Feet to Centimeters (feet to cm) - Definition, Examples, Quiz, FAQ, Trivia
Learn to convert between imperial and metric 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 feet (used in the imperial system) and centimeters (used in the metric system).
Why do we need to convert? Different countries use different measurement systems. The United States uses feet for height and distance, while most other countries use centimeters. Scientists also use metric measurements for consistency.
One foot equals 30.48 centimeters. This conversion factor helps us switch between the two systems. 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 feet-to-cm conversions.
How to Convert Feet to Centimeters
Converting feet to centimeters is simple once you remember the conversion factor:
Conversion Formula
To convert any measurement in feet to centimeters, multiply the number of feet by 30.48.
Example: Convert 5 feet to centimeters
Step 1: Start with the measurement in feet → 5 feet
Step 2: Multiply by 30.48 → 5 × 30.48
Step 3: Calculate the result → 152.4 centimeters
So 5 feet equals 152.4 centimeters. Easy, right?
Remember
When converting feet to cm, your answer should be a larger number because centimeters are smaller units than feet.
Feet to Centimeters Conversion Charts
Conversion charts help us quickly find equivalent measurements without calculating each time. Here are two useful charts for converting feet to centimeters:
Feet to Centimeters Height Conversion Chart
| Feet + Inches | Ft + In | Centimeters (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 feet | 4′ | 121.92 cm |
| 4 feet 1 inches | 4′ 1″ | 124.46 cm |
| 4 feet 2 inches | 4′ 2″ | 127.00 cm |
| 4 feet 3 inches | 4′ 3″ | 129.54 cm |
| 4 feet 4 inches | 4′ 4″ | 132.08 cm |
| 4 feet 5 inches | 4′ 5″ | 134.62 cm |
| 4 feet 6 inches | 4′ 6″ | 137.16 cm |
| 4 feet 7 inches | 4′ 7″ | 139.70 cm |
| 4 feet 8 inches | 4′ 8″ | 142.24 cm |
| 4 feet 9 inches | 4′ 9″ | 144.78 cm |
| 4 feet 10 inches | 4′ 10″ | 147.32 cm |
| 4 feet 11 inches | 4′ 11″ | 149.86 cm |
| 5 feet | 5′ | 152.40 cm |
| 5 feet 1 inches | 5′ 1″ | 154.94 cm |
| 5 feet 2 inches | 5′ 2″ | 157.48 cm |
| 5 feet 3 inches | 5′ 3″ | 160.02 cm |
| 5 feet 4 inches | 5′ 4″ | 162.56 cm |
| 5 feet 5 inches | 5′ 5″ | 165.10 cm |
| 5 feet 6 inches | 5′ 6″ | 167.64 cm |
| 5 feet 7 inches | 5′ 7″ | 170.18 cm |
| 5 feet 8 inches | 5′ 8″ | 172.72 cm |
| 5 feet 9 inches | 5′ 9″ | 175.26 cm |
| 5 feet 10 inches | 5′ 10″ | 177.80 cm |
| 5 feet 11 inches | 5′ 11″ | 180.34 cm |
| 6 feet | 6′ | 182.88 cm |
| 6 feet 1 inches | 6′ 1″ | 185.42 cm |
| 6 feet 2 inches | 6′ 2″ | 187.96 cm |
| 6 feet 3 inches | 6′ 3″ | 190.50 cm |
| 6 feet 4 inches | 6′ 4″ | 193.04 cm |
| 6 feet 5 inches | 6′ 5″ | 195.58 cm |
| 6 feet 6 inches | 6′ 6″ | 198.12 cm |
| 6 feet 7 inches | 6′ 7″ | 200.66 cm |
| 6 feet 8 inches | 6′ 8″ | 203.20 cm |
| 6 feet 9 inches | 6′ 9″ | 205.74 cm |
| 6 feet 10 inches | 6′ 10″ | 208.28 cm |
| 6 feet 11 inches | 6′ 11″ | 210.82 cm |
| 7 feet | 7′ | 213.36 cm |
Feet to Centimeters Conversion Chart
| Feet (ft) | Centimeters (cm) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 ft | 15.24 cm |
| 1.5 ft | 45.72 cm |
| 2.5 ft | 76.20 cm |
| 3.5 ft | 106.68 cm |
| 4.5 ft | 137.16 cm |
| 5.5 ft | 167.64 cm |
| 6.5 ft | 198.12 cm |
Chart Tip
Notice how each additional foot adds 30.48 centimeters? 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 7 feet tall. How tall is it in centimeters?
Solution: 7 × 30.48 = 213.36 cm
Example 2: A basketball hoop is 10 feet high. What is this height in centimeters?
Solution: 10 × 30.48 = 304.8 cm
Example 3: Sarah is 5.2 feet tall. Convert her height to centimeters.
Solution: 5.2 × 30.48 = 158.496 cm (which we can round to 158.5 cm)
Example 4: A bookshelf is 180 cm tall. How many feet is this?
Solution: To convert cm to feet, we divide by 30.48: 180 ÷ 30.48 ≈ 5.91 feet
Practice converting measurements you see around you - your height, the length of your room, or the height of your pet!
Conversion Tip
To convert centimeters back to feet, divide by 30.48 instead of multiplying.
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 feet and centimeters conversion:
Measurement Trivia
Discover interesting facts about measurement systems:
Origin of the Foot
The "foot" as a measurement dates back to ancient civilizations. The Roman foot was about 29.6 cm, while the Greek foot was approximately 30.8 cm. The modern standard foot (30.48 cm) was established in 1959.
Metric System Origins
The metric system was created during the French Revolution (1790s) to establish a "natural" and universal measurement system. The meter was originally defined as one ten-millionth of the distance from the equator to the North Pole.
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 Person
The tallest person in recorded history was Robert Wadlow (1918-1940) who stood 8 feet 11 inches tall. That's 272 centimeters! He wore size 37 shoes (US) which were 47 cm long.
