Height Converter
Convert height between feet and inches, centimetres and metres instantly. Enter your height in either system and see the exact equivalent, with a quick reference table.
Height converter
Feet/inches ↔ cm ↔ metres.
1 inch = 2.54 cm exactly; 1 foot = 30.48 cm. Conversions are exact internationally agreed values.
Converting height between systems
The UK uses both systems: most people give their height in feet and inches but medical forms, sports and the rest of the world use centimetres. The conversion is exact — 1 inch is 2.54 centimetres, and 1 foot (12 inches) is 30.48 cm. This converter works both ways, so type your height in either system and read off the other instantly.
To convert feet and inches to cm: multiply total inches by 2.54. So 5 ft 9 in = 69 inches × 2.54 = 175.3 cm (1.75 m). To go back, divide cm by 2.54 for total inches, then split into feet and inches.
Common heights in feet, inches and cm
| Feet & inches | Centimetres |
|---|---|
| 5 ft 0 in | 152.4 cm |
| 5 ft 4 in | 162.6 cm |
| 5 ft 7 in | 170.2 cm |
| 5 ft 9 in | 175.3 cm |
| 6 ft 0 in | 182.9 cm |
| 6 ft 2 in | 188.0 cm |
Based on the exact factor 1 inch = 2.54 cm. The average adult height in the UK is roughly 5 ft 9 in (men) and 5 ft 3 in (women).
Height and BMI
You need your height in metres to work out Body Mass Index, which is weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². So 175 cm becomes 1.75 m. For other measurements, our cm to inches converter handles single-dimension conversions and the unit converter covers length, weight, temperature and volume together.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert feet and inches to cm?
Add up your total inches (feet × 12 + inches) and multiply by 2.54. For example, 5 ft 9 in is 69 inches × 2.54 = 175.3 cm, which is 1.75 metres.
How many cm is 5 foot 9?
5 ft 9 in is 175.3 cm, or about 1.75 metres. That's 69 total inches multiplied by the exact factor of 2.54 cm per inch.
How do I convert cm to feet and inches?
Divide the centimetres by 2.54 to get total inches, then divide by 12 for feet, with the remainder as inches. For example, 180 cm ÷ 2.54 = 70.9 inches = 5 ft 11 in.
Is the inch to cm conversion exact?
Yes. Since 1959 the international inch has been defined as exactly 2.54 centimetres, so all feet-and-inches to centimetre conversions are exact, not approximate.
What is the average height in the UK?
The average adult height in the UK is roughly 175 cm (5 ft 9 in) for men and 162 cm (5 ft 3–4 in) for women, though this varies by age and region.