Centimetres to Feet Converter

Convert centimetres (cm) to feet (ft) and inches with this length conversion calculator. Whether you’re measuring height, fabric, room dimensions or construction materials, this tool provides accurate conversions between metric and imperial units commonly used throughout Britain.

Centimetres (cm)

Feet (ft)

Quick Conversions

Conversion Formula

CM to Feet:

Feet = Centimetres ÷ 30.48

Feet to CM:

Centimetres = Feet × 30.48

The conversion factor between centimetres and feet is 30.48, which means one foot equals exactly 30.48 centimetres. This standardised measurement was established in 1959 when Commonwealth countries and the United States agreed on the international foot definition.

Step-by-Step Conversion Method

Take your measurement in centimetres
For example, if you have a height of 175 cm.
Divide by 30.48
175 ÷ 30.48 = 5.74147 feet
Separate whole feet from decimal
The whole number (5) represents feet, and the decimal (0.74147) represents the fraction of a foot.
Convert decimal to inches (optional)
Multiply the decimal by 12: 0.74147 × 12 = 8.90 inches
Express your final answer
175 cm = 5 feet 8.9 inches (or 5.74 feet in decimal form)

Common CM to Feet Conversions

Below are frequently referenced length conversions between centimetres and feet for everyday measurements:

Centimetres (cm)	Feet (ft)	Feet and Inches
1 cm	0.0328 ft	0′ 0.39″
10 cm	0.328 ft	0′ 3.94″
30 cm	0.984 ft	0′ 11.81″
50 cm	1.640 ft	1′ 7.69″
100 cm	3.281 ft	3′ 3.37″
150 cm	4.921 ft	4′ 11.06″
160 cm	5.249 ft	5′ 2.99″
170 cm	5.577 ft	5′ 6.93″
180 cm	5.906 ft	5′ 10.87″
200 cm	6.562 ft	6′ 6.74″
250 cm	8.202 ft	8′ 2.43″
300 cm	9.843 ft	9′ 10.11″

Height Conversion Examples

Human height measurements often require conversion between centimetres and feet. Below are typical height conversions:

Child Height

120 cm

3′ 11.2″

Average 7-year-old

Teen Height

165 cm

5′ 5″

Average 14-year-old

Adult Woman

163 cm

5′ 4.2″

Average in the UK

Adult Man

178 cm

5′ 10″

Average in the UK

Practical Applications in Britain

Personal Height Measurements

Whilst the NHS records height in centimetres, many Britons still refer to their height in feet and inches in everyday conversation. Medical professionals, fitness instructors and clothing retailers often need to convert between these units for accurate sizing and health assessments.

Construction and DIY Projects

British builders frequently work with both metric and imperial measurements. Whilst modern building regulations specify dimensions in millimetres and metres, older properties and traditional materials like timber often reference feet and inches. Converting centimetre measurements for doorways, ceiling heights and room dimensions is commonplace.

Interior Design and Furniture

Furniture dimensions in the UK may appear in either centimetres or feet depending on the manufacturer. When planning room layouts or purchasing items online from international retailers, converting between these units helps visualise whether pieces will fit appropriately in your space.

Sports and Athletics

Track and field events, high jump competitions and football pitch markings use metric measurements. However, traditional sporting discussions often reference heights and distances in feet, particularly when discussing pole vault records or basketball player heights.

Metric vs Imperial in the UK

The United Kingdom officially adopted the metric system in 1965, yet imperial units remain prevalent in daily life. Road signs display miles, draught beer is served in pints, and personal height is typically expressed in feet and inches. This dual system means conversions between centimetres and feet remain relevant for British residents.

Official documents, healthcare records and educational materials predominantly feature metric measurements. However, property listings often include room dimensions in both metres and feet, reflecting the ongoing transition period between measurement systems.

Conversion Accuracy

The international foot was precisely defined in 1959 as 0.3048 metres, or 30.48 centimetres. This standardisation replaced various national definitions and created uniformity across Commonwealth nations and the United States. For everyday conversions, rounding to two decimal places provides sufficient accuracy.

When precision matters—such as in engineering, surveying or manufacturing—maintaining more decimal places prevents cumulative errors in calculations. Professional contexts typically require accuracy to at least four decimal places.

Historical Context

The foot has ancient origins, historically based on human body proportions. Different civilisations maintained varying definitions, from the Roman foot (29.6 cm) to the Greek foot (30.8 cm). Medieval England standardised the foot through royal decree, though regional variations persisted until the 19th century.

The metric system emerged during the French Revolution, establishing the metre as a universal standard based on Earth’s dimensions. Britain’s gradual metrication began in the 1960s, though complete transition remains incomplete decades later, maintaining the need for regular conversions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many feet are in 1 centimetre?

One centimetre equals 0.0328084 feet. This small measurement means you need approximately 30.48 centimetres to equal one foot. For practical purposes, you can remember that 1 cm is roughly 0.033 feet or about one-third of an inch.

Why do Britons still measure height in feet and inches?

Despite official metrication, feet and inches remain culturally embedded in the UK for personal measurements. Older generations grew up with imperial units, and this tradition persists through family conversations, dating profiles and casual discussions. The NHS uses centimetres, but many people mentally convert to feet for familiarity.

Is 180 cm considered tall in the UK?

At 180 cm (5 feet 11 inches), a person stands above average height in Britain. The average British man measures approximately 178 cm (5’10”), whilst the average woman is about 163 cm (5’4″). Therefore, 180 cm is slightly above average for men and considerably above average for women.

How do I convert cm to feet and inches separately?

First, divide centimetres by 30.48 to get total feet (including decimals). The whole number represents feet. Then, multiply the decimal portion by 12 to convert it to inches. For example: 170 cm ÷ 30.48 = 5.577 ft. Take 5 as feet, then 0.577 × 12 = 6.93 inches. Result: 5 feet 6.93 inches.

Which is more common in UK property listings?

Modern UK property listings typically include both metric and imperial measurements. Floor plans show metres and square metres as the primary unit, with feet and square feet in brackets. This dual approach accommodates viewers familiar with either system, though younger buyers increasingly prefer metric units.

Are feet and inches taught in UK schools?

The UK national curriculum emphasises metric units (metres, centimetres, millimetres) as the primary system of measurement. However, pupils are introduced to imperial units like feet, inches and miles for practical purposes, as these measurements remain prevalent in everyday British life. Most mathematics education focuses on metric conversion skills.

What’s the easiest way to estimate cm to feet?

For quick mental estimates, remember that 30 cm is approximately 1 foot. Divide your centimetre measurement by 30 for a rough conversion. For example, 180 cm ÷ 30 = 6 feet. This gives 6 feet as an estimate (the precise answer is 5.9 feet). For better accuracy, use the exact factor of 30.48 with a calculator.

Do British tailors use cm or inches?

Traditional British tailors predominantly work in inches for garment measurements, particularly on Savile Row and in established clothiers. However, modern high-street retailers typically provide sizing in both centimetres and inches. Bespoke tailoring often maintains imperial measurements as part of craft tradition, whilst contemporary fashion brands favour metric.

Related Conversions

When working with length measurements, you may also need these related conversions:

From	To	Multiply By
Centimetres	Inches	0.393701
Centimetres	Metres	0.01
Feet	Inches	12
Feet	Yards	0.333333
Feet	Metres	0.3048