Convert Centimeters to Feet and Inches – Length Converter
This tool converts a length in centimetres to an equivalent value expressed in feet and inches. It applies the international, exact definition of the inch (1 inch = 2.54 centimetres) and the conventional foot (1 foot = 12 inches) so results are consistent with internationally accepted units.
The converter is intended for everyday engineering, medical, and personal use where a quick and reliable translation between metric and imperial length units is needed. For applications requiring legally traceable measurements, follow instrument calibration and uncertainty documentation as described below.
Governance
Record f317a6e8bca6 • Reviewed by Fidamen Standards Committee
Interactive converter unavailable for this calculator.
We could not resolve compatible units for this experience. Please verify the slug follows the pattern `from-unit-to-unit-converter`.
Methodology
Conversion is performed using the internationally agreed relationship that 1 inch equals exactly 2.54 centimetres. This value is exact by definition and is used by national measurement institutes and international standards bodies.
The computation converts centimetres to total inches (centimetres divided by 2.54) then separates whole feet by integer division by 12 and computes the remaining inches. Rounding is applied to the desired resolution and measurement uncertainty is noted.
For high-reliability contexts, follow NIST and ISO guidance on measurement traceability and uncertainty reporting. Calibrate measuring devices against certified standards at intervals recommended by your quality management procedures and applicable regulations.
Key takeaways
This converter uses exact international definitions to convert centimetres to feet and inches. Conversion is a two-step process: centimetres to inches, then split into feet and remaining inches.
For critical uses, document rounding, maintain instrument calibration, and report measurement uncertainty in line with NIST and ISO guidance.
Worked examples
Example 1: 180 cm → inches = 180 ÷ 2.54 = 70.8661 in → feet = 5, remaining = 10.8661 in → 5 ft 10.87 in (rounded to 2 decimal places).
Example 2: 100 cm → inches = 39.3701 in → feet = 3, remaining = 3.3701 in → 3 ft 3.37 in.
Example 3: 30.48 cm → inches = 12 in → feet = 1, remaining = 0 in → 1 ft 0 in (exact by definition: 30.48 cm = 12 in).
F.A.Q.
What exact conversion factors does this tool use?
This tool uses the exact international definition 1 inch = 2.54 centimetres and 1 foot = 12 inches. These relationships are fixed and universally accepted for unit conversion.
How are results rounded and how should I choose precision?
Rounding depends on your use case. For general use, two decimal places for inches is common. For carpentry or machining, round to the nearest 1/16 or 1/8 inch as needed. For compliance or scientific reporting, follow your organization's significant-figure and uncertainty rules and document the rounding method.
Can I convert negative or very large values?
Yes. Arithmetic conversion applies to negative and large magnitudes. For extremely large or small values, ensure numerical display and storage in your system support the required range and precision.
Do I need to calibrate measuring tools before converting?
Conversion itself is purely mathematical and does not require calibration. However, for accurate real-world measurements (the input to the converter), measuring instruments should be calibrated according to NIST/ISO traceability practices and your quality procedures to quantify measurement uncertainty.
Is this conversion appropriate for legal or safety-critical measurements?
The mathematical conversion is exact given the defined factors, but legal or safety-critical applications often require instrument calibration records, uncertainty budgets, and compliance with occupational or industry standards. Consult relevant regulations and maintain traceability to national standards.
Sources & citations
- NIST — Metric and SI Units and Conversions — https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures/metric-si
- BIPM — The International System of Units (SI) — https://www.bipm.org/en/measurement-units
- ISO — Quantities and units (ISO 80000 series) — https://www.iso.org/standard/30669.html
- IEEE Standards Association — Standards catalogue — https://standards.ieee.org
- OSHA — Safety and measurement guidance for workplaces — https://www.osha.gov
- NIST SP 811 — Guide for the Use of the International System of Units — https://www.nist.gov/pml/special-publication-811
- BIPM SI Brochure (9th edition, 2019) — https://www.bipm.org/en/publications/si-brochure
Further resources
Related tools
External guidance
Versioning & Change Control
Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).
Record ID: f317a6e8bca6What changed (latest)
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-28 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Public QA status
PASS — golden 25 + edge 120
Last run: 2026-01-23 • Run: golden-edge-2026-01-23
Versioning & Change Control
Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).
What changed (latest)
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-28 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Public QA status
PASS — golden 25 + edge 120
Last run: 2026-01-23 • Run: golden-edge-2026-01-23
Engine
v1.0.0
Data
Baseline (no external datasets)
Content
v1.0.0
UI
v1.0.0
Governance
Last updated: Nov 28, 2025
Reviewed by: Fidamen Standards Committee (Review board)
Credentials: Internal QA
Risk level: low
Reviewer profile (entity)
Fidamen Standards Committee
Review board
Internal QA
Entity ID: https://fidamen.com/reviewers/fidamen-standards-committee#person
Semantic versioning
- MAJOR: Calculation outputs can change for the same inputs (formula, rounding policy, assumptions).
- MINOR: New features or fields that do not change existing outputs for the same inputs.
- PATCH: Bug fixes, copy edits, or accessibility changes that do not change intended outputs except for previously incorrect cases.
Review protocol
- Verify formulas and unit definitions against primary standards or datasets.
- Run golden-case regression suite and edge-case suite.
- Record reviewer sign-off with credentials and scope.
- Document assumptions, limitations, and jurisdiction applicability.
Assumptions & limitations
- Uses exact unit definitions from the Fidamen conversion library.
- Internal calculations use double precision; display rounding follows the unit's configured decimal places.
- Not a substitute for calibrated instruments in regulated contexts.
- Jurisdiction-specific rules may require official guidance.
Change log
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-28 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Areas: engine, content, ui • Reviewer: Fidamen Standards Committee • Entry ID: 1fcabf818a9e
