---
Understanding the Basics of Measurement Units
What Are Feet, Inches, Meters, and Centimeters?
Before diving into conversions, it's important to understand what these units represent:
- Feet and Inches: Primarily used in the United States and a few other countries, these are imperial units of length. One foot equals 12 inches.
- Meters and Centimeters: Metric units used worldwide, especially in scientific contexts. One meter equals 100 centimeters.
Why Convert Feet and Inches to Centimeters?
Conversions are necessary because different countries and industries use different measurement systems. For instance:
- Medical and scientific fields often prefer metric units.
- Clothing sizes may be listed in inches or centimeters.
- International travel or communication may require conversions for clarity.
---
Converting 5 Feet 8 Inches to Centimeters
Step-by-Step Conversion Process
To convert 5 feet 8 inches to centimeters, follow these steps:
1. Convert feet to inches
2. Add the remaining inches
3. Convert the total inches to centimeters
Let’s explore each step in detail.
Step 1: Convert Feet to Inches
Since 1 foot equals 12 inches:
- 5 feet = 5 × 12 = 60 inches
Step 2: Add Inches
Add the 8 inches:
- Total inches = 60 + 8 = 68 inches
Step 3: Convert Inches to Centimeters
Knowing that 1 inch equals 2.54 centimeters:
- Total centimeters = 68 × 2.54 = 172.72 centimeters
Result:
5 feet 8 inches equals 172.72 centimeters.
---
Alternative Methods and Tools for Conversion
Using Conversion Formulas
The general formula to convert feet and inches to centimeters is:
\[ \text{Centimeters} = (\text{Feet} \times 30.48) + (\text{Inches} \times 2.54) \]
For 5 ft 8 in:
\[ (5 \times 30.48) + (8 \times 2.54) = 152.4 + 20.32 = 172.72\, \text{cm} \]
Online Conversion Calculators
Numerous websites and mobile apps can perform this conversion instantly. Simply input the height in feet and inches, and the tool will provide the centimeters equivalent.
Conversion Tables
Many conversion tables list common heights in both imperial and metric units, which can be useful for quick reference.
---
Understanding the Relationship Between Feet, Inches, and Centimeters
Conversion Ratios
| Unit | Equivalent in centimeters | Conversion factor |
|--------|----------------------------|-------------------|
| 1 foot | 30.48 cm | 1 ft = 30.48 cm |
| 1 inch | 2.54 cm | 1 in = 2.54 cm |
How to Use These Ratios
- To convert feet to centimeters, multiply the number of feet by 30.48.
- To convert inches to centimeters, multiply the number of inches by 2.54.
---
Common Height Conversions and Examples
- 4 ft 11 in:
\[ (4 \times 30.48) + (11 \times 2.54) = 121.92 + 27.94 = 149.86\, \text{cm} \]
- 6 ft 0 in:
\[ (6 \times 30.48) + (0 \times 2.54) = 182.88 + 0 = 182.88\, \text{cm} \]
- 5 ft 4 in:
\[ (5 \times 30.48) + (4 \times 2.54) = 152.4 + 10.16 = 162.56\, \text{cm} \]
---
Practical Applications of Height Conversion
Medical and Health Records
Accurate height measurement in centimeters ensures consistency across international health databases and medical records.
Clothing and Fashion
International clothing brands often list sizes in centimeters; converting from feet and inches helps consumers find the right fit.
Travel and International Communication
Understanding these conversions facilitates better communication of personal measurements when traveling or communicating with international contacts.
Sports and Athletics
Athletes and coaches often convert heights for competitions or training purposes, especially in international events.
---
Common Questions About Height Conversion
Is 5 ft 8 in the same as 172.72 cm?
Yes. Converting 5 feet 8 inches results in approximately 172.72 centimeters.
Can I convert 5 ft 8 m in centimeters directly?
The phrase "5 ft 8 m" is ambiguous. Typically, height is expressed in feet and inches or meters. If you mean "5 feet 8 inches," then yes, as shown above. If you mean "5 meters 8 centimeters," then:
- 5 meters = 500 centimeters
- 8 centimeters = 8 centimeters
- Total = 508 centimeters
Clarify the measurement units to avoid confusion.
What is the general formula for converting feet and inches to centimeters?
The formula is:
\[ \text{Centimeters} = (\text{Feet} \times 30.48) + (\text{Inches} \times 2.54) \]
---
Final Thoughts
Converting 5 feet 8 inches to centimeters is straightforward once you understand the basic conversion factors. Remember:
- 1 foot = 30.48 centimeters
- 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters
Applying these ratios ensures accurate conversions for various practical uses. Whether you're filling out a medical form, shopping for clothing, or traveling internationally, knowing how to convert height measurements accurately enhances communication and understanding across different measurement systems.
Summary:
- 5 ft 8 in = 172.72 cm
- Use the conversion formula for precise calculations.
- Online tools can simplify the process.
- Understanding measurement units helps in many real-world scenarios.
By mastering these conversions, you can confidently navigate between imperial and metric systems whenever needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 5 feet 8 inches in centimeters?
5 feet 8 inches is approximately 172.72 centimeters.
How do I convert 5 ft 8 in to centimeters?
To convert 5 ft 8 in to centimeters, first convert feet to centimeters (1 ft = 30.48 cm) and inches to centimeters (1 in = 2.54 cm), then add them together: (5 × 30.48) + (8 × 2.54) = 152.4 + 20.32 = 172.72 cm.
Is 5 feet 8 inches considered tall?
In many countries, 5 feet 8 inches is considered average height for women and slightly above average for men.
What is the height of 5 ft 8 in in centimeters for clothing size charts?
For clothing size charts, 5 ft 8 in is typically listed as approximately 173 cm.
How many centimeters is 5 ft 8 in?
5 feet 8 inches equals 172.72 centimeters.
Can I use an online calculator to convert 5 ft 8 in to cm?
Yes, online height converters can easily convert 5 ft 8 in to centimeters for quick and accurate results.
What is the significance of knowing centimeters for height measurement?
Knowing height in centimeters is useful for international standards, medical records, and precise measurements, especially outside the US.
How do I convert 5 feet 8 inches to centimeters if I only have a metric tape measure?
Measure the height in inches (68 inches for 5 ft 8 in) and multiply by 2.54, or directly measure in centimeters using the tape measure, which should read approximately 172.72 cm.
Is 172.72 cm a common height measurement for adults?
Yes, 172.72 cm is a common adult height, especially for women in many countries.
What is the approximate conversion factor from feet and inches to centimeters?
The approximate conversion factor is 1 foot = 30.48 cm and 1 inch = 2.54 cm.
