5 ft 11 in cm-When discussing height, many people worldwide use different measurement systems: the Imperial system (feet and inches) and the Metric system (centimetres and meters). A common question people often search online is, “What are 5 feet 11 inches in centimetres?”
This question typically comes up for those trying to understand or convert height measurements, whether for personal, medical, or professional reasons. In this article, we’ll break down how to make this conversion, explore why it matters, and answer some frequently asked questions.
The Basics: Understanding Measurement Systems
Before we dive into the conversion itself, it’s important to understand the two measurement systems in use:
Imperial System: Predominantly used in the United States, the Imperial system measures height in feet and inches. In this system, there are 12 inches in a foot. Therefore, someone who is 5 feet 11 inches tall is 5 full feet plus an additional 11 inches.
Metric System: Used worldwide, especially in Europe and Asia, the Metric system measures height in centimeters (cm) and meters (m). There are 100 centimeters in a meter. The metric system is often considered simpler for scientific calculations and is used extensively in international contexts.
Converting Feet and Inches to Centimeters: Step-by-Step
Now, let’s get to the main question: How do you convert 5 ft 11 inches to centimeters?
Convert Feet to Inches:
1 foot = 12 inches
So, 5 feet = 5 × 12 = 60 inches
Add the Extra Inches:
You already have 60 inches from the 5 feet.
Add the extra 11 inches: 60 + 11 = 71 inches
Convert Inches to Centimeters:
1 inch = 2.54 centimeters
So, 71 inches = 71 × 2.54 = 180.34 centimeters
Therefore, 5 feet 11 inches is equal to 180.34 centimeters.
Why Does Knowing Your Height in Centimeters Matter?
International Travel and Residency:
Many countries around the world use the metric system for all measurements. Knowing your height in centimeters is especially useful when filling out forms or understanding local context during travel or residency in a foreign country.
Medical and Health Contexts:
Most medical research and health guidelines worldwide use the metric system. For example, BMI (Body Mass Index) calculations often use height in meters. Understanding your height in centimeters can make these calculations more straightforward.
Sports and Fitness:
Athletes, coaches, and fitness enthusiasts often need to know height in centimeters for fitness assessments, training programs, and competitions, especially in international sports where metric measurements are standard.
Fashion and Clothing:
Clothing sizes in many parts of the world, especially Europe, are based on measurements in centimeters. Knowing your height in centimeters can help you choose the right size for tailored clothing or when shopping online from international retailers.
Understanding Statistics and Research:
Height statistics in global surveys, scientific studies, or reports are often presented in centimeters. Knowing how to convert and interpret these measurements is essential for students, researchers, or anyone interested in such data.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions related to converting 5 feet 11 inches to centimeters:
How tall is 5 ft 11″ in meters?
To convert centimeters to meters, you need to divide the number of centimeters by 100 (since there are 100 centimeters in a meter).
5 feet 11 inches = 180.34 centimeters
180.34 cm ÷ 100 = 1.8034 meters
So, 5’11” is approximately 1.80 meters.
Is 5’11” considered tall?
Whether 5 feet 11 inches is considered tall can depend on cultural context and average heights in specific countries. In many Western countries, a height of 5’11” is considered slightly above average for men. For women, it is typically considered tall.
What is the average height in the U.S. in feet and centimetres?
As of recent statistics, the average height for men in the United States is about 5 feet 9 inches (175.26 cm), and for women, it is approximately 5 feet 4 inches (162.56 cm). Thus, at 5 feet 11 inches, one is slightly taller than the average American male.
How do I accurately measure my height at home?
To measure your height accurately at home:
Stand against a wall without shoes, with your back straight and heels together.
Use a flat object like a ruler or book and place it horizontally on your head, ensuring it is level.
Mark the spot on the wall where the object touches.
Use a tape measure to measure from the floor to the mark in inches, and then convert it to centimeters if needed.
Can height change over time?
Yes, height can change over time due to several factors:
Aging: As people age, they may lose height due to changes in bone density and posture.
Medical Conditions: Certain conditions, like osteoporosis, can result in height loss.
Daily Variations: Height can vary slightly throughout the day due to spinal compression. People are usually slightly taller in the morning.
Why do some people prefer the metric system for measuring height?
The metric system is considered simpler because it uses base-10 units, which are easier for mathematical calculations and conversions. It’s also the standard system of measurement for science and international use, making it more versatile and universal.
How does height influence health and longevity?
Height can have various implications for health. Studies suggest that taller individuals may have a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases but a higher risk of certain cancers. However, lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and genetics play a much more significant role in determining overall health and longevity than height alone.
How does height affect BMI (Body Mass Index)?
BMI is a measure that uses height and weight to determine if a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. To calculate BMI, you need your height in meters. For example, if you are 5’11” (1.80 meters) and weigh 75 kg, your BMI would be calculated as:
BMI=Weight in kg(Height in m)2=751.802≈23.1\text{BMI} = \frac{\text{Weight in kg}}{(\text{Height in m})^2} = \frac{75}{1.80^2} \approx 23.1BMI=(Height in m)2Weight in kg=1.80275≈23.1
A BMI of 23.1 falls within the “normal weight” range.
Conclusion
Converting height from feet and inches to centimetres is a common task, especially in a globally connected world where different systems of measurement are in use. Knowing that 5 ft 11 inches equal 180.34 centimetres can be useful in many contexts, from travel and fashion to health and fitness.
Understanding both the Imperial and Metric systems and knowing how to convert between them allows for better comprehension of information, whether filling out forms, buying clothes, or understanding scientific research. While the question “5 ft 11 in cm” might seem simple, the implications of understanding and using these measurements correctly are significant in various aspects of life.
By knowing how to convert between different measurement systems and recognizing why these conversions matter, you are better prepared to navigate a world where both Imperial and Metric systems are still in use.
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