VolumeSolver.com

Height Calculator

Our comprehensive height calculator helps you convert between feet/inches, centimeters, and meters. Calculate your height in different units, compare heights, and understand height conversions with our easy-to-use tool.

Height Converter

Enter your height in one unit to convert it to other common height measurements.

Please enter a valid height value.
ft
in

Height Conversion Results:

Click "Calculate" to see the conversion results

Compare Two Heights

Enter two heights to compare them and see the difference.

Please enter valid heights for both values.
ft
in
ft
in

Height Comparison Results:

Click "Compare Heights" to see the results

Common Height Conversions

Quick reference for common height conversions between feet/inches and centimeters.

Feet & Inches Centimeters Meters

Height Conversion Formulas

Height conversions between different units use specific mathematical formulas. Here are the most common conversion formulas used by our calculator:

Feet and Inches to Centimeters:

cm = (feet × 12 + inches) × 2.54

First convert feet to inches (1 foot = 12 inches), add any additional inches, then multiply by 2.54 to convert to centimeters.

Centimeters to Feet and Inches:

total inches = cm ÷ 2.54
feet = floor(total inches ÷ 12)
inches = total inches mod 12

First convert centimeters to inches by dividing by 2.54, then separate the total inches into feet (integer division by 12) and remaining inches.

Meters to Centimeters:

cm = meters × 100

Simply multiply meters by 100 to convert to centimeters (1 meter = 100 centimeters).

Height Standards Around the World

📏 Measurement Systems

Different countries use different systems to measure height:

  • United States, United Kingdom, Canada: Primarily use feet and inches
  • Most of Europe, Asia, South America: Use centimeters and meters
  • Medical and scientific communities: Worldwide use of metric system (centimeters/meters)

🌍 Average Heights by Country

Average adult heights vary significantly by country and gender:

  • Netherlands: Men ~183 cm (6 ft 0 in), Women ~170 cm (5 ft 7 in)
  • United States: Men ~177 cm (5 ft 10 in), Women ~163 cm (5 ft 4 in)
  • Japan: Men ~172 cm (5 ft 8 in), Women ~158 cm (5 ft 2 in)
  • Global Average: Men ~171 cm (5 ft 7 in), Women ~159 cm (5 ft 3 in)

📈 Height Percentiles

Height percentiles show how a person's height compares to others:

  • 5th percentile: Shorter than 95% of the population
  • 50th percentile (median): Average height
  • 95th percentile: Taller than 95% of the population

Practical Height Examples

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Height Comparison

If a father is 6'2" (188 cm) and his son is 5'9" (175 cm):

Difference = 6'2" - 5'9" = 5 inches (13 cm)
The son is 5 inches shorter than his father.

✈️ Airline Seat Requirements

If an airline requires passengers to be at least 4'6" (137 cm) to sit in an exit row:

4'6" = (4 × 12) + 6 = 54 inches
54 inches × 2.54 = 137.16 cm
A passenger who is 5'0" (152 cm) qualifies for the exit row.

🏀 Basketball Player Heights

If a basketball player is listed as 2.03 meters tall:

2.03 m × 100 = 203 cm
203 cm ÷ 2.54 = 79.92 inches
79.92 inches = 6 feet and 7.92 inches (approximately 6'8")

🚗 Driver's License Requirements

In many countries, driver's licenses display height in both systems:

Height: 5'7" = 67 inches
67 inches × 2.54 = 170.18 cm
License would show: 5'7" / 170 cm

Height Requirements in Professional Fields

✈️ Aviation Industry

Height requirements for pilots and flight attendants:

  • Commercial Pilots: Typically 5'4" to 6'5" (163-196 cm) to reach controls
  • Flight Attendants: Usually 5'2" to 6'3" (157-191 cm) to reach overhead compartments
  • Military Pilots: Strict height limits based on ejection seat safety

⚖️ Law Enforcement and Military

Minimum and maximum height requirements:

  • U.S. Army: 4'10" to 6'8" (147-203 cm) for enlisted personnel
  • Police Departments: Varies by department, often 5'0" to 6'6" (152-198 cm)
  • Fire Departments: Typically 5'4" to 6'4" (163-193 cm)

🏀 Sports and Athletics

Average heights in different sports:

  • NBA Basketball: Average 6'7" (201 cm)
  • NFL Football: Varies by position; QBs average 6'3" (191 cm)
  • Professional Soccer: Average 5'11" (180 cm)
  • Gymnastics: Typically 4'10" to 5'5" (147-165 cm)

Tips for Accurate Height Measurement

📏 How to Measure Height Correctly

  • Stand against a wall: Heels, back, and head touching the wall
  • Look straight ahead: Keep eyes level with the horizon
  • Use proper footwear: Measure barefoot or in thin socks
  • Use a level: Place a book or ruler flat on the head at a right angle to the wall
  • Best time: Measure in the morning for maximum height

💡 Quick Conversion Reference

Memorize these common conversions:
1 foot = 12 inches = 30.48 cm
1 inch = 2.54 cm
5 feet = 60 inches = 152.4 cm
6 feet = 72 inches = 182.88 cm
1 meter = 100 cm = 3.28 feet = 39.37 inches

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ Why is 5'4" equal to 162.56 cm instead of 160 cm?

The conversion isn't a round number because 1 inch equals exactly 2.54 centimeters. Since 5'4" is 64 inches (5×12 + 4), the calculation is 64 × 2.54 = 162.56 cm.

❓ How do I convert my height from cm to feet without a calculator?

You can estimate by remembering that 30 cm is approximately 1 foot (actually 30.48 cm). For example, 180 cm ÷ 30 ≈ 6 feet. For more precision, divide by 2.54 to get inches, then divide by 12 for feet.

❓ Why do some countries use feet and inches while others use metric?

The United States, Liberia, and Myanmar are the only countries that haven't officially adopted the metric system. The UK uses a mix of both systems. Most countries switched to metric in the 19th-20th centuries for standardization.

❓ How accurate should height measurements be?

For most purposes, rounding to the nearest centimeter or half-inch is sufficient. Medical applications may require millimeter precision. Our calculator provides decimal precision for accurate conversions.

❓ Can height change throughout the day?

Yes, people are typically 1-2 cm (0.5-1 inch) taller in the morning due to spinal disc compression throughout the day. For consistent measurements, measure at the same time each day.