Ever wondered how tall someone who's 179 cm is, in good old feet and inches? Maybe you're comparing yourself to a favourite athlete, checking a furniture's dimensions online, or simply curious about metric-to-imperial conversions. Whatever the reason, understanding how to convert centimetres (cm) to feet and inches can be surprisingly useful. This article will walk you through the process, explaining it in a clear and simple way, complete with real-life examples and handy tips.
Understanding the Metric and Imperial Systems
Before diving into the conversion, let's briefly touch upon the two systems involved: the metric system and the imperial system. The metric system, primarily used worldwide, employs units based on powers of ten (like millimetres, centimetres, metres, and kilometres). It's incredibly consistent and easy to work with. The imperial system, predominantly used in the United States, is less consistent and relies on units like inches, feet, yards, and miles, with confusing relationships between them.
This difference is why converting between the two systems requires a bit of calculation. But don't worry; it's simpler than it sounds!
The Conversion Process: From Centimetres to Feet and Inches
The fundamental conversion factor we need is: 1 inch = 2.54 centimetres. This is the bedrock of our conversion. To convert 179 cm to feet and inches, we'll follow these steps:
Step 1: Convert Centimetres to Inches
Divide the number of centimetres by the conversion factor:
179 cm / 2.54 cm/inch ≈ 70.47 inches
This tells us that 179 cm is approximately 70.47 inches.
Step 2: Convert Inches to Feet
Since there are 12 inches in a foot, we divide the number of inches by 12:
70.47 inches / 12 inches/foot ≈ 5.87 feet
This means that 179 cm is approximately 5.87 feet.
Step 3: Expressing the Result in Feet and Inches
The 5 in 5.87 feet represents 5 whole feet. To find the remaining inches, we multiply the decimal part (0.87) by 12:
0.87 feet 12 inches/foot ≈ 10.44 inches
Therefore, 179 cm is approximately 5 feet and 10.44 inches. For practical purposes, we can round this to 5 feet and 10 inches.
Real-Life Examples: Putting the Conversion into Practice
Let's consider some real-world scenarios where this conversion is helpful:
Shopping for Clothes Online: An online store lists a shirt length as 70 inches. Knowing that 179 cm is roughly 70 inches, you'll know if this length is likely to fit you.
Interior Design: You're planning a room makeover and need to order a curtain rail 179 cm long. Converting this to feet and inches helps you communicate the correct size to the supplier who might use the imperial system.
Comparing Heights: You're comparing your height (179 cm) to a basketball player's height listed as 6 feet 2 inches. By converting your height, you can easily make the comparison.
Travel: You're travelling to a country that uses the imperial system and you need to adjust the height of your luggage rack. Knowing the height in feet and inches ensures you’re within airline limits.
Tips and Tricks for Easier Conversions
Use Online Converters: Many free online converters can instantly handle the conversion from centimetres to feet and inches, removing the need for manual calculations.
Memorize Key Conversion Factors: Remembering that 1 inch is approximately 2.54 cm can save time and effort in the long run.
Approximate for Quick Estimations: If precision isn't critical, you can use approximate conversion factors, such as 1 cm ≈ 0.4 inches, to get a rough estimate quickly.
Conclusion
Converting 179 cm to feet and inches, while requiring a few steps, is manageable once you understand the fundamental conversion factor (1 inch = 2.54 cm). By mastering this simple conversion, you'll be better equipped to navigate various situations, from online shopping to interior design, where understanding both metric and imperial units is crucial. Remember to utilize online converters or approximate for quicker estimations when needed.
FAQs
1. Is it always necessary to round the result to the nearest inch? No, the level of precision depends on the context. For casual comparisons, rounding is fine. For precise measurements (like engineering or construction), you need to maintain more decimal places.
2. Can I convert directly from centimetres to feet without going through inches? Yes, you can. You would simply use the conversion factor: 1 foot ≈ 30.48 cm. Divide 179 cm by 30.48 cm/foot to get approximately 5.87 feet.
3. What if I need to convert feet and inches back to centimetres? Reverse the process. Convert feet to inches (multiply by 12), add the remaining inches, and then multiply the total inches by 2.54 to get the equivalent in centimetres.
4. Are there any apps or calculators that can handle this conversion? Yes, many apps and calculators are available for both smartphones and computers that can perform this and other unit conversions quickly and accurately. Search your app store or online for "unit converter."
5. Why are there two different systems of measurement? The metric system emerged later and offers greater consistency and ease of use. The imperial system developed organically over time, leading to a less systematic and more confusing set of units. While the metric system is dominant globally, the imperial system remains prevalent in some countries, necessitating the ability to convert between the two.
Note: Conversion is based on the latest values and formulas.
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