Centimeters to Feet (cm to ft) - Definition, Examples, Quiz, FAQ, Trivia
Learn to convert between metric and imperial length measurements with easy explanations and practice activities
What is Length Conversion?
Length conversion means changing a measurement from one unit to another. In this lesson, we're learning how to convert between centimeters (used in the metric system) and feet (used in the imperial system).
Why do we need to convert? Different countries use different measurement systems. Most countries use centimeters and meters, while the United States primarily uses feet and inches. Scientists also use metric measurements for consistency.
One foot equals 30.48 centimeters. To convert centimeters to feet, we divide the number of centimeters by 30.48. Understanding this relationship helps us compare measurements and solve real-world problems.
Key Concept
1 foot = 30.48 centimeters. This relationship is the foundation for all cm-to-feet conversions.
How to Convert Centimeters to Feet
Converting centimeters to feet is simple once you remember the conversion factor:
Conversion Formula
To convert any measurement in centimeters to feet, divide the number of centimeters by 30.48.
Example: Convert 152.4 centimeters to feet
Step 1: Start with the measurement in centimeters → 152.4 cm
Step 2: Divide by 30.48 → 152.4 ÷ 30.48
Step 3: Calculate the result → 5 feet
So 152.4 centimeters equals 5 feet. Easy, right?
Remember
When converting centimeters to feet, your answer will be a smaller number because feet are larger units than centimeters.
Centimeters to Feet Conversion Charts
Conversion charts help us quickly find equivalent measurements without calculating each time. Here are two useful charts for converting centimeters to feet:
Centimeters to Feet Height Conversion Chart
| Centimeters (cm) | Feet | Feet + Inches |
|---|---|---|
| 100 cm | 3.28 ft | 3′ 3.37″ |
| 120 cm | 3.94 ft | 3′ 11.24″ |
| 140 cm | 4.59 ft | 4′ 7.12″ |
| 150 cm | 4.92 ft | 4′ 11.06″ |
| 160 cm | 5.25 ft | 5′ 3″ |
| 170 cm | 5.58 ft | 5′ 6.93″ |
| 175 cm | 5.74 ft | 5′ 8.9″ |
| 180 cm | 5.91 ft | 5′ 10.87″ |
| 190 cm | 6.23 ft | 6′ 2.8″ |
| 200 cm | 6.56 ft | 6′ 6.74″ |
Centimeters to Feet Conversion Chart
| Centimeters (cm) | Feet (ft) |
|---|---|
| 30 cm | 0.98 ft |
| 60 cm | 1.97 ft |
| 90 cm | 2.95 ft |
| 120 cm | 3.94 ft |
| 150 cm | 4.92 ft |
| 180 cm | 5.91 ft |
| 210 cm | 6.89 ft |
Chart Tip
Notice how each additional 30.48 centimeters adds one foot? You can use this pattern to estimate conversions!
Real-World Examples
Let's practice conversion with some real-world examples:
Example 1: A standard doorway is 213.36 centimeters tall. How tall is it in feet?
Solution: 213.36 ÷ 30.48 = 7 feet
Example 2: A basketball hoop is 304.8 centimeters high. What is this height in feet?
Solution: 304.8 ÷ 30.48 = 10 feet
Example 3: James is 158 centimeters tall. Convert his height to feet.
Solution: 158 ÷ 30.48 ≈ 5.18 feet (which is approximately 5 feet 2 inches)
Example 4: A bookshelf is 5.5 feet tall. How many centimeters is this?
Solution: To convert feet to centimeters, multiply by 30.48: 5.5 × 30.48 ≈ 167.64 cm
Practice converting measurements you see around you - your height, the length of your room, or the height of your pet!
Conversion Tip
To convert feet back to centimeters, multiply by 30.48 instead of dividing.
Conversion Practice Quiz
Test your conversion skills with this 5-question quiz. Choose the correct answer for each question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about centimeters and feet conversion:
Measurement Trivia
Discover interesting facts about measurement systems:
Origin of the Centimeter
The centimeter was first introduced during the French Revolution as part of the metric system. It was defined as one hundredth of a meter, which was originally based on the Earth's circumference.
Global Standard
Over 95% of the world's population uses the metric system in daily life. Only three countries (United States, Liberia, and Myanmar) have not officially adopted the metric system as their primary system.
Space Measurement
NASA uses metric measurements for all its space missions. The Mars Climate Orbiter was lost in 1999 because one engineering team used metric units while another used imperial units for calculations.
Tallest Building
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the world's tallest building at 828 meters (2,717 feet). That's equivalent to about 82,800 centimeters!
