the style. Medical and official height measurements are almost always taken standing barefoot, so measure without shoes for the most accurate conversion.
Can I convert a height with a fraction of an inch, like 5'7.5"?
Yes enter 7.5 in the inches field, or convert your height to centimeters first if that's easier, and the tool will handle the decimal value correctly.
Is this precise enough for medical or legal use?
The math is exact (based on the 2.54 cm/inch standard), but real-world height measurements themselves have some natural variation depending on time of day and measuring technique always confirm exact figures needed for legal or medical documents with an official measurement.