What is a Centimeter (cm)?
A centimeter is a precise metric unit of length used worldwide in the International System of Units (SI).
- It is exactly 1/100 of a meter.
- It is equal to exactly 10 millimeters.
- It is equal to exactly 1/2.54 of an inch.
What is a Foot (ft)?
A foot is a standard unit of length used primarily in the United States customary and imperial measurement systems.
- 1 foot is exactly 12 inches.
- 1 foot is exactly 1/3 of a yard.
- 1 foot is equal to exactly 30.48 centimeters.
How to Convert cm to feet
Because one foot is exactly 30.48 centimeters, you only need to remember one rule to get a perfectly accurate conversion:
Take your exact number in centimeters and divide it by 30.48.
Example 1:
If you need to know exactly what 20 cm is in feet:
- 20 ÷ 30.48 = 0.656168 feet
Example 2:
To convert exactly 50 cm to feet:
- 50 ÷ 30.48 = 1.640420 feet
CM to Feet Decimal Chart (For Math & DIY)
For projects requiring strict precision, here is the exact mathematical conversion table:
| Centimeters (cm) | Exact Feet (ft) |
|---|---|
| 0.01 cm | 0.000328 ft |
| 0.1 cm | 0.003281 ft |
| 1 cm | 0.032808 ft |
| 2 cm | 0.065617 ft |
| 3 cm | 0.098425 ft |
| 4 cm | 0.131234 ft |
| 5 cm | 0.164042 ft |
| 6 cm | 0.196850 ft |
| 7 cm | 0.229659 ft |
| 8 cm | 0.262467 ft |
| 9 cm | 0.295276 ft |
| 10 cm | 0.328084 ft |
| 20 cm | 0.656168 ft |
| 30 cm | 0.984252 ft |
| 40 cm | 1.312336 ft |
| 50 cm | 1.640420 ft |
| 60 cm | 1.968504 ft |
| 70 cm | 2.296588 ft |
| 80 cm | 2.624672 ft |
| 90 cm | 2.952756 ft |
| 100 cm | 3.280840 ft |
How to Convert cm into “Feet and Inches” (For Height)
If you are calculating your height, a number like “5.57 feet” isn’t very helpful. You need to know the feet and the inches. Here is the easy two-step process:
Let’s convert 170 cm to feet and inches:
Step 1: Find the Feet Divide your centimeters by 30.48.
- 170 ÷ 30.48 = 5.577 feet.
- The whole number is your feet. So, you have 5 feet.
Step 2: Find the Inches Take the leftover decimal (0.577) and multiply it by 12 (since there are 12 inches in a foot).
- 0.577 × 12 = 6.92 inches (which rounds up to 7 inches).
Result: 170 cm is approximately 5 feet, 7 inches (5′ 7″).
Human Height Conversion Chart
For medical forms, fitness apps, or dating profiles, here is the exact conversion for the most common human heights:
| Centimeters (cm) | Decimal Feet (ft) | Feet & Inches (ft’ in”) |
|---|---|---|
| 150 cm | 4.921 ft | 4′ 11″ |
| 155 cm | 5.085 ft | 5′ 1″ |
| 160 cm | 5.249 ft | 5′ 3″ |
| 165 cm | 5.413 ft | 5′ 5″ |
| 170 cm | 5.577 ft | 5′ 7″ |
| 175 cm | 5.741 ft | 5′ 9″ |
| 180 cm | 5.905 ft | 5′ 11″ |
| 185 cm | 6.069 ft | 6′ 1″ |
| 190 cm | 6.233 ft | 6′ 3″ |
FAQs
How many feet are in 1 centimeter?
Because a centimeter is much smaller than a foot, 1 cm is equal to a tiny fraction of a foot. Specifically, 1 ÷ 30.48 = 0.0328084 feet.
How many centimeters are in 1 foot?
One foot is precisely equal to 30.48 centimeters.
How do I accurately convert 10 cm to feet?
Using the exact conversion rate, divide 10 by 30.48.
10 ÷ 30.48 = 0.328084 feet.