Conversion Formula:
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The feet to centimeters conversion is a mathematical calculation that converts height measurements from the imperial system (feet) to the metric system (centimeters). This conversion is essential for medical, scientific, and international applications where metric units are standard.
The calculator uses the conversion formula:
Where:
Explanation: The conversion factor 30.48 is derived from the exact definition where 1 foot equals exactly 30.48 centimeters in the international measurement system.
Details: Accurate height conversion is crucial for medical records, international travel, scientific research, and any application requiring standardized metric measurements. Proper height measurement is essential for calculating body mass index (BMI), medication dosing, and nutritional assessments.
Tips: Enter height in feet using decimal format (e.g., 5.5 for 5 feet 6 inches). The value must be a positive number. The calculator will provide the equivalent measurement in centimeters.
Q1: Why is the conversion factor 30.48?
A: This conversion factor is internationally standardized, where 1 foot is defined as exactly 30.48 centimeters in the metric system.
Q2: How do I convert feet and inches to centimeters?
A: First convert the measurement to decimal feet (e.g., 5 feet 6 inches = 5.5 feet), then multiply by 30.48 to get centimeters.
Q3: What is the accuracy of this conversion?
A: The conversion using the factor 30.48 is mathematically exact. The calculator provides results rounded to two decimal places for practical use.
Q4: Are there different conversion factors for different types of feet measurements?
A: No, the international foot (exactly 30.48 cm) is standard for most applications, including medical and scientific use.
Q5: Why is metric conversion important in healthcare?
A: The metric system is the international standard for medical measurements, ensuring consistency and accuracy in patient records, medication dosing, and clinical research across different countries and healthcare systems.