When it comes to measurements, especially height, it’s common for people to switch between units depending on where they live. In most parts of the world, the metric system is the norm, and height is often expressed in centimeters (cm). However, in the United States and a few other regions, feet and inches are the preferred measurements. So, if you’re wondering how tall 170 cm is in feet, you’re not alone. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about converting 170 cm to feet, and much more!
Quick Answer: 170 cm in Feet
Before we dive into all the details, let’s address the question you’re likely here for:
170 cm is approximately 5 feet 6.93 inches.
This answer breaks down into feet and inches because that’s the standard way to express height in feet for those accustomed to the imperial system. In this case, the person or object measured at 170 cm tall is just shy of 5 feet 7 inches.
Why Convert Centimeters to Feet?
You might be wondering why anyone would need to convert 170 cm into feet in the first place. Here are a few common reasons:
- Traveling: If you’re traveling from a country that uses the metric system to one that uses the imperial system, it’s useful to know how your height translates.
- Medical: Doctors in the U.S. often ask for height in feet and inches, and knowing how to convert it can make things easier.
- Fashion: Clothing sizes in different countries are often based on height, so conversions can help when shopping internationally.
- Curiosity: Sometimes you just want to know how you stack up against others in terms of height, especially when comparing with friends from different parts of the world.
Understanding the Basics: Metric vs. Imperial Systems
To better understand how to convert centimeters to feet, it’s important to know the differences between the metric system and the imperial system.
- Metric system: This system, used by most countries in the world, measures height, length, and distance using meters, centimeters, and millimeters. One meter is 100 centimeters.
- Imperial system: Primarily used in the U.S., this system uses units like inches, feet, and miles. One foot is 12 inches.
Quick Reference:
- 1 foot = 12 inches
- 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters
- 1 meter = 100 centimeters
Understanding these fundamental differences helps make the conversion between centimeters and feet much clearer.
The Formula: How to Convert 170 cm to Feet
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at the simple formula for converting centimeters to feet and inches:
Formula for Converting cm to Feet:
To convert centimeters to feet, you divide the number of centimeters by 30.48 (since 1 foot equals 30.48 cm).
Feet = Centimeters ÷ 30.48
For 170 cm, the formula would look like this:
Feet = 170 ÷ 30.48 ≈ 5.577 feet
But feet alone can be a bit confusing. Most people want to know the result in feet and inches. To convert the decimal part into inches, follow these steps:
Formula for Converting Feet to Inches:
Inches = 0.577 x 12 ≈ 6.93 inches
So, the final answer is:
170 cm = 5 feet 6.93 inches
Practical Examples of 170 cm in Real Life
Now that we know 170 cm = 5 feet 6.93 inches, what does that mean in a practical sense? Let’s compare it with everyday objects and famous people for better context.
Everyday Objects Around 170 cm Tall:
- Standard Door Frame: A typical door frame is about 6 feet 8 inches tall (203 cm), so a person who is 170 cm tall would fit easily with room to spare.
- Tennis Net: The center of a tennis net stands at 3 feet (91 cm), so someone who is 170 cm would tower over the net while standing next to it.
- Car Height: Many compact cars stand around 150-160 cm tall, meaning someone who is 170 cm tall would stand a bit higher than most cars’ roofs.
Celebrities Who Are 170 cm Tall:
To put things into perspective, here are a few celebrities who stand around 170 cm (5’7″) tall:
- Tom Cruise (Actor) – 170 cm
- Emma Watson (Actress) – 170 cm
- Daniel Radcliffe (Actor) – 165 cm (slightly shorter but close)
Height Comparisons: Is 170 cm Tall or Short?
Worldwide Average Height:
- For men: The global average height for men is approximately 171 cm. This makes someone who is 170 cm just a little below average.
- For women: The average height for women worldwide is about 160 cm, so a woman who is 170 cm would be considered taller than average.
Regional Differences:
- Europe: In many European countries, especially the Netherlands, men’s average height can reach 183 cm (6 feet), so 170 cm would be considered on the shorter side.
- Asia: In many parts of Asia, the average male height is around 165 cm, meaning 170 cm would be considered tall for both men and women.
- United States: The average height for men in the U.S. is about 175 cm (5 feet 9 inches), making 170 cm just slightly shorter than average for men but tall for women.
Why Knowing Height in Different Units is Important
As simple as it sounds, knowing your height in both centimeters and feet is valuable for several practical reasons:
1. Travel and Work Abroad:
Whether you’re moving to a new country for work or travel, knowing your height in the local unit system can make interactions smoother. It can be especially useful when filling out forms or visiting medical professionals.
2. Buying Clothes:
If you’re shopping online or in a foreign country, clothing sizes might differ based on height. Understanding the equivalent measurements in both units can help you make better purchasing decisions.
3. Sporting and Fitness Metrics:
Some sports like basketball or athletics might track participants’ heights in imperial units. Being able to convert your height helps you compare yourself with others, especially in international competitions.
How to Convert Other Common Heights From cm to Feet
Now that we’ve learned how to convert 170 cm to feet, here are a few other common height conversions that might interest you:
160 cm to feet:
Convert 160 ÷ 30.48 ≈ 5.25 feet or 5 feet 3 inches.
180 cm to feet:
Convert 180 ÷ 30.48 ≈ 5.9 feet or 5 feet 11 inches.
150 cm to feet:
Convert 150 ÷ 30.48 ≈ 4.92 feet or 4 feet 11 inches.
Having this knowledge handy will help you make quick height comparisons or conversions in everyday situations.
Tools to Easily Convert 170 cm to Feet
You don’t have to manually perform the calculations every time! Thankfully, there are numerous tools and apps that make converting 170 cm to feet incredibly easy. Here are some of the most popular ones:
1. Google Search:
You can simply type “170 cm to feet” into the Google search bar, and it will automatically provide the conversion for you. Google’s built-in calculator is quick and easy to use.
2. Online Conversion Tools:
Websites like Metric Conversions, RapidTables, and Calculator Soup allow you to enter the number of centimeters, and they will instantly display the equivalent height in feet and inches.
3. Mobile Apps:
There are numerous apps available on both Android and iOS that can help with converting units of measurement. Some popular ones include Unit Converter and Convert Units.
4. Voice Assistants:
Smart assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa can instantly convert measurements for you. Just ask, “What is 170 cm in feet?” and you’ll get the answer in seconds.
Fun Facts About Height
1. The Tallest Person in History:
The tallest recorded person in history was Robert Wadlow, who stood at an astonishing 8 feet 11 inches (272 cm). In comparison, 170 cm would seem incredibly short!
2. Height and Age:
Humans are typically tallest in the morning. During the day, the spine compresses due to gravity, which can cause a person to be about half an inch shorter by the evening.
3. Global Variations:
Different countries and regions have vastly different average heights due to factors like genetics, nutrition, and health care access. For example, the Dutch are the tallest people in the world, while many Southeast Asian countries have lower average heights.
Conclusion
Converting 170 cm to feet is not only easy, but it’s also a useful skill to have, especially when traveling, shopping, or simply satisfying your curiosity about height comparisons. To summarize:
- 170 cm equals approximately 5 feet 6.93 inches.
- Understanding the differences between metric and imperial systems is key to making accurate conversions.
- There are plenty of tools, both online and offline, to help you convert heights quickly and effortlessly.
Whether you’re comparing your height, buying clothes, or trying to understand medical measurements, knowing how to convert 170 cm to feet (and other heights) is a handy and valuable skill!
FAQs
1. What is the fastest way to convert 170 cm to feet?
The fastest way is to use an online conversion tool or simply type “170 cm to feet” into Google. You’ll instantly get the answer, which is approximately 5 feet 6.93 inches.
2. How tall is 170 cm in inches alone?
To convert centimeters directly to inches, multiply 170 cm by 0.3937. This gives you approximately 66.93 inches.
3. Is 170 cm a good height for men and women?
Globally, 170 cm is slightly below average for men but above average for women. However, height perception varies widely depending on region and culture.
4. Can I round 170 cm to 5 feet 7 inches?
Yes, 170 cm is very close to 5 feet 7 inches. The exact conversion is 5 feet 6.93 inches, but rounding to the nearest inch is common and acceptable.
5. Are there any health advantages to being 170 cm tall?
Height alone doesn’t determine health, but being around 170 cm means you likely fall within a common range, which can be advantageous for clothing and ergonomic considerations. However, lifestyle, diet, and genetics play a far more important role in overall health than height alone.
