Whether you’re filling out an international job application, checking fitness records, buying clothing, comparing athlete heights, or completing medical forms, converting height between imperial and metric units is often necessary. One of the most searched height conversions is 5 Feet 8 Inches in CM.
The conversion is straightforward, but understanding how it’s calculated—and why different measurement systems exist—helps eliminate confusion. This guide explains the exact conversion formula, provides useful charts, discusses practical applications, and answers frequently asked questions using accurate mathematical calculations and internationally recognized measurement standards.
What Is 5 Feet 8 Inches in CM?
The exact conversion is:
5 feet 8 inches = 172.72 centimeters
This value comes from the internationally accepted conversion factor:
- 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters (exact)
- 1 foot = 12 inches
Step-by-Step Calculation
| Step | Calculation | Result |
| Convert feet to inches | 5 × 12 | 60 inches |
| Add remaining inches | 60 + 8 | 68 inches |
| Convert to centimeters | 68 × 2.54 | 172.72 cm |
Therefore:
5 feet 8 inches = 172.72 cm
Many websites round this value to:
- 172.7 cm
- 173 cm (nearest whole centimeter)
For official documents, 172.72 cm is the most accurate measurement.
Understanding Feet, Inches, and Centimeters
Height measurements vary depending on the country.
Imperial System
Used mainly in:
- United States
- Parts of Canada
- United Kingdom (commonly alongside metric)
Height is expressed in:
- Feet (ft)
- Inches (in)
Example:
5’8″
means:
- 5 feet
- 8 inches
Metric System
Most countries use centimeters (cm) or meters (m).
Examples:
- Pakistan
- India
- Australia
- Germany
- France
- Japan
- China
Instead of saying 5’8″, people say:
172.72 cm
or
1.727 meters
READ MORE GUIDE : 150 Pounds to KG: Exact Conversion, Formula,
Feet and Inches to Centimeters Formula
The universal conversion formula is:
Centimeters = ((Feet × 12) + Inches) × 2.54
Example:
Feet = 5
Inches = 8
(5 × 12) + 8
= 68 inches
68 × 2.54
= 172.72 cm
This formula is recognized under the International System of Units (SI) because one inch is defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters.
Quick Height Conversion Table
| Feet & Inches | Centimeters |
| 5’4″ | 162.56 cm |
| 5’5″ | 165.10 cm |
| 5’6″ | 167.64 cm |
| 5’7″ | 170.18 cm |
| 5’8″ | 172.72 cm |
| 5’9″ | 175.26 cm |
| 5’10” | 177.80 cm |
| 5’11” | 180.34 cm |
| 6’0″ | 182.88 cm |
| 6’1″ | 185.42 cm |
This table is useful when comparing heights without performing calculations each time.
Why Height Conversion Matters
Converting height accurately is important in many everyday situations.
Medical Records
Hospitals and healthcare providers in most countries record height in centimeters because metric units are the global standard in medicine.
Accurate height measurements help calculate:
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Medication dosage
- Growth monitoring
- Nutritional assessments
Passport and Immigration Forms
Many countries request height in centimeters on:
- Visa applications
- Immigration documents
- National identity records
- Driver’s licenses
Knowing your exact height prevents errors during document verification.
Sports
Athletes often have their heights published internationally.
Examples include:
- Basketball players
- Footballers
- Olympic athletes
- Swimmers
International competitions typically list heights in centimeters for consistency.
Online Shopping
Many clothing brands display sizing recommendations based on centimeters.
Examples include:
- Jackets
- Suits
- Protective equipment
- Cycling gear
- Ski equipment
Using the correct metric height improves fitting accuracy.
Travel
Travelers frequently encounter metric measurements abroad.
Hotels, hospitals, gyms, and rental services often request height using centimeters instead of feet and inches.
Is 172.72 cm Considered Tall?
Height perceptions vary by country and population.
According to growth reference data published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and population surveys compiled by organizations such as Our World in Data, adult height differs significantly around the world.
General perspective:
For Men
A height of 172.72 cm is:
- Around average in many countries
- Slightly below average in some Northern European nations
- Above average in several Asian and Latin American populations
For Women
A height of 172.72 cm is generally considered above average in most countries.
Since female average heights are typically lower than male averages, this height is often viewed as relatively tall.
Real-World Examples of 172.72 cm
A height of approximately 173 cm is common across many professions.
People around this height include:
- Office professionals
- University students
- Military personnel
- Recreational athletes
- Fitness enthusiasts
Many ergonomic products, furniture designs, bicycles, and workplace standards accommodate individuals within this height range.
Common Height Conversion Mistakes
Many people accidentally make conversion errors.
Using 2.5 Instead of 2.54
Although close, this creates inaccurate results.
Correct:
68 × 2.54
Incorrect:
68 × 2.5
Forgetting to Convert Feet into Inches
Some users multiply only the inches.
Wrong:
8 × 2.54
Correct:
(5 × 12 + 8) × 2.54
Rounding Too Early
Perform the complete calculation before rounding.
Correct:
172.72 cm
Rounded:
172.7 cm
or
173 cm
Converting Other Common Heights
| Height | Centimeters |
| 5’0″ | 152.40 cm |
| 5’2″ | 157.48 cm |
| 5’3″ | 160.02 cm |
| 5’6″ | 167.64 cm |
| 5’8″ | 172.72 cm |
| 6’0″ | 182.88 cm |
| 6’2″ | 187.96 cm |
| 6’4″ | 193.04 cm |
Keeping this chart handy can save time during everyday conversions.
Metric vs. Imperial Measurement Systems
| Metric | Imperial |
| Centimeters | Inches |
| Meters | Feet |
| Used by most countries | Mainly used in the United States |
| Easier scientific calculations | Traditional measurement system |
Scientists, engineers, healthcare professionals, and researchers primarily use the metric system because it is decimal-based and standardized worldwide.
Practical Situations Where You Need Height Conversion
You may need to convert your height when:
- Applying for international jobs
- Completing visa paperwork
- Registering for sports competitions
- Purchasing bicycles
- Buying motorcycles
- Ordering custom clothing
- Filling out medical records
- Creating dating profiles
- Joining fitness programs
- Comparing athlete statistics
In each case, using the exact conversion helps avoid misunderstandings.
Interesting Facts About Human Height
Several factors influence adult height.
These include:
- Genetics
- Nutrition during childhood
- Overall health
- Hormonal balance
- Environmental conditions
Research indicates genetics account for a substantial share of adult height variation, while childhood nutrition and healthcare also play important roles. Adult height has increased over the past century in many countries because of improvements in living conditions, healthcare, and nutrition.
Tips for Measuring Your Height Accurately
For the most accurate result:
- Stand barefoot on a hard, level floor.
- Keep your heels against the wall.
- Look straight ahead.
- Keep your back straight.
- Place a flat object on your head.
- Measure from the floor to the top of the object.
- Measure in the morning if possible, as people can be slightly taller earlier in the day due to normal spinal compression over the course of the day.
Accurate measurement ensures reliable conversions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is 5 feet 8 inches in centimeters?
5 feet 8 inches equals 172.72 centimeters.
Is 5’8″ equal to 173 cm?
Yes. Rounded to the nearest whole number, 172.72 cm becomes 173 cm.
How do I convert feet and inches to centimeters?
Use this formula:
((Feet × 12) + Inches) × 2.54
Is 172.72 cm a good height?
There is no universally “good” height. At 172.72 cm, an adult is close to the average male height in many populations and taller than the average female height in many countries.
Why do most countries use centimeters?
The metric system is internationally standardized, making it easier for science, medicine, education, engineering, and international communication.
Is 5’8″ the same as 1.73 meters?
Approximately yes.
172.72 cm equals:
1.7272 meters
Rounded:
1.73 meters
Can I round 172.72 cm to 173 cm?
Yes. For everyday use, rounding to 173 cm is perfectly acceptable.
Why is one inch equal to exactly 2.54 cm?
Since 1959, several English-speaking countries agreed on an international standard defining 1 inch as exactly 2.54 centimeters, ensuring consistent measurements worldwide.
Conclusion
Knowing how to convert 5 Feet 8 Inches in CM is useful for travel, healthcare, education, sports, shopping, and official documentation. The calculation is simple once you understand the conversion formula:
- 5 feet = 60 inches
- 60 + 8 = 68 inches
- 68 × 2.54 = 172.72 centimeters
Using the internationally accepted conversion factor ensures accurate and consistent results wherever metric measurements are required.
