Height conversions are common when filling out job applications, creating online profiles, applying for visas, shopping for clothing, or comparing medical records. While many countries use the metric system (centimeters), others, including the United States, primarily use feet and inches.
If you’re wondering 170 CM in Feet, the exact conversion is:
| Measurement | Value |
| Centimeters | 170 cm |
| Feet | 5.577 feet |
| Feet & Inches | 5 feet 6.93 inches |
| Rounded Height | 5 feet 7 inches (5’7″) |
| Inches | 66.93 inches |
Since everyday conversations usually round measurements to the nearest inch, 170 cm is commonly referred to as 5 feet 7 inches.
This guide explains the conversion process, the underlying formula, practical uses, comparison charts, and answers to frequently asked questions.
What Is 170 CM in Feet?
The exact conversion is:
170 centimeters = 5.577 feet
Because people rarely express height using decimal feet, it is converted into feet and inches:
- 5 feet
- 6.93 inches
Rounded to the nearest whole inch:
170 cm ≈ 5 feet 7 inches (5’7″)
This rounded value is the one used in passports, sports profiles, medical records, and everyday communication.
Quick Conversion Table
| Centimeters | Feet | Feet & Inches |
| 165 cm | 5.41 ft | 5’5″ |
| 166 cm | 5.45 ft | 5’5.4″ |
| 167 cm | 5.48 ft | 5’5.7″ |
| 168 cm | 5.51 ft | 5’6.1″ |
| 169 cm | 5.54 ft | 5’6.5″ |
| 170 cm | 5.58 ft | 5’6.9″ (≈5’7″) |
| 171 cm | 5.61 ft | 5’7.3″ |
| 172 cm | 5.64 ft | 5’7.7″ |
| 173 cm | 5.68 ft | 5’8.1″ |
| 174 cm | 5.71 ft | 5’8.5″ |
| 175 cm | 5.74 ft | 5’8.9″ |
How to Convert Centimeters to Feet
The conversion is straightforward.
Formula
Feet = Centimeters ÷ 30.48
For 170 cm:
170 ÷ 30.48 = 5.577 feet
To convert the decimal into inches:
0.577 × 12 = 6.93 inches
Final result:
170 cm = 5 feet 6.93 inches
Rounded:
5 feet 7 inches
Converting Centimeters Directly to Inches
Since:
1 inch = 2.54 centimeters
Calculation:
170 ÷ 2.54 = 66.93 inches
Breaking this down:
- 60 inches = 5 feet
- Remaining 6.93 inches
Therefore:
170 cm = 5 feet 6.93 inches
Why Do Different Countries Use Different Units?
Most countries follow the International System of Units (SI), which uses centimeters and meters for height measurements.
However, several countries commonly use feet and inches, including:
- United States
- United Kingdom (alongside metric)
- Canada (informally)
- Ireland (informally)
Because international travel, immigration, education, and sports often involve multiple measurement systems, converting height accurately is essential.
Is 170 cm Considered Tall?
Whether 170 cm is considered tall depends on the country, gender, and population being compared.
For Men
In many countries:
- Slightly below average in Northern Europe
- Around average globally
- Above average in several Asian countries
For Women
A height of 170 cm is generally considered:
- Above average in many countries
- Tall in numerous Asian and Latin American populations
- Around average to slightly above average in parts of Europe
Height perception varies significantly across regions and ethnic groups.
Average Heights Around the World
Approximate adult average heights are shown below.
| Region | Men | Women |
| United States | 175–177 cm | 161–163 cm |
| United Kingdom | 177 cm | 164 cm |
| Germany | 180 cm | 166 cm |
| Japan | 171 cm | 158 cm |
| South Korea | 174 cm | 161 cm |
| India | 166 cm | 154 cm |
These averages illustrate that 170 cm may be perceived differently depending on location.
Common Situations Where Height Conversion Is Needed
Knowing the equivalent of 170 cm in feet is useful in many real-world situations.
Travel Documentation
Some visa and immigration forms request height in feet and inches.
Medical Records
Healthcare providers may record measurements using either metric or imperial systems.
Sports Registrations
Athletes often need to provide height using standardized units.
Online Profiles
Dating platforms, gaming communities, and professional networking sites frequently ask users to enter height.
Clothing and Fashion
Certain international retailers use height recommendations for sizing.
Manual Conversion Method
If you don’t have a calculator, you can estimate height quickly.
Step 1
Remember:
- 1 foot = 30.48 cm
Step 2
Divide centimeters by 30.48.
170 ÷ 30.48 = 5.577
Step 3
Take the decimal:
0.577 × 12 = 6.93 inches
Final answer:
5 feet 6.93 inches
Rounded:
5 feet 7 inches
Metric vs Imperial Height Measurements
| Metric | Imperial |
| Millimeters | Inches |
| Centimeters | Feet & Inches |
| Meters | Feet |
Countries using the metric system typically express height as:
- 170 cm
- 1.70 meters
Countries using imperial measurements express the same height as:
- 5 feet 7 inches
Height Comparison Chart
| Height (cm) | Feet & Inches |
| 150 cm | 4’11” |
| 155 cm | 5’1″ |
| 160 cm | 5’3″ |
| 165 cm | 5’5″ |
| 170 cm | 5’7″ |
| 175 cm | 5’9″ |
| 180 cm | 5’11” |
| 185 cm | 6’1″ |
| 190 cm | 6’3″ |
| 195 cm | 6’5″ |
Why Accurate Height Conversion Matters
Accurate conversions reduce mistakes in official records and applications.
Examples include:
- Passport applications
- Medical documentation
- International employment
- Military recruitment
- Airline and aviation medical examinations
- Sports competitions
Using incorrect conversions may create inconsistencies across official documents.
Common Conversion Mistakes
Many people accidentally:
- Round too early
- Forgot to convert decimal feet into inches
- Confuse decimal feet with feet and inches
- Assume 170 cm equals exactly 5’8″
The correct conversion remains:
- 5.577 feet
- 5 feet 6.93 inches
- Rounded: 5 feet 7 inches
Fast Height Conversion Reference
| Centimeters | Feet & Inches |
| 160 | 5’3″ |
| 162 | 5’4″ |
| 165 | 5’5″ |
| 167 | 5’6″ |
| 170 | 5’7″ |
| 172 | 5’8″ |
| 175 | 5’9″ |
| 178 | 5’10” |
| 180 | 5’11” |
| 183 | 6’0″ |
Practical Example
Imagine you’re completing an international university application.
Your medical certificate lists:
170 cm
The application requests:
Feet and inches
The correct entry would be:
5 feet 7 inches
This rounded value is widely accepted for practical purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is 170 cm exactly 5 feet 7 inches?
Not exactly. It equals 5 feet 6.93 inches, which is conventionally rounded to 5 feet 7 inches.
How many inches are in 170 cm?
There are 66.93 inches in 170 centimeters.
Is 170 cm tall for a woman?
In many countries, yes. A height of 170 cm is above the average adult female height in much of the world.
Is 170 cm short for a man?
It depends on the country. It is around the global average but below average in several Northern European nations.
How do I convert centimeters into feet manually?
Divide centimeters by 30.48 to obtain feet. Multiply the decimal portion by 12 to calculate the remaining inches.
Why do some people write 170 cm as 5.58 feet?
That is the decimal-foot representation. Everyday height measurements typically use feet and inches instead of decimal feet.
Can I round 170 cm to 5 feet 7 inches?
Yes. This is the standard convention used in everyday communication, official forms, and most practical situations.
Which countries commonly use feet and inches?
The United States primarily uses feet and inches, while the United Kingdom, Canada, and Ireland often use both metric and imperial measurements depending on the context.
Conclusion
Understanding 170 CM in Feet is simple once you know the conversion formula. The exact measurement is 5.577 feet, which equals 5 feet 6.93 inches and is conventionally rounded to 5 feet 7 inches.
Whether you’re filling out official documents, comparing height internationally, shopping online, or reviewing medical records, knowing this conversion helps avoid errors and ensures consistency across different measurement systems.
