Height conversion between the metric system (centimeters) and the imperial system (feet and inches) is a common task, particularly when dealing with international standards, clothing sizes, or medical records. This article provides a detailed explanation of how to convert 173 centimeters (cm) into feet and inches, along with practical examples and frequently asked questions to clarify any ambiguities.
Understanding the Conversion Process
The core of the conversion lies in understanding the fundamental relationships between centimeters and inches, and inches and feet. We know that 1 inch is equal to 2.54 centimeters. Therefore, to convert centimeters to inches, we divide the centimeter value by 2.54. Furthermore, there are 12 inches in 1 foot. Thus, after converting centimeters to inches, we can determine the number of feet and the remaining inches.
Calculating 173cm in Inches
To begin our conversion, let's focus on transforming 173 centimeters into inches. We'll use the conversion factor mentioned above:
173 cm / 2.54 cm/inch ≈ 68.11 inches
This calculation shows that 173 centimeters is approximately equal to 68.11 inches. Note that we've rounded the result to two decimal places for practicality.
Determining Feet and Inches
Now that we have the equivalent in inches (approximately 68.11 inches), we need to determine how many feet and inches this represents. Since there are 12 inches in a foot, we divide the total inches by 12:
68.11 inches / 12 inches/foot ≈ 5.67 feet
This shows that 173 centimeters is approximately 5.67 feet. However, this isn't a practical representation of height. We need to express this as a whole number of feet and a fractional part in inches.
To find the whole number of feet, we take the integer part of 5.67, which is 5 feet. To find the remaining inches, we multiply the decimal part (0.67) by 12:
0.67 feet 12 inches/foot ≈ 8.04 inches
Therefore, 173 centimeters is approximately 5 feet and 8.04 inches. For practical purposes, this is often rounded down to 5 feet and 8 inches.
Practical Applications and Examples
This conversion is vital in numerous scenarios. For example:
International clothing sizes: Many online retailers use both metric and imperial measurements. Knowing your height in both systems allows you to accurately select clothing that fits. If you are 173cm tall, you would likely look for clothing that specifies sizes for individuals around 5'8".
Medical records: Medical professionals often use both systems, depending on location and patient preferences. Consistent height recording is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Architectural and design: Interior designers and architects frequently work with both systems, needing accurate conversions for things like door heights, furniture dimensions, and room sizes.
Sports and athletics: Performance data in sports may utilize different units depending on the country or governing body.
Different Methods of Conversion
While the method above is straightforward, you can also use online converters or spreadsheet software to perform the calculation. These tools often handle the rounding and provide a precise result quickly. However, understanding the manual calculation is valuable for grasping the underlying principles.
Summary
Converting 173 centimeters to feet and inches involves a two-step process. First, convert centimeters to inches using the conversion factor of 2.54 cm/inch. Then, convert the total inches to feet and remaining inches by dividing by 12 inches/foot. This results in an approximate height of 5 feet and 8 inches. This conversion is essential in various contexts, including clothing sizes, medical records, and architectural design, highlighting the importance of understanding both metric and imperial systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is 5 feet 8 inches the exact equivalent of 173cm? No, it's an approximation. The exact conversion is 5 feet 8.04 inches, but for practical purposes, rounding to 5 feet 8 inches is sufficient.
2. Can I use a calculator for this conversion? Yes, you can use a standard calculator or an online converter. Simply divide 173 by 2.54 to get inches, then divide the result by 12 to find the feet and remaining inches.
3. Why are there two different systems of measurement? Historically, different regions developed their own systems. The metric system is now internationally preferred for its simplicity and consistency, but the imperial system remains common in some countries.
4. What if I need to convert a different height in centimeters to feet and inches? The same process applies. Divide the height in centimeters by 2.54 to get inches, then divide the inches by 12 to get feet and remaining inches.
5. Are there any potential sources of error in the conversion? Rounding can introduce small errors, but these are generally negligible in most practical situations. Using more decimal places during calculations will improve accuracy.
Note: Conversion is based on the latest values and formulas.
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