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How to Convert Centimeters to Feet
The centimeter (cm) is a unit of length in the metric system, widely used worldwide for measuring height, distances, and everyday objects. It is part of the International System of Units (SI) and is commonly used in science, construction, and medicine. For seamless cm→ft conversions, try our intuitive Length Converter and get instant results!
The foot (ft) is part of the imperial and US customary measurement systems. It is primarily used in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom for measuring height, room dimensions, and construction materials.
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To convert cm to ft, use this formula:
Feet = Centimeters ÷ 30.48
For example, to convert 180 cm to feet:
180 ÷ 30.48 = 5.91 ft (approximately 5 feet 11 inches)
Interesting Facts
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The foot was historically based on the length of a human foot. Ancient civilizations, including the Romans and Greeks, used foot-based measurements.
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The centimeter became widely used with the adoption of the metric system in 1799 during the French Revolution.
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In countries using the metric system, height is recorded in centimeters, but in the US and UK, feet and inches are more common.
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The Empire State Building in New York is 381 meters tall, which converts to 1,250 feet.
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The world’s tallest recorded person, Robert Wadlow, measured 272 cm (8 ft 11 in)!
The Evolution of Feet and Centimeters
The foot as a unit of measurement dates back to ancient times, often based on the length of a king’s foot. In medieval Europe, different regions had their own versions of the foot, leading to inconsistencies in trade and construction. It wasn’t until 1959 that the international foot was standardized at 30.48 cm.
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On the other hand, the centimeter was introduced with the metric system, which was designed for universal consistency. Over time, most countries adopted this system for scientific and everyday use, though the foot remains prevalent in the US and parts of the UK.
Conclusion
To convert cm to ft, simply divide by 30.48. While centimeters are used worldwide in science and daily life, feet are still common in construction, height measurements, and sports in certain regions. Knowing both units is useful for travel, design, and working with international measurements. For more versatile unit switches, explore our comprehensive Conversion tool!
