Convert Height in Feet to Meters

Direct answer

For a height given only in feet, multiply by 0.3048.

For a height written in feet and inches, first convert the inches to a fraction of a foot:

Use the Feet to Meters Converter for a decimal or fractional foot value.

Convert height written in feet only

A decimal height can be multiplied directly by 0.3048.

Example: 5.5 feet

Example: 6 feet

Convert feet and inches to total feet

Divide the inch portion by 12 because one foot contains 12 inches. Add the result to the whole feet.

Example: 5 feet 6 inches

Convert 5 feet 8 inches to meters

Convert 5 feet 10 inches to meters

Convert 6 feet 2 inches to meters

Common heights in meters

Height in meters versus centimeters

Height may be displayed in either meters or centimeters. One meter contains 100 centimeters.

To convert meters to centimeters, multiply the meter value by 100.

Decimal feet are not feet and inches

A decimal height such as 5.8 feet does not mean 5 feet 8 inches. The decimal portion represents a fraction of one foot.

By comparison, 5 feet 8 inches equals approximately 5.6666667 feet.

Convert a height measured to a fraction of an inch

Some height measurements include half-inch or quarter-inch values. Convert the complete inch quantity to feet before adding it to the whole feet.

Example: 5 feet 8 1/2 inches

How accurately should height be converted?

The correct precision depends on how accurately the original height was measured.

• Everyday height comparisons may use two decimal places.
• Centimeter reporting often uses the nearest centimeter.
• Detailed records may retain one decimal centimeter.
• A converted result should not appear more precise than the source measurement.

Standing height and other vertical measurements

The same conversion process can be used for any vertical linear measurement expressed in feet, including:

• standing height;
• door height;
• ceiling height;
• jump height;
• equipment height;
• furniture height;
• platform height.

Height conversion mistakes to avoid

Treating inches as decimal digits

Five feet eight inches is not the same as 5.8 feet.

Forgetting to divide inches by 12

Inches must be converted into a fraction of a foot before adding them to the whole feet.

Using 2.54 on a foot value

The factor 2.54 converts inches to centimeters. Feet convert to meters using 0.3048.

Rounding before the final step

Preserve the complete intermediate value and round the final height.

Related feet-to-meters guides

Frequently asked questions