From Centimeters to Feet and Inches: A Simple Guide
Height is often expressed in different units across the globe. While centimeters (cm) are widely used internationally, feet and inches (ft and in) remain prevalent in certain countries, leading to confusion when converting between the two systems. This article provides a clear and straightforward explanation of how to convert 164 cm to feet and inches, breaking down the process step-by-step and providing practical examples.
Understanding the Conversion Factor
The core of the conversion lies in understanding the relationship between centimeters and inches. One inch is equal to approximately 2.54 centimeters. This means that to convert centimeters to inches, we need to divide the number of centimeters by 2.54. Conversely, to convert inches to centimeters, we multiply by 2.54.
While this is a simple concept, converting to feet and inches adds a slight layer of complexity because a foot contains 12 inches. We'll tackle this in the following sections.
Converting 164 cm to Inches
Our starting point is 164 cm. To convert this to inches, we apply the conversion factor:
164 cm / 2.54 cm/inch ≈ 64.57 inches
Therefore, 164 cm is approximately equal to 64.57 inches. Note that we've rounded the result to two decimal places for practical purposes.
Converting Inches to Feet and Inches
Now we need to break down those 64.57 inches into feet and inches. Since there are 12 inches in a foot, we divide the total number of inches by 12:
64.57 inches / 12 inches/foot ≈ 5.38 feet
This tells us that 64.57 inches is approximately 5.38 feet. However, we usually express height in whole feet and remaining inches. To do this, we separate the whole number of feet (5) from the decimal part (0.38).
The decimal part (0.38) represents the remaining inches. To convert this decimal fraction of a foot into inches, we multiply it by 12:
0.38 feet 12 inches/foot ≈ 4.56 inches
Therefore, 64.57 inches is approximately 5 feet and 4.56 inches. Again, rounding for practicality, we can say that 164 cm is approximately 5 feet and 5 inches.
Practical Examples
Let's consider some practical applications. Imagine you're shopping for clothes online and your height is 164 cm. Knowing that this translates to roughly 5 feet 5 inches allows you to select the correct size based on the retailer's size chart, which likely uses feet and inches.
Similarly, if you're filling out a form requiring height in feet and inches, you can accurately represent your 164 cm height as 5 feet 5 inches.
Key Takeaways
The conversion factor between centimeters and inches is approximately 2.54 cm/inch.
To convert centimeters to inches, divide the number of centimeters by 2.54.
To convert inches to feet and inches, divide the number of inches by 12. The whole number represents the feet, and the remainder (multiplied by 12) represents the inches.
Understanding these conversions is essential for various applications, including shopping, travel, and filling out forms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the conversion from centimeters to feet and inches exact?
No, the conversion is not perfectly exact because of the approximation used (2.54 cm/inch). There will always be a small degree of rounding involved.
2. Can I use an online converter instead of doing the calculations manually?
Yes, numerous online converters are available to instantly convert centimeters to feet and inches, saving you the manual calculations.
3. What if I have a different height in centimeters? Can I use this method for other values?
Absolutely! This method works for any height expressed in centimeters. Just substitute the given centimeter value into the equations.
4. Are there any other units of height measurement?
Yes, other units include meters, yards, and even hands (used for horses).
5. Why are there different units for measuring height?
Different units evolved historically in different regions and countries. The metric system (using centimeters and meters) is now internationally accepted, but the imperial system (using feet and inches) persists in some places.
Note: Conversion is based on the latest values and formulas.
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