Feet to Centimeters Converter — Convert ft to cm Instantly

About Feet to Centimeters Conversion

Feet (ft) and centimeters (cm) measure the same quantity—length—but they belong to different systems: feet are part of U.S. customary units, while centimeters belong to the metric (SI) system. Converting ft → cm is routine in architecture, interior design, construction, woodworking, and international e-commerce, where plans, catalogs, or height entries need to be shared across regions that expect metric values.

The relationship is exact: because 1 inch is defined as 2.54 cm and 1 foot is 12 inches, 1 ft = 30.48 cm. Multiplying by 30.48 keeps cut lists, equipment specs, and documentation consistent across teams and editions. This tool applies the exact factor and displays a sensible number of decimals for readability while preserving precision under the hood.

Feet to CM Formula

Exact relationship

Use the factor method:

centimeters = feet × 30.48

Example:

6 ft = 6 × 30.48 = 182.88 cm

Reverse calculation (cm → ft)

Divide by 30.48: feet = centimeters ÷ 30.48. For feet-and-inches, convert cm to inches (cm ÷ 2.54), then split the total inches into feet (whole number) and remainder inches.

What is a Foot?

A foot is a U.S. customary unit equal to exactly 12 inches. On building plans and shop drawings, the prime (′) denotes feet and the double-prime (″) denotes inches. Feet are used with inches to express room sizes, ceiling heights, and framing (e.g., 9′ 0″). When collaborating with metric teams, converting to centimeters makes dimensions directly comparable to global catalogs and standards.

What is a Centimeter?

A centimeter is a metric unit equal to one hundredth of a meter. Centimeters are common in product specifications, apparel sizing, medical charts, and technical drawings. The metric system’s decimal structure (mm ⇄ cm ⇄ m) simplifies scaling and reduces arithmetic error when switching magnitudes during layout or machining.

Step-by-Step: Converting ft to cm (and inches)

Write your measurement in feet (decimals are fine).
Multiply by 30.48 to get centimeters.
For feet-and-inches inputs, convert the whole value to inches first (ft × 12 + in), then multiply by 2.54 to get centimeters.

Example walkthrough (feet + inches → cm):

Input:  5′7″
Total inches: (5 × 12) + 7 = 67 in
Centimeters:  67 × 2.54 = 170.18 cm

Common Conversions

Handy table for projects & planning

Feet (ft)	Centimeters (cm)
0.5	15.24
1	30.48
1.5	45.72
2	60.96
3	91.44
4	121.92
5	152.40
6	182.88
8	243.84
10	304.80
12	365.76

Precision, Rounding & Significant Figures

Everyday rounding

For room layouts and décor, rounding to the nearest 0.5–1 cm is usually practical. If you’re cutting wood or metal, consider tolerances in your process (e.g., saw kerf) and round after measuring the actual piece rather than beforehand.

Professional tolerances

In cabinetry and metalwork, it’s common to work in millimeters to avoid fractional inches. When collaborating, state units clearly and include the exact factor (30.48) so all parties produce identical conversions.

Use Cases of FT → CM

🏗️ Construction & architecture: Convert imperial site plans to metric for international teams and permitting.
🛋️ Interior layouts: Translate furniture and fixture spacing to centimeters for metric-based catalogs.
🪚 Woodworking & DIY: Move between imperial tools and metric cut lists without losing accuracy.
🧍 Height & health forms: Enter height in centimeters for clinics, sports events, and travel documents.
📐 Technical documentation: Keep specs consistent across mixed-unit drawings and BOMs.

Related Length Converters

Quick Reference Table

Centimeters (cm)	Feet (ft)
30	0.98425
50	1.64042
60	1.96850
100	3.28084
120	3.93701
150	4.92126
160	5.24934
170	5.57743
180	5.90551
200	6.56168

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you convert feet to centimeters?

Use the exact formula: centimeters = feet × 30.48. Since 1 foot equals exactly 30.48 centimeters, multiplying by 30.48 converts any foot measurement to centimeters.

What is 1 foot in centimeters?

1 foot = 30.48 centimeters, exactly.

How many centimeters is 5.5 feet?

5.5 × 30.48 = 167.64 cm.

How do I convert feet and inches to centimeters (e.g., 5′7″)?

First convert the feet to inches (ft × 12), add the remaining inches, then multiply the total inches by 2.54. Example: 5′7″ → (5 × 12) + 7 = 67 in → 67 × 2.54 = 170.18 cm.

Is 1 ft = 30.48 cm truly exact?

Yes. 1 inch is defined as exactly 2.54 cm and 1 foot is 12 inches, so 1 ft = 12 × 2.54 = 30.48 cm without approximation.

Why do some sites show slightly different numbers?

Small differences come from rounding display. This tool uses exact relationships but shows 5 decimals by default for readability.

Should I report results in centimeters or millimeters?

For product specs and technical drawings, millimeters often reduce rounding friction. Multiply centimeters by 10 to get millimeters.

Can I use this for human height and apparel sizing?

Absolutely. Converting ft → cm is common for height charts, shoe and clothing size tables, and international forms.

How many centimeters is 6 feet?

6 × 30.48 = 182.88 cm.

How precise should I be?

For everyday measurements, 1–2 decimals in centimeters are fine. For engineering or product tolerances, match your instrument precision and apply consistent significant figures.

Does temperature affect the conversion?

No. The unit relationship is fixed by definition. Materials may expand or contract, but the conversion factor remains constant.

Tips for Working with Centimeters

Consider switching to millimeters in technical work—no fractions, fewer rounding errors.
For décor and furniture placement, centimeters are easy to visualize on a metric tape.
Document the exact factor (30.48) in specs so teammates reproduce the same results.