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Last updated on December 5, 2025

Centimeter To Feet Conversion

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We can measure the length or height of things using units like inches, centimeters, feet, meters, yards, or miles. Different units are used to measure different things. A centimeter is a small unit of measurement that we use for shorter objects, like the length of a pencil or the width of a book. A foot (ft) is a bigger unit of measurement, and we use it to measure taller things, like a door or a person’s height. Sometimes we need to change centimeters to feet to make it easier to understand sizes. In this topic, we will learn how to convert cm to feet, which is also known as centimeter to feet conversion.

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What is Cm?

A centimeter is a unit of length that is part of the metric system, which is widely used around the world for measuring small distances. The metric system is based on powers of 10, which simplifies unit conversions. 1 centimeter is equal to one-hundredth of a meter, meaning there are 100 centimeters in 1 meter (100 cm = 1 m). The symbol of centimeters is cm, and it is commonly seen on rulers and measuring tapes. Students often use cm to feet conversion when comparing measurements across different systems.

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What is Feet?

A unit of measurement used to measure length or height is called a foot (plural: feet). One foot is equal to 12 inches. Feet are commonly used to measure taller objects or longer distances. The symbol used to measure feet is ft. In many situations, especially in countries using the imperial system, students need centimeters to feet conversion to better understand length.

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What Is Centimeter to Feet Conversion?

Centimeter to feet conversion is the process of changing a length measured in centimeters (cm) to feet (ft). Centimeters are part of the metric system, while feet belong to the imperial system. Students often use this conversion when comparing measurements in science, math, construction, or everyday situations where both systems are used.

 

The conversion is based on a fixed relationship between the two units:

 

1 foot = 30.48 centimeters

 

This means that converting centimeters to feet helps you understand the same length in a format commonly used in countries like the United States.

 

How the Conversion Works

To convert centimeters to feet, you divide the value in centimeters by 30.48.This gives you the equivalent measurement in feet, which is the basis of the cm to feet conversion formula.

 

This conversion is especially useful when working on height measurements, classroom projects, or understanding dimensions provided in different measurement systems. You can also use an online cm to feet calculator for faster and easier results.

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Cm to Feet Formula

To convert centimeters to feet, we use the following formula:

 

1 foot = 30.48 centimeters

 

Feet = Centimeters ÷ 30.48

 

So, to convert from centimeters to feet, you divide the number of centimeters by 30.48. This formula is the standard cm to feet conversion formula used in math and science.

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How to Convert Cm to Feet?

Converting centimeters (cm) to feet (ft) is simple using a standard conversion factor. Since 1 foot is equal to 30.48 centimeters, we can convert centimeters to feet by dividing the number of centimeters by 30.48. 

 

Step-by-Step Process to Convert cm to ft

 

Step 1: Write down the length in centimeters.

 

Step 2: Divide the value by 30.48 to get the length in feet.

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Cm to Feet Conversion Chart

When we measure things, sometimes we use centimeters (cm) and sometimes we use feet (ft). We use simple conversions to understand how much something in centimeters is in feet. Below is a chart that shows us the centimeter to feet conversion values, similar to a standard centimeter to feet conversion table that students use for practice.

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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Centimeter to Feet Conversion

When converting centimeters to feet, children often make mistakes. Here are some common mistakes to get a better understanding of the concepts of conversions.

Mistake 1

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Using the wrong conversion factor

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Children get confused and use incorrect values for conversion, such as 30 instead of 30.48.

Mistake 2

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Rounding too soon

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Students might round numbers too early while calculating, which can lead to incorrect results. For example, instead of writing 165 ÷ 30.48 = 5.41, they might round it to 5.5 which is not accurate.

Mistake 3

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Misplacing decimal points

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Students get confused and place the decimal point incorrectly, which leads to improper values. For example, instead of writing the value for 200 cm as 6.5617 feet, they write it as 65.617 feet.

Mistake 4

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Incorrect use of formula

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Children get confused and use the incorrect formula. For example, instead of dividing, they multiply. To convert any value from cm to feet we divide cm by 30.48 not multiply.

Mistake 5

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Misunderstanding the relationship between feet and inches

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Students often get confused about feet and inches. They might think 0.5 feet equals 5 inches, but it actually equals 6 inches. Remember, 1 foot is equal to 12 inches, so half a foot (0.5 feet) is 6 inches.

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Centimeters to Feet Conversion Examples

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Problem 1

Convert 60 cm to feet.

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Solution: Converting 60 cm to feet gives us 1.9685 ft.

Explanation

Use the conversion factor: 1 cm = 0.0328084 ft 60 × 0.0328084 ≈ 1.9685 ft

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Problem 2

A tree’s height is 1,500 cm. What is the height in feet?

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The height of the tree in feet is 49.213 feet.

Explanation

Convert 1,500 cm to feet: 1,500 cm = 1,500 × 0.0328084 = 49.213 feet Height = 49.213 feet.

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Problem 3

The lamp post is 230 cm tall. What is its height in feet?

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The height in feet is 7.546 feet.

Explanation

Convert 230 cm to feet: 230 cm = 230 × 0.0328084 = 7.546 feet Height = 7.546 feet.

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Problem 4

A middle-school student in Chicago is building a model rocket for a school science fair. The instructions say the rocket body should be 72 centimeters tall, but measurements for the judging criteria are listed in feet. How tall is the rocket in feet?

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Solution: 2.36 feet

Explanation

To convert from centimeters to feet, use the conversion factor:
1 foot = 30.48 centimeters.

 

Step 1: Take the measurement in centimeters: 72 cm.


Step 2: Divide by 30.48:
72 ÷ 30.48 = 2.36 feet.

 

This helps the student compare model sizes for different projects in Chicago’s STEM competition, which sometimes includes themes related to NFL and NBA physics applications like trajectory and aerodynamics.

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Problem 5

A resident in Los Angeles (LA) is buying a new wall shelf at Target for $29.99. The shelf length is listed as 120 centimeters, but the customer wants to compare it to the space measured in feet. How long is the shelf in feet?

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Solution: 3.94 feet

Explanation

Use the standard conversion:
1 foot = 30.48 cm.

 

Step 1: Start with 120 cm.


Step 2: Convert:
120 ÷ 30.48 = 3.94 feet.

 

This helps the LA shopper confirm that the shelf will fit above a TV where they plan to display MLB Dodgers collectibles.

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Problem 6

A driver in Houston checks the manual of their truck, which lists the fuel pump nozzle diameter as 16 centimeters, but a mechanic at a CVS-adjacent auto service center mentions the measurement in feet during a safety check. How wide is the nozzle in feet?

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Solution: 0.52 feet

Explanation

Using the conversion factor:
1 foot = 30.48 cm.

 

Step 1: Take the measurement: 16 cm.


Step 2: Convert:
16 ÷ 30.48 = 0.52 feet.

 

This is useful when mechanics compare nozzle sizes for trucks that frequently refill during long trips, especially with Houston’s gas prices fluctuating per gallon depending on the season. The driver may also claim tax deductions for mileage if the truck is used for work.

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FAQs on Centimeters to Feet

1.How many feet is 1 centimeter?

1 centimeter is approximately equal to 0.0328084 feet.

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2.What is 85 cm in feet?

85 cm is approximately 2.789 feet or 2 feet 9.5 inches.

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3.Is 150 cm in height short?

150 cm is about 4 feet 11 inches, which is shorter than average height.

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4.How do I convert 100 cm to feet?

100 cm = 100 × 0.0328084 ≈ 3.2808 feet.

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5.Can you convert Feet back to Centimeter?

Yes, you can easily convert feet (ft) back to centimeters (cm) using a simple conversion factor.

  • 1 foot = 30.48 centimeters

 

To convert feet to centimeters, multiply the number of feet by 30.48.


For example:

  • 2 ft × 30.48 = 60.96 cm

  • 5 ft × 30.48 = 152.4 cm

 

This makes it simple to work between the imperial and metric measurement systems, especially when comparing height, furniture size, or room dimensions.

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6.How tall is 173 cm in feet?

To convert 173 centimeters into feet, use the conversion:

  • 1 cm = 0.0328084 ft

 

Now multiply:
173 cm × 0.0328084 ≈ 5.68 feet

 

This means 173 cm is about 5 feet 8 inches (since 0.68 ft ≈ 8 inches).

 

So, if someone is 173 cm tall, their height in the US measurement system is roughly 5'8.

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Important Glossaries for Centimeters to Feet

Conversion Factor: The number used to multiply or divide to convert one unit to another, such as cm to feet. Metric System: A decimal-based system of measurement used internationally. Feet: A unit of length in the imperial system equal to 12 inches. Decimal Point: A dot used to separate the whole number from the fractional part in decimal notation. Rounding: Adjusting a number to a specified degree of accuracy, often to simplify calculations.

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About the Author

Seyed Ali Fathima S a math expert with nearly 5 years of experience as a math teacher. From an engineer to a math teacher, shows her passion for math and teaching. She is a calculator queen, who loves tables and she turns tables to puzzles and songs.

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