Feet to Centimeters
( ft → cm )
Instantly convert feet and inches to centimeters. Enter any value below and get an accurate result with the full formula and reference table.
How to Convert Feet to Centimeters
Converting feet to centimeters is simple — multiply the number of feet by 30.48. This factor comes from the fact that 1 foot = 12 inches and 1 inch = 2.54 cm exactly, giving 12 × 2.54 = 30.48 cm per foot.
Step-by-Step Example
Let’s convert 5 feet 9 inches — one of the most searched height conversions:
1. Convert inches to feet: 9 ÷ 12 = 0.75 ft
2. Add: 5 + 0.75 = 5.75 ft
3. Multiply: 5.75 × 30.48 = 175.26 cm
Why Exactly 30.48?
In 1959, the International Yard and Pound Agreement standardized the inch as exactly 2.54 cm across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Before that, slight regional differences caused small inconsistencies in science and trade. One foot = 12 inches × 2.54 cm = 30.48 cm exactly — no rounding needed.
When You’d Use Each Unit
Feet are common in the US and UK for height, room dimensions, and real estate. Centimeters dominate in science, medicine, and most of the world. Knowing how to switch between them quickly is useful for everything from shopping for furniture abroad to reading an international medical chart.
Common feet to centimeter values — highlighted rows show typical adult heights.
| Feet (ft) | Feet + Inches | Centimeters (cm) | Meters (m) |
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