📏 Height Converter

Convert height between feet, inches, centimeters, and meters instantly

Convert Your Height

Your Height Is:

Feet & Inches
5' 9"
Centimeters
175.3 cm
Meters
1.75 m
Inches Only
69 in

Compare With Average

You
Average

How to Use the Height Converter

Converting your height between different units is simple with our free online tool. Just select your preferred input format (feet and inches, centimeters, or meters), enter your height, and instantly see the conversion in all other units.

Our height converter automatically calculates and displays your height in feet and inches, centimeters, meters, and total inches. You can also compare your height with the average height for your gender and country.

Height Conversion Formulas

Feet to Centimeters: cm = (feet × 30.48) + (inches × 2.54)
Centimeters to Feet: feet = floor(cm ÷ 30.48), inches = (cm mod 30.48) ÷ 2.54
Meters to Feet: feet = meters × 3.28084
Inches to Centimeters: cm = inches × 2.54

Common Height Conversions

Feet & Inches Centimeters Meters
5' 0"152.4 cm1.52 m
5' 3"160.0 cm1.60 m
5' 6"167.6 cm1.68 m
5' 9"175.3 cm1.75 m
6' 0"182.9 cm1.83 m
6' 3"190.5 cm1.91 m
6' 6"198.1 cm1.98 m

Average Heights Around the World

Average height varies significantly by country and gender. The Netherlands has the tallest average height for men (183.8 cm or 6' 0"), while countries in Southeast Asia tend to have shorter average heights. Genetics, nutrition, and healthcare all play important roles in determining average height.

Use our comparison tool above to see how your height compares to the average in different countries. Remember that height is just one aspect of health, and there's a wide range of normal heights for adults.

Why Convert Height?

  • International Travel: Different countries use different measurement systems
  • Online Shopping: Clothing sizes often require height in specific units
  • Medical Records: Healthcare providers may use different units
  • Sports & Fitness: Athletic measurements use various systems
  • Dating Profiles: International dating sites may require different units
  • Immigration Forms: Official documents often specify required units

Understanding Height Measurements: Imperial vs Metric

Height can be measured using two primary systems: the imperial system (feet and inches) and the metric system (centimeters and meters). The imperial system is predominantly used in the United States, while most other countries worldwide use the metric system.

In the imperial system, height is typically expressed in feet and inches (e.g., 5 feet 9 inches or 5'9"). One foot equals 12 inches, and this system dates back to ancient Rome. The metric system, adopted by most countries, uses centimeters (cm) or meters (m) for height measurements, with 100 centimeters equaling 1 meter.

Converting between these systems is essential for international communication, travel, medical records, and online shopping. Our height converter makes this process instant and accurate, eliminating the need for manual calculations.

Popular Height Conversions Explained

5 Feet 9 Inches in Centimeters

One of the most searched height conversions is 5'9" to cm. A person who is 5 feet 9 inches tall measures exactly 175.26 centimeters or approximately 1.75 meters. This is close to the average male height in many Western countries including the United States and United Kingdom.

6 Feet in Centimeters

Another common conversion is 6 feet to cm. Someone who is 6 feet tall (6'0") measures 182.88 centimeters or approximately 1.83 meters. This height is considered above average in most countries and is often associated with models and athletes.

170 CM in Feet

For those wondering 170 cm in feet, this height equals approximately 5 feet 7 inches (5'7"). This is close to the average height for women in many Western countries and slightly below average for men.

180 CM in Feet

The conversion of 180 cm to feet results in approximately 5 feet 11 inches (5'11"). This is considered a tall height for women and slightly above average for men in most countries.

Height Conversion for Different Purposes

Height Conversion for Travel

When traveling internationally, you may need to convert your height for visa applications, medical forms, or identification documents. Countries like the United States use feet and inches, while European, Asian, and most other countries use centimeters. Having your height in both systems readily available can save time and prevent errors on important documents.

Height Conversion for Online Shopping

Shopping for clothes online from international retailers often requires knowing your height in different units. Size charts may use centimeters or inches, and accurate height conversion ensures you order the correct size. This is especially important for items like pants, dresses, and jumpsuits where length matters.

Height Conversion for Medical Records

Medical professionals worldwide may record height in different units. In the US, doctors typically use feet and inches, while in Europe and most other regions, centimeters are standard. When transferring medical records internationally or consulting with foreign healthcare providers, accurate height conversion is essential.

Height Conversion for Sports and Athletics

Athletes competing internationally need to know their height in multiple units. Basketball players, volleyball players, and other athletes often have their height listed in both feet/inches and centimeters. Scouting reports, athlete profiles, and sports databases use various measurement systems.

Height Conversion for Dating Profiles

Online dating platforms and apps may display height in feet and inches or centimeters depending on the region. International dating sites often allow you to specify your preference, but knowing your height in both systems helps you accurately represent yourself and understand others' profiles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Height Conversion

How do you convert cm to feet and inches?

To convert centimeters to feet and inches: First, divide the centimeters by 30.48 to get total feet. The whole number is your feet value. Multiply the decimal remainder by 12 to get inches. For example, 175 cm ÷ 30.48 = 5.74 feet, which equals 5 feet and (0.74 × 12) = 8.9 inches, or approximately 5'9".

How many centimeters are in a foot?

One foot equals exactly 30.48 centimeters. This conversion factor is based on the international definition where 1 inch = 2.54 cm, and since there are 12 inches in a foot, 12 × 2.54 = 30.48 cm per foot.

How many inches are in a centimeter?

One centimeter equals approximately 0.3937 inches. Conversely, one inch equals exactly 2.54 centimeters. This is the fundamental conversion factor between imperial and metric length measurements.

What is the average height for men and women?

Average height varies by country and ethnicity. Globally, the average height for adult men is approximately 5'7" (171 cm) and for adult women is approximately 5'3" (161 cm). In the United States, average male height is about 5'9" (175 cm) and female height is about 5'4" (163 cm). The Netherlands has the tallest average at 6'0" (183 cm) for men.

Why do different countries use different height measurements?

The imperial system (feet and inches) originated in England and was adopted by British colonies including the United States. Most countries transitioned to the metric system in the 20th century for its simplicity and scientific standardization. The US remains one of the few countries still primarily using imperial measurements for everyday purposes, though metric is used in science and medicine.

Is it better to measure height in feet or centimeters?

Neither system is inherently "better" - it depends on context and location. The metric system (centimeters) is more precise and easier for calculations, which is why it's used in science and medicine. The imperial system (feet and inches) is more familiar to people in the US and UK. Our converter allows you to work with both systems effortlessly.

How accurate is this height converter?

Our height converter uses precise mathematical formulas based on internationally recognized conversion factors (1 inch = 2.54 cm exactly). Results are accurate to one decimal place, which is more than sufficient for all practical purposes including medical records, official documents, and personal use.

Can I use this height converter on my phone?

Yes! Our height converter is fully responsive and works perfectly on smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. The interface automatically adjusts to your screen size for optimal usability on any device.

Height Growth and Development

Human height is determined by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genetics account for approximately 60-80% of height variation, while nutrition, health, and environmental conditions influence the remaining 20-40%.

Children and adolescents experience growth spurts at different ages. Girls typically experience their major growth spurt between ages 10-14, while boys usually grow most rapidly between ages 12-16. Most people reach their adult height by age 18-20, though some continue growing slightly into their early twenties.

Proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and regular exercise during childhood and adolescence are important for reaching genetic height potential. However, adult height cannot be increased through diet or exercise once growth plates have closed.

Historical Changes in Average Height

Average human height has increased significantly over the past 150 years in most developed countries, a phenomenon known as the "secular trend in height." This increase is primarily attributed to improvements in nutrition, healthcare, and living conditions.

In the United States, average male height has increased from approximately 5'7" (170 cm) in the 1860s to 5'9" (175 cm) today. Similar trends are observed worldwide, with some countries like South Korea experiencing dramatic increases of 6-7 inches (15-18 cm) over just three generations.

However, this trend has plateaued in many developed nations, suggesting populations may be approaching their genetic height potential under optimal conditions.

Height in Different Professions

Certain professions have height requirements or preferences. Military forces often have minimum and maximum height requirements for practical reasons related to equipment and vehicle design. Airlines may have height requirements for flight attendants and pilots to ensure they can safely perform their duties.

In sports, height can be advantageous in basketball, volleyball, and swimming, while shorter stature may benefit gymnasts, jockeys, and figure skaters. However, success in any field depends on multiple factors beyond height.

Models typically need to meet specific height requirements: female fashion models usually need to be at least 5'9" (175 cm), while male models are typically 6'0" (183 cm) or taller. However, the fashion industry is becoming more inclusive of diverse heights.

Tips for Accurate Height Measurement

To measure your height accurately at home:

  • Use a flat surface: Stand against a wall on a hard, flat floor (not carpet)
  • Remove shoes: Always measure height without shoes for accuracy
  • Stand straight: Keep your back straight, heels together, and look straight ahead
  • Measure in the morning: Height can decrease by up to 1 cm throughout the day due to spinal compression
  • Use a flat object: Place a flat object (like a book) on your head parallel to the floor
  • Mark the wall: Mark where the object meets the wall, then measure from floor to mark
  • Measure twice: Take multiple measurements to ensure accuracy

About HeightConverter.info

HeightConverter.info is a free online tool designed to make height conversion simple, fast, and accurate. Whether you need to convert cm to feet, feet to cm, or compare your height with averages worldwide, our calculator provides instant results.

Our tool is used by millions of people annually for travel documents, medical records, online shopping, dating profiles, and general curiosity. We're committed to providing accurate conversions and useful information about height measurement.

The height converter works on all devices - desktop computers, tablets, and smartphones - with no registration or download required. Simply enter your height in any format and get instant conversions to all other units.