A foot is exactly 0.3048 meters.
Feet to Centimeters Converter — ft to cm
Convert Foot (ft) to Centimeter (cm) using the exact conversion factor (1 foot = 30.48 centimeter). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, unit comparison, history, and common uses.
Feet to Centimeters converter
Converter
Length Converter
Convert SI, imperial, US customary, astronomical, scientific, and historical length units.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
Centimeter is 0.01 meter units.
Result = input x 0.3048 / 0.01.
Length uses the meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Feet to Centimeters
Foot and Centimeter both measure length. Foot is typically associated with united States (height, construction, aviation altitude), while Centimeter is typically associated with standard small-length unit worldwide except the US.
Formula
centimeters = feet × 30.48
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 foot equals 0.3048 base units, and 1 centimeter equals 0.01 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct foot-to-centimeter factor of 30.48.
Simple example
1 ft × 30.48 = 30.48 cm
1 foot = 30.48 centimeters.
Real-world example
10 ft × 30.48 = 304.8 cm
10 feet = 304.8 centimeters.
Conversion table
| Foot (ft) | Centimeter (cm) |
|---|---|
| 1 ft | 30.48 cm |
| 5 ft | 152.4 cm |
| 10 ft | 304.8 cm |
| 21.0975 ft | 643.0518 cm |
| 42.195 ft | 1,286.1036 cm |
| 100 ft | 3,048 cm |
Reverse conversion: Centimeter to Foot
30.48 cm × 0.03280839895 = 1 ft
30.48 centimeters = 1 foot.
feet = centimeters × 0.0328083989501
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Centimeter to Foot.
Foot vs. Centimeter
| Aspect | Foot | Centimeter |
|---|---|---|
| Family | US/imperial customary unit | SI derived (metric prefix) unit |
| Typical use | Height measurement in the US and UK | Everyday small-object and body measurement (height, clothing sizes) outside the US |
| Where it's used | United States (height, construction, aviation altitude) | Standard small-length unit worldwide except the US |
Understanding the Foot
Foot (ft) measures distance. The international foot is defined as exactly 0.3048 meters. It is classified as a US/imperial customary unit.
Where it's used: United States (height, construction, aviation altitude) United Kingdom (height, some construction contexts)
Uses of the Foot today
- Height measurement in the US and UK
- US construction and real estate (square footage)
- Aviation altitude worldwide (feet remain standard even in metric countries)
History of the Foot
The foot has ancient roots (Roman 'pes', various regional English feet), standardized into the modern English foot over centuries. The international foot (exactly 0.3048 m) was fixed by the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement, resolving small historical differences between US and UK measurements.
Historical origin. Foot was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Understanding the Centimeter
Centimeter (cm) measures distance. A centimeter is one-hundredth of a meter. It is classified as a SI derived (metric prefix) unit.
Where it's used: Standard small-length unit worldwide except the US
Uses of the Centimeter today
- Everyday small-object and body measurement (height, clothing sizes) outside the US
- Construction and manufacturing tolerances internationally
History of the Centimeter
The centimeter follows directly from the meter via the 'centi-' SI prefix (10⁻²), introduced with the metric system in the 1790s.
Historical origin. Centimeter was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Foot — sources
- NIST — International yard and pound (1959) — Fixes the modern foot at exactly 0.3048 meters.
Centimeter — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — SI prefixes — Defines 'centi-' as the prefix for 10⁻².
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many centimeters are in 1 foot?
1 foot equals 30.48 centimeters, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert foot to centimeter?
Multiply the foot value by 30.48. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert centimeter back to foot?
Use the reverse factor: 1 centimeter equals 0.032808399 feet. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a foot?
Foot (ft) measures distance. The international foot is defined as exactly 0.3048 meters. It is classified as a US/imperial customary unit.
What is a centimeter?
Centimeter (cm) measures distance. A centimeter is one-hundredth of a meter. It is classified as a SI derived (metric prefix) unit.
Is the foot to centimeter conversion exact?
Yes. The international foot is defined as exactly 0.3048 meters. That fixed definition is what the converter above uses, so any rounding you see is a display choice, not a limitation of the math.
Where is the foot still used today?
United States (height, construction, aviation altitude) United Kingdom (height, some construction contexts)