Converting between centimeters and feet is a common task. Centimeters (cm) are a metric unit of length, while feet (ft) are part of the imperial system. Whether you’re working on a DIY project, understanding measurements in a foreign recipe, or just trying to figure out your height, the need to convert often arises.
This article provides a straightforward guide on converting 162 cm to feet. We’ll walk you through the conversion factor and how to apply it, so you can easily understand the relationship between these two units of measurement.
Understanding Centimeters and Feet
When you’re converting between metric and imperial measurements, it helps to have a little background knowledge.
The Metric System: Centimeters
A centimeter is a unit of length in the metric system, which is used by most countries worldwide. There are 100 centimeters in 1 meter, so a centimeter is a fairly small measurement that’s useful for quantifying small objects.
The Imperial System: Feet
A foot is a unit of length in the imperial system, which is mainly used in the United States. There are 12 inches in 1 foot, so a foot is a useful measurement for talking about the height of people and other objects.
How to convert centimeters to feet
When converting from centimeters to feet, it’s important to know the conversion factor. One centimeter is equal to 0.0328084 feet. Use this number to ensure your conversion is accurate.
To convert centimeters to feet, use this formula:
Feet = Centimeters × 0.0328084
So, if we want to know how many feet are in 162 centimeters, we would perform the following calculation:
162 cm × 0.0328084 = 5.3159608 feet
Therefore, 162 centimeters is about 5.316 feet.
How to convert 162 cm into feet and inches
Okay, so 162 cm is equal to about 5.316 feet. But what does that “.316” of a foot mean in inches?
Easy! Just multiply that decimal part (0.316) by 12 (because there are 12 inches in a foot):
0.316 feet x 12 inches/foot = 3.792 inches
So, 162 cm works out to roughly 5 feet and 3.79 inches.
Of course, you can always skip the math and use one of the many online conversion calculators to do it for you. Just keep in mind that most of these will round the numbers for simplicity, so you might see a slightly different answer depending on where you look!
Why convert centimeters to feet?
Knowing how to convert between metric and imperial units is handy in many situations. Measuring height is a common one. Interior designers, fashion designers, and construction workers also use these conversions. Even sports fans might need to convert units!
For example, imagine you’re buying a rug that’s 162 cm long. You need to know if it will fit in your living room, but you measured the space in feet. Converting 162 cm to feet will quickly tell you if the rug will work.
Because different countries use different measurement systems, understanding both metric and imperial units is super useful in our globalized world.
Conclusion
Converting centimeters to feet is easy once you know the key conversion factor: One centimeter equals 0.0328084 feet. Multiply the number of centimeters by 0.0328084 to find the equivalent in feet.
So, 162 cm is approximately 5.316 feet, or 5 feet and 3.79 inches.
Keep this information handy for quick conversions. Or, for even more convenience, try one of the many online tools that can do the math for you.