Converting from centimeters (cm) to feet (ft) is a common task, particularly in fields such as construction, engineering, and everyday measurements. Since centimeters are part of the metric system and feet belong to the imperial system, it’s often necessary to convert between these two units. In this article, we will explore the definitions of centimeters and feet, provide a historical context, discuss their uses, present a conversion table, explain how to convert centimeters to feet, and offer practical examples.
What is a Centimeter?
A centimeter is a unit of length in the metric system. It is one hundredth of a meter (1 cm = 0.01 m), making it a smaller unit suitable for measuring small to medium-sized objects. The metric system, including the centimeter, is widely used worldwide, particularly in scientific, engineering, and everyday applications.
History of the Centimeter
The centimeter, like all units in the metric system, was established during the French Revolution in the late 18th century. The purpose of the metric system was to standardize measurements across different regions and trades. Since its creation, the metric system has become the most widely adopted system of measurement globally, and the centimeter is now a standard unit used in various fields.
Uses of the Centimeter
- Everyday Measurements: Centimeters are commonly used to measure the height of people, furniture dimensions, or clothing sizes.
- Scientific Applications: In fields like physics, biology, and chemistry, centimeters are used for precise measurements.
- Construction: When building smaller objects, the centimeter is often the preferred unit of measurement, especially in countries that use the metric system.
What is a Foot?
A foot (plural: feet) is a unit of length in the imperial system, which is used mainly in the United States and the United Kingdom. One foot is equivalent to 12 inches or approximately 30.48 centimeters.
History of the Foot
The foot is one of the oldest units of measurement, dating back to ancient civilizations. Its name is derived from the length of the average human foot, though the exact measurement varied across cultures. In 1959, an international agreement standardized the foot to be exactly 0.3048 meters, which is equal to 30.48 centimeters. Despite the widespread use of the metric system, the foot remains a common unit of length in the U.S. and UK for many everyday and professional applications.
Uses of the Foot
- Construction and Architecture: In the U.S. and UK, feet are used to measure the height of buildings, room dimensions, and the length of materials such as lumber and pipes.
- Sports: The foot is used in American football, track and field events, and for measuring the size of playing fields.
- Height Measurement: In countries using the imperial system, human height is often expressed in feet and inches.
cm to Feet Conversion Table
The conversion factor from centimeters to feet is based on the fact that 1 foot is equal to 30.48 centimeters. Therefore, to convert centimeters to feet, you can divide the number of centimeters by 30.48.
Below is a conversion table for some common values:
Centimeters (cm) | Feet (ft) |
---|---|
10 cm | 0.328084 ft |
20 cm | 0.656168 ft |
50 cm | 1.64042 ft |
100 cm | 3.28084 ft |
150 cm | 4.92126 ft |
200 cm | 6.56168 ft |
250 cm | 8.20210 ft |
300 cm | 9.84252 ft |
This table provides quick reference points for converting centimeters to feet.
How to Convert cm to Feet?
To convert centimeters to feet, you can use the following formula:
1 Foot = 30.48 Centimeters
Thus, the formula to convert centimeters to feet is:
Feet = Centimeters / 30.48
By dividing the length in centimeters by 30.48, you can find the equivalent length in feet.
Step-by-Step Conversion Example
Example 1: Convert 180 cm to feet
Use the conversion formula:
Feet = 180 / 30.48
Calculate:
180 / 30.48 = 5.90551 Feet
Therefore, 180 cm is approximately 5.91 feet.
Example 2: Convert 250 cm to feet
Use the conversion formula:
Feet = 250 / 30.48
Calculate:
250 / 30.48 = 8.2021 Feet
Therefore, 250 cm is approximately 8.20 feet.