CM to Feet Converter β Convert Centimeters to Feet Instantly
Convert centimeters (cm) to feet (ft) quickly and accurately. Ideal for height, interior layouts, woodworking, and engineering. Uses the exact relationship: 1 foot = 30.48 centimeters.
Note: This tool uses the exact relationship 1 ft = 30.48 cm. For more length calculators, explore our length converter metric tool.
About Centimeters to Feet Conversion
Centimeters (cm) and feet (ft) both measure length, but they belong to different systems: centimeters to the metric (SI) system and feet to U.S. customary units. Converting cm β ft is common for body height, furniture and dΓ©cor sizing, woodworking layouts, and collaboration on mixed-unit drawings. If your tape measures or plans are marked in feet and inches, converting from centimeters keeps your work consistent with field practice.
The relationship is exact: 1 foot = 30.48 centimeters. Because 1 inch is defined as exactly 2.54 cm and a foot is 12 inches, no approximations are involved. Divide centimeters by 30.48 to get feet; multiply feet by 30.48 to get centimeters. For feet-and-inches, convert to total inches first (cm Γ· 2.54), then split into feet and the remainder inches.
CM to Feet Formula
Exact relationship
Use the factor method:
feet = centimeters Γ· 30.48 Example:
170 cm = 170 Γ· 30.48 = 5.57743 ft Reverse calculation (ft β cm)
Multiply by 30.48:
centimeters = feet Γ 30.48.
What is a Centimeter?
A centimeter is a metric unit equal to one hundredth of a meter. Itβs widely used for body measurements, product specs, and technical drawings. The metric systemβs decimal structure (mm β cm β m) makes scaling simple and minimizes arithmetic error when switching magnitudes.
What is a Foot?
A foot is a U.S. customary unit of length equal to exactly 12 inches. Itβs commonly paired with inches for expressing room sizes, woodworking cut lists, and architectural dimensions (for example, 8β² 6β³). On drawings, the prime (β²) denotes feet and the double-prime (β³) denotes inches.
Step-by-Step: Converting cm to ft (and inches)
- Write the measurement in centimeters.
- Divide by 30.48 to get feet (decimals allowed).
-
For feet-and-inches format, convert cm to inches (
inches = cm Γ· 2.54), take whole feet (floor(inches Γ· 12)), and use the remainder as inches.
Example walkthrough (feet + inches):
Input: 170 cm
Inches: 170 Γ· 2.54 = 66.9291 in
Feet: floor(66.9291 Γ· 12) = 5
Remainder inches: 66.9291 β (5 Γ 12) = 6.9291 in
Output: 5 ft 6.93 in (approx) Common Conversions
Handy table for height, furniture & layouts
| Centimeters (cm) | Feet (ft) | Feet & Inches (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 1.64042 | 1β² 7.37β³ |
| 100 | 3.28084 | 3β² 3.37β³ |
| 150 | 4.92126 | 4β² 11.06β³ |
| 160 | 5.24934 | 5β² 2.99β³ |
| 170 | 5.57743 | 5β² 6.93β³ |
| 180 | 5.90551 | 5β² 10.87β³ |
| 190 | 6.23360 | 6β² 2.81β³ |
| 200 | 6.56168 | 6β² 6.74β³ |
Precision, Rounding & Significant Figures
Everyday rounding
For height and furniture sizing, rounding to the nearest 0.5β1 cm (or to the nearest 1/4β1/2 inch) is usually practical. This tool displays 5 decimals for precision; round as needed for your context.
Consistent reporting
Keep significant figures consistent across your calculations to avoid rounding bias. In collaborative projects, include the exact factor (30.48) in documentation so that teammates reproduce identical results.
Use Cases of CM β FT
- π§ Height & apparel: Convert size charts and height readings for international audiences.
- πͺ Furniture & dΓ©cor: Translate catalog dimensions to feet for room planning.
- πͺ Woodworking & DIY: Align cut lists and measurements with imperial-rule shop tools.
- ποΈ Construction: Communicate metric site data to teams working in feet and inches.
- π Technical drawings: Keep mixed-unit specs consistent across documents and teams.
Related Length Converters
Quick Reference Table
| Feet (ft) | Centimeters (cm) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 30.48 |
| 2 | 60.96 |
| 3 | 91.44 |
| 4 | 121.92 |
| 5 | 152.40 |
| 6 | 182.88 |
| 7 | 213.36 |
| 8 | 243.84 |
| 9 | 274.32 |
| 10 | 304.80 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you convert centimeters to feet?
Use the exact formula: feet = centimeters Γ· 30.48. Since 1 foot equals exactly 30.48 centimeters, dividing by 30.48 converts any centimeter measurement to feet.
What is 1 centimeter in feet?
1 centimeter = 1 Γ· 30.48 β 0.0328084 feet.
How many feet is 170 cm?
170 Γ· 30.48 β 5.5774 feet, which is about 5 feet 6.93 inches.
How do I convert cm to feet and inches (like 5β² 7β³)?
First convert centimeters to total inches: inches = cm Γ· 2.54. Then take the whole feet as floor(inches Γ· 12) and use the remainder as inches. Example: 170 cm β 170 Γ· 2.54 β 66.9291 in β 5 feet and 6.9291 inches.
Is 1 ft = 30.48 cm exact?
Yes. By definition, 1 inch = 2.54 cm exactly and 1 foot = 12 inches, so 1 ft = 12 Γ 2.54 = 30.48 cm exactly.
Why do my results differ slightly from other sites?
Minor differences usually come from rounding rules. This tool displays 5 decimals for visibility but uses exact relationships under the hood.
Can I use this for human height, furniture sizing, and drawings?
Absolutely. Converting cm β ft is common for height charts, furniture dimensions, and mixed-unit technical drawings.
How many feet is 100 cm?
100 Γ· 30.48 β 3.28084 feet (about 3β² 3.37β³).
How many feet is 200 cm?
200 Γ· 30.48 β 6.56168 feet (about 6β² 6.74β³).
How precise should I be when converting to feet?
For everyday use, 2β3 decimals or feet+inches is fine. For technical work, match your instrument precision and keep significant figures consistent.
Tips for Working with Feet
- For height and dΓ©cor, feet + inches (e.g., 5β² 6.9β³) are easier to visualize for many users.
- When collaborating internationally, state units clearly (cm vs ft/in) and include the exact factor (30.48).
- Round sensibly: everyday work rarely needs more than 2β3 decimals or 1/4β³ precision.
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