Centimeters to Feet
( cm → ft )
Instantly convert centimeters to feet and inches. Enter any value below and get an accurate result with the full formula and reference table.
How to Convert Centimeters to Feet
To convert centimeters to feet, simply divide the number of centimeters 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 170 cm — a common height — to feet and inches:
1. Divide by 30.48: 170 ÷ 30.48 ≈ 5.5774 ft
2. The whole number is feet: 5 ft
3. Multiply the fractional part by 12: 0.5774 × 12 ≈ 6.93 inches
4. So 170 cm ≈ 5 ft 6.9 in (often rounded to 5′7″)
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. Therefore, one foot = 12 inches × 2.54 cm = 30.48 cm exactly — no rounding needed. This makes conversions precise and reliable.
When You’d Use Each Unit
Centimeters are the standard for most of the world in science, medicine, and everyday measurements. Feet and inches are commonly used in the US and UK for height, real estate, and construction. Converting between them is essential for travel, online shopping, and understanding international data.
Common centimeters to feet+inches values — highlighted rows show typical adult heights.
| Centimeters (cm) | Feet + Inches | Feet (ft) | Meters (m) |
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