Height Converter
Convert height between different units like centimeters, feet, and inches, and see the result in multiple formats at once.
Bookmark this Calculator!
Height Converter: Your Guide to Imperial and Metric Measurements
What is a Height Converter?
A Height Converter is a tool for translating a person's height between the imperial system (feet and inches) and the metric system (centimeters). This is one of the most common conversions needed in daily life, especially for travel, health and fitness tracking, and online shopping where sizing charts may use a different system than you are used to.
How to Use the Height Converter
Our converter is designed for simplicity, allowing you to convert in either direction.
- Select your "Convert From" unit: Choose whether you are starting with "Feet and Inches" or "Centimeters".
- Enter your height:
- If converting from feet and inches, enter the values in their respective fields.
- If converting from centimeters, enter the value in the single field provided.
- View the instant result: The calculator will automatically show the converted height in the other system.
The Conversion Formula
The conversion is based on the international standard definition of the inch.
$$ 1 \text{ inch} = 2.54 \text{ centimeters} $$
$$ 1 \text{ foot} = 12 \text{ inches} $$
To convert from feet and inches to centimeters:
$$ \text{cm} = (\text{feet} \times 12 + \text{inches}) \times 2.54 $$
To convert from centimeters to feet and inches:
- Total Inches = cm / 2.54
- Feet = floor(Total Inches / 12)
- Remaining Inches = Total Inches % 12
Practical Example: Medical Form
A person who is 180 cm tall needs to fill out a medical form in the US that requires their height in feet and inches.
- Known Value: 180 cm
- Calculation:
- Total Inches = 180 / 2.54 ≈ 70.87 in
- Feet = floor(70.87 / 12) = 5 ft
- Inches = 70.87 % 12 ≈ 10.9 in
- Using the calculator: By selecting "Centimeters" as the from unit and entering "180", the calculator will instantly show approximately 5 ft 10.9 in.
This is crucial for accurate medical records. For other length conversions, you can use our general Length Converter or the more specific Feet to Meters Calculator. For health-related calculations, the BMI Calculator is a great companion tool.
Why a Specialized Height Converter?
While a standard length converter can give you a height in decimal feet (e.g., 5.91 ft), this is not how people typically communicate their height. We say "5 feet 11 inches". This tool is designed to provide the output in this natural, conventional format, making it much more practical for its specific purpose.
To learn more about international measurement standards, you can visit the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM). For health and growth charts, the World Health Organization (WHO) provides authoritative data.
Similar Calculators
Convert land area from acres to hectares, two common units for measuring large plots of land.
A comprehensive tool to convert angles between various units, including degrees, radians, gradians, and revolutions.
Convert between angstroms and nanometers, two units of length used for very small scales in science and technology.
Convert between common units of area such as square feet, square meters, and acres.
Explore Other Calculators
Calculate your car's 0-60 mph time based on its horsepower and weight.
Quickly calculate the date that is 100 days from a starting date. Perfect for tracking 100-day challenges or project milestones.
Estimate your self-employment taxes as a freelancer or independent contractor. Helps you plan for quarterly tax payments and avoid surprises.
Find the date that is 120 days from any given start date. Useful for planning timelines, loan terms, and long-term projects.
Calculate the date that is 180 days (about six months) from a specific start date. Ideal for setting semi-annual goals or deadlines.
A simple tool to find the date that is exactly 30 days from a given start date. Commonly used for trial periods and monthly planning.
Quickly add or subtract 30 minutes from any given time. A handy tool for scheduling meetings, breaks, or appointments.
Project the growth of your 401(k) retirement savings over time. See how contributions, employer match, and investment returns can impact your nest egg.