If you need to convert 5 feet 7 inches to centimeters, the exact value is 170.18 cm. This conversion follows the internationally standardised measurement factor of 1 inch equalling 2.54 cm, a definition set in 1959. Whether you are filling out a medical form, shopping for clothes online, or simply curious about your height in metric units, understanding how to convert 5’7 to centimetres is straightforward and useful.
Height conversions between imperial and metric systems are common because different countries use different standards. The United States, for instance, typically uses feet and inches for personal height, while most other nations use centimetres and metres. Knowing the precise equivalent of 5ft 7 in cm removes guesswork and ensures accuracy in contexts such as travel documents, fitness tracking, and healthcare records.
This article provides the exact conversion, the step-by-step method to calculate it, and helpful context about where 5’7 stands relative to average heights. You will also find a reference table for nearby heights like 5’6 and 5’8, along with answers to common questions about this measurement.
What is 5 Feet 7 Inches in Centimeters?
The direct answer is that 5 feet 7 inches equals 170.18 cm. This result is derived from the standard conversion factor and is consistently reported across reputable height converter tools.
Quick Conversion Overview
170.18 cm
Based on 1 in = 2.54 cm
170 cm
Common in everyday use
1.70 m
or 1.7018 m exactly
67 inches
5’7 = 5×12 + 7
Key Insights About 5’7 in Centimeters
- 5’7 (170.18 cm) is slightly above the average height for women in many countries; for example, the US female average is around 5’4 (163 cm).
- The conversion formula is simple: multiply total inches by 2.54 to get centimetres.
- Rounding to 170 cm is acceptable for most non-precision uses, such as casual conversation or general forms.
- Many online converters round 170.18 cm to 170 cm, which can cause confusion for contexts requiring exact values, such as medical records or travel documents.
- 5’7 is taller than approximately 20.6% of US men and about 82.3% of US women, based on available percentile data.
- The same conversion factor applies globally — 1 inch equals 2.54 cm exactly, with no variation between US and UK definitions.
Snapshot Facts: 5’7 Conversion Quick Reference
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Exact cm | 170.18 |
| Decimal feet | 5.5833 ft |
| Total inches | 67 in |
| Meters | 1.7018 m |
| Formula | (5 × 30.48) + (7 × 2.54) |
| Rounded cm (common) | 170 cm |
| Rounded meters | 1.70 m |
| Feet (decimal) | 5.58 ft |
| Inches (decimal) | 67.0 in |
| Millimeters | 1701.8 mm |
How to Convert 5’7 to Centimeters: Step-by-Step
Converting 5 feet 7 inches to centimetres is a simple two-step arithmetic process that anyone can do without a specialised calculator. The method relies on two fixed facts: 1 foot equals 12 inches, and 1 inch equals 2.54 centimetres. These values are internationally agreed upon and have been the standard since the 1959 definition of the international yard.
The Standard Conversion Method
First, convert the feet portion into inches. Multiply 5 feet by 12, which gives 60 inches. Then add the remaining 7 inches to reach a total of 67 inches. Finally, multiply 67 by 2.54 to obtain the centimetre value: 67 × 2.54 = 170.18 cm. This method is confirmed by multiple authoritative sources, including Inch Calculator, Calculator Soup, and The Calculator Site.
Alternative Formula
Another way to perform the conversion uses separate multipliers for feet and inches: multiply the feet component by 30.48 (since 1 ft = 30.48 cm exactly) and the inches component by 2.54, then sum the results. For 5’7, this works out as (5 × 30.48) + (7 × 2.54) = 152.4 + 17.78 = 170.18 cm. This alternative method is demonstrated by Omni Calculator and produces the identical result.
If you need a rough estimate without writing anything down, remember that 1 inch is approximately 2.5 cm. For 5’7, that gives about 67 × 2.5 = 167.5 cm — close to the exact 170.18 cm. For precision, however, always use the full factor of 2.54.
Converting Backwards: From Centimetres to Feet and Inches
If you have a height in centimetres and need to find the equivalent in feet and inches, the reverse process is just as simple. Divide the centimetre value by 2.54 to get total inches, then divide that number by 12 to get feet. The remainder gives the inches. For example, 170.18 cm ÷ 2.54 = 67 inches; 67 ÷ 12 = 5 feet with 7 remaining inches. This method is detailed on Inch Calculator and is consistent across all standard conversion tools.
Height Context: Is 5’7 Tall or Short?
Whether 5’7 is considered tall or short depends on the reference population. In global terms, 5’7 (170.18 cm) sits slightly above the worldwide average for adult women but below the average for adult men in many Western countries. Understanding where this height falls relative to averages helps answer the common question “Is 5’7 tall for a girl?” as well as broader comparisons.
Relative Height Insights
In the United States, the average adult female height is approximately 5’3.5 (about 161.3 cm), according to data cited by MiniWebtool. This means a woman who is 5’7 is about 3.5 inches taller than the US female average, placing her in the taller range. For men in the US, the average height is roughly 5’9 (about 175.4 cm), so a man at 5’7 would be about 2 inches shorter than average.
Percentile data from Scribd indicates that a person measuring 5’7 is taller than approximately 20.6% of US men and about 82.3% of US women. This reinforces the view that 5’7 is considered above average for women and below average for men in the United States.
In many European and Asian countries where average heights differ, 5’7 may be perceived differently. For instance, in the Netherlands, where the average male height exceeds 6 feet, 5’7 would be considered shorter than average for men. Context matters when interpreting whether a height is “tall” or “short.”
5’7 in Medical and Practical Contexts
Medical records in most countries require height in centimetres. The NHS Height Conversion Chart lists 5’7 as 1.70 metres (170 cm rounded). For BMI calculations, using the exact value of 170.18 cm yields a more accurate result, though the difference is small. Many international forms, including those for travel visas and airline bookings, also ask for height in centimetres, making this conversion a practical necessity.
Common Height Conversions (5’6, 5’8, 5’9, and More)
When converting one height, it is often helpful to see nearby values for comparison. The table below shows several common heights expressed in feet and inches alongside their exact centimetre equivalents. These conversions all use the same standard factor of 2.54 cm per inch and are confirmed by tools such as RapidTables and the NHS Height Conversion Chart.
| Feet & Inches | Total Inches | Centimeters (exact) | Centimeters (rounded) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5’3″ | 63 | 160.02 cm | 160 cm |
| 5’4″ | 64 | 162.56 cm | 163 cm |
| 5’5″ | 65 | 165.10 cm | 165 cm |
| 5’6″ | 66 | 167.64 cm | 168 cm |
| 5’7″ | 67 | 170.18 cm | 170 cm |
| 5’8″ | 68 | 172.72 cm | 173 cm |
| 5’9″ | 69 | 175.26 cm | 175 cm |
| 5’10” | 70 | 177.80 cm | 178 cm |
| 5’11” | 71 | 180.34 cm | 180 cm |
| 6’0″ | 72 | 182.88 cm | 183 cm |
| 6’7″ | 79 | 200.66 cm | 201 cm |
As the table shows, each additional inch adds 2.54 cm. This linear relationship makes it easy to estimate any height conversion once you know the baseline.
The History of Height Measurement Standards
The conversion factor used today — 1 inch equals exactly 2.54 cm — was not always the global standard. Understanding how this came to be provides context for why imperial measurements persist in some countries and how metric adoption has progressed over time.
- 1959 — The international yard was defined as exactly 0.9144 metres, which fixed the inch at 2.54 cm. This agreement between the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa eliminated earlier discrepancies.
- 1960s–1970s — Most countries around the world adopted the metric system for official and scientific use. The United States and the United Kingdom continued using imperial units for everyday personal measurements, such as height and weight.
- 2023 — The NHS published a height conversion chart using the exact 2.54 cm per inch factor, demonstrating that this standard remains in active use in medical settings.
Certainty and Ambiguity in the 5’7 Conversion
The conversion of 5’7 to centimetres is mathematically exact and carries no inherent uncertainty — provided the correct factor is used. However, certain practical ambiguities can arise, particularly around rounding and the source of the conversion factor.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| The conversion factor 1 in = 2.54 cm is an international standard established in 1959 and used globally. The exact value of 5’7 in cm is 170.18 cm. | Some sources round 170.18 cm to 170 cm without stating that rounding has occurred. Users who need exact values (e.g., for medical or travel documents) may be misled if only the rounded figure is provided. |
| The formula (feet × 30.48) + (inches × 2.54) yields the identical result of 170.18 cm and is verified across multiple independent converter tools. | The US and UK both use the same foot and inch definitions since 1959, so no regional difference exists. However, older historical definitions (pre-1959) varied slightly, which can cause confusion when consulting archival records. |
| The NHS conversion chart lists 5’7 as 1.70 m (170 cm), confirming the rounded value is acceptable in clinical settings. | It is not always clear from a given source whether 170 cm represents an exact conversion or a rounded approximation. Users should check whether the source states “exact” or “rounded.” |
Why Do People Search for “5ft 7 in cm”?
The search for “5ft 7 in cm” arises from practical, everyday needs. People encounter imperial measurements in their personal lives — such as their own height or that of a family member — and need to convert them to metric for official forms, online shopping, or health-related calculations. The query is particularly common among women, as 5’7 is a frequently cited height for females, leading to variations like “5ft 7 in cm height girl.”
Conversions are also needed for clothing sizing, especially when ordering from international retailers that provide size charts in centimetres. Additionally, BMI calculators often require height in centimetres, and furniture dimensions — such as bed length or desk height — are frequently listed in metric units. Understanding the conversion bridges the gap between measurement systems and ensures accuracy across these applications.
Geographic differences play a role as well. Residents of the US, who primarily use imperial measurements at home, routinely need metric conversions for travel, international online forms, and professional contexts such as healthcare and engineering. The query “5ft 7 in cm” is thus driven by a genuine cross-system measurement need.
Authoritative Sources for Height Conversion
The conversion of 5’7 to centimetres is supported by several authoritative sources. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) officially defines the relationship between imperial and metric units, with 1 inch set equal to 2.54 cm since 1959. The NIST definition underpins all modern conversion tools and charts.
“Officially defines 1 in = 2.54 cm exactly since 1959.”
— National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
The NHS Height Conversion Chart provides a practical, healthcare-oriented reference, listing 5’7 as 1.70 m (170 cm). This chart is used in clinical settings across the UK and is published by a trusted health authority.
“Lists 5’7 as 1.70 m (i.e., 170 cm) – for quick reference, but exact cm can be derived.”
— NHS Height Conversion Chart, March 2023
Multiple online conversion tools — including Inch Calculator, The Calculator Site, and MiniWebtool — all return the same result of 170.18 cm, confirming the consistency of the conversion across platforms.
Summary: 5’7 in Centimeters — What You Need to Know
5 feet 7 inches equals exactly 170.18 cm, or 1.7018 metres. The conversion is precise and based on the international standard of 2.54 cm per inch. For everyday purposes, rounding to 170 cm is common and widely accepted, but for contexts where exactness matters — such as medical records, travel documents, or precise measurements — use the full value of 170.18 cm. The step-by-step method to convert any height in feet and inches to centimetres is straightforward: total inches multiplied by 2.54. For related measurement conversions, you may also find the Nike Mercurial Football Boots – Vapor vs Superfly Comparison and the TUI Dreamliner Seating Plan – 787-8 and 787-9 Layouts helpful for other practical size and dimension references.
Frequently Asked Questions About 5’7 and Height Conversions
What is 5’6 in cm?
5 feet 6 inches equals 167.64 cm (or 168 cm rounded).
What is 5’8 in cm?
5 feet 8 inches equals 172.72 cm (or 173 cm rounded).
What is 5’9 in cm?
5 feet 9 inches equals 175.26 cm (or 175 cm rounded).
What is 5’3 in cm?
5 feet 3 inches equals 160.02 cm (or 160 cm rounded).
What is 5’11 in cm?
5 feet 11 inches equals 180.34 cm (or 180 cm rounded).
What is 6’7 in cm?
6 feet 7 inches equals 200.66 cm (or 201 cm rounded).
How many inches in 5’7?
5’7 = 67 total inches (5 x 12 + 7).
What is 5’7 in meters?
5’7 = 1.7018 meters (often rounded to 1.70 m).
Rebecca Wallace is Managing Editor at MarketUK.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and article commissioning.