Last updated: July 2026
Convert Feet to Centimeters (ft to cm)
Converting between the imperial system (feet) and the metric system (centimeters) comes up constantly — measuring height, furniture dimensions, or reading an architectural drawing from outside the US. Use the calculator above to get the exact conversion instantly.
The Conversion Formula
Centimeters = Feet × 30.48
That 30.48 figure comes from two exact definitions: 1 foot = 12 inches, and 1 inch = 2.54 cm. Multiply those together (12 × 2.54) and you get 30.48 — an exact conversion, not a rounded approximation.
Worked Examples
- 5 feet → 5 × 30.48 = 152.4 cm
- 6 feet → 6 × 30.48 = 182.88 cm
- 5 feet 10 inches (a common height) → convert to 70 total inches, then 70 × 2.54 = 177.8 cm
For heights with an inches component, convert the whole measurement to inches first, then multiply by 2.54 — multiplying just the "feet" part by 30.48 and ignoring the inches will leave you short.
Frequently Asked Questions
5 feet is exactly 152.4 cm (5 × 30.48).
There are exactly 30.48 centimeters in one foot.
Multiply the length in feet by 30.48. For example, 5 feet × 30.48 = 152.4 cm.
6 feet is exactly 182.88 cm (6 × 30.48).
5 feet 11 inches is 71 total inches (5 × 12 + 11), which converts to 180.34 cm (71 × 2.54).
170 cm is approximately 5.58 feet, or about 5 feet 7 inches (170 ÷ 30.48 = 5.58 feet; the 0.58 feet left over is about 7 inches).
Yes — in the imperial system, one foot is defined as exactly 12 inches, and one inch is defined as exactly 2.54 cm, which is where the 30.48 conversion figure comes from (12 × 2.54).