February 8, 2026 
3 Min 
No Comment 
When talking about height, especially between feet/inches and the metric system, it’s easy to get tangled in the numbers. Here’s the simple truth: one foot is precisely 30.48 centimeters, since 1 inch equals exactly 2.54 cm and there are 12 inches in a foot . That little tidbit is the backbone of all conversions.
To convert a measurement like 5 feet 8 inches, first convert the feet (5 × 30.48 = 152.4 cm) and the inches (8 × 2.54 = 20.32 cm), then add them together—yielding approximately 172.72 cm . That’s the technical side, clean and precise.
What Does “5’8” Actually Mean in CM?
Basic Conversion Breakdown
- Feet to centimeters: 5 ft × 30.48 cm/ft = 152.4 cm
- Inches to centimeters: 8 in × 2.54 cm/in = 20.32 cm
- Total: 152.4 cm + 20.32 cm = 172.72 cm
Many sources round this to 172.7 cm or even 173 cm, depending on how generous the rounding rules are . So, in most contexts, saying someone is 173 cm tall when they are 5’8″ is totally acceptable—and most folks won’t blink.
Slight Variations by Source
- A height converter might give 172.7 cm to one decimal place .
- Another quick site might round upward to 173 cm .
- If you’re logging a fitness chart or need exact precision, 172.72 cm is more accurate .
Why the Small Differences?
It all comes down to rounding preferences. Some tools just like one decimal, others round to the nearest centimeter, and that’s fine for general use. What matters is understanding that 5’8″ hovers right around 172.7–172.8 cm.
Here’s the straightforward formula anyone can use:
- (Feet × 12 + Inches) × 2.54 = Total centimeters
→ (5 × 12 + 8) = 68 inches;
→ 68 × 2.54 = 172.72 cm .
Real-World Context: Why This Conversion Matters
Fashion and Apparel
In places where metric sizing is the norm (Europe, parts of Asia), knowing that 5’8″ is about 173 cm helps when choosing clothing, particularly for length or fit.
Sports & Health
Athletes, coaches, and healthcare professionals often think in metric units. Converting heights this way helps maintain consistency in training data, BMI charts and performance measurement.
“When accuracy matters, especially in medicine or biomechanics, even a few millimeters can influence assessments.”
Everyday Conversations
Let’s face it: measurements are just part of how we relate to each other. A height like 5’8″ being roughly 173 cm means you’re taller than many but still within a range that’s relatable and practical to explain—whether you’re in the U.S., U.K., or beyond.
Quick Reference Table
| Height (ft & in) | Centimeters (approx.) |
|——————|———————–|
| 5’8″ | 172.72 cm |
| 5’8″ (rounded) | 172.7 to 173 cm |
These rounded figures help for most everyday use without sacrificing clarity.
Wrapping It Up
Turning “5’8” into centimeters is part precision and part practical nuance. At its core, the accurate conversion is about 172.72 cm, but for day-to-day purposes, 172.7 or 173 cm works just fine. It’s one of those things where a bit of context—like why you’re converting—makes all the difference.
Whether you’re fitting into international sizing charts, tracking performance, or just satisfying curiosity, you’ve got the numbers. Now you can explain to anyone that 5’8″ is—give or take—roughly 173 centimeters.
