Introduction to Height Conversion: 5.11 Feet in Centimeters
Height conversion is a fundamental skill in mathematics, science, and everyday life. Whether you’re filling out international forms, comparing heights across different measurement systems, or solving mathematical problems, understanding how to convert feet to centimeters is essential.
This comprehensive guide focuses on converting 5.11 feet to centimeters, including all related variations such as 5 feet 11 inches, 5’11”, and decimal representations. As measurement experts with years of experience in mathematical conversions, we’ll provide you with accurate formulas, detailed tables, and step-by-step explanations that align with international standards.
Important Distinction: Before we proceed, it’s crucial to understand that “5.11 feet” and “5 feet 11 inches” are different measurements. The decimal notation in feet works differently than feet-and-inches notation, which often causes confusion among students.
Understanding the Measurement Systems
The Imperial System
The Imperial system, primarily used in the United States, measures height in:
- Feet (ft): 1 foot = 12 inches
- Inches (in): Base unit for smaller measurements
The Metric System
The metric system, used globally, measures height in:
- Meters (m): Base unit
- Centimeters (cm): 1 meter = 100 centimeters
Conversion Standards
- 1 foot = 30.48 centimeters (exact)
- 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters (exact)
These conversion factors are internationally recognized and standardized by the International System of Units (SI).
Complete Conversion Tables
Table 1: Primary Conversions for 5.11 Feet and 5’11”
| Measurement Notation | Meaning | Conversion Formula | Result in CM | Result in Meters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.11 feet | 5.11 decimal feet | 5.11 × 30.48 | 155.75 cm | 1.5575 m |
| 5’11” | 5 feet 11 inches | (5 × 30.48) + (11 × 2.54) | 180.34 cm | 1.8034 m |
| 5 feet 11 inches | 5 feet 11 inches | (5 × 30.48) + (11 × 2.54) | 180.34 cm | 1.8034 m |
| 5 ft 11 in | 5 feet 11 inches | (5 × 30.48) + (11 × 2.54) | 180.34 cm | 1.8034 m |
Table 2: Detailed Breakdown of 5 Feet 11 Inches Conversion
| Component | Value | Conversion Factor | Result in CM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feet portion | 5 feet | × 30.48 cm/foot | 152.40 cm |
| Inches portion | 11 inches | × 2.54 cm/inch | 27.94 cm |
| Total Height | 5’11” | Sum of both | 180.34 cm |
Table 3: Common Height Variations Near 5’11”
| Height (ft’in) | Height (decimal feet) | Height (cm) | Height (m) | Difference from 5’11” |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5’9″ | 5.75 feet | 175.26 cm | 1.7526 m | -5.08 cm |
| 5’10” | 5.833 feet | 177.80 cm | 1.7780 m | -2.54 cm |
| 5’11” | 5.917 feet | 180.34 cm | 1.8034 m | 0 cm (reference) |
| 6’0″ | 6.0 feet | 182.88 cm | 1.8288 m | +2.54 cm |
| 6’1″ | 6.083 feet | 185.42 cm | 1.8542 m | +5.08 cm |
Table 4: Decimal Feet Conversions (5.0 to 5.2 feet)
| Decimal Feet | Calculation | Result in CM | Equivalent in ft’in (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0 feet | 5.0 × 30.48 | 152.40 cm | 5’0″ |
| 5.05 feet | 5.05 × 30.48 | 153.92 cm | 5’0.6″ |
| 5.10 feet | 5.10 × 30.48 | 155.45 cm | 5’1.2″ |
| 5.11 feet | 5.11 × 30.48 | 155.75 cm | 5’1.3″ |
| 5.15 feet | 5.15 × 30.48 | 156.97 cm | 5’1.8″ |
| 5.20 feet | 5.20 × 30.48 | 158.50 cm | 5’2.4″ |
Essential Conversion Formulas with Examples
Formula 1: Decimal Feet to Centimeters
Formula: CM = Feet × 30.48
Example Problem: Convert 5.11 feet to centimeters.
Solution:
- CM = 5.11 × 30.48
- CM = 155.7528
- CM ≈ 155.75 cm
Formula 2: Feet and Inches to Centimeters
Formula: CM = (Feet × 30.48) + (Inches × 2.54)
Example Problem: Convert 5 feet 11 inches to centimeters.
Solution:
- Step 1: Convert feet: 5 × 30.48 = 152.40 cm
- Step 2: Convert inches: 11 × 2.54 = 27.94 cm
- Step 3: Add both: 152.40 + 27.94 = 180.34 cm
- Total = 180.34 cm
Formula 3: Centimeters to Feet and Inches
Formula:
- Total Inches = CM ÷ 2.54
- Feet = Total Inches ÷ 12 (whole number)
- Remaining Inches = Total Inches mod 12
Example Problem: Convert 180.34 cm back to feet and inches.
Solution:
- Step 1: 180.34 ÷ 2.54 = 71 inches
- Step 2: 71 ÷ 12 = 5 feet (with remainder)
- Step 3: 71 – (5 × 12) = 11 inches
- Result = 5 feet 11 inches (5’11”)
Formula 4: Converting Decimal Feet to Feet and Inches
Formula:
- Feet = Whole number part
- Inches = Decimal part × 12
Example Problem: Convert 5.917 decimal feet to feet and inches.
Solution:
- Step 1: Feet = 5
- Step 2: Inches = 0.917 × 12 = 11.004 ≈ 11 inches
- Result = 5’11”
Step-by-Step Conversion Guide for Students
Method 1: Converting 5’11” (Five Feet Eleven Inches) to CM
Step 1: Identify the components
- Feet component: 5
- Inches component: 11
Step 2: Convert feet to centimeters
- 5 feet × 30.48 cm/foot = 152.40 cm
Step 3: Convert inches to centimeters
- 11 inches × 2.54 cm/inch = 27.94 cm
Step 4: Add both values
- 152.40 cm + 27.94 cm = 180.34 cm
Answer: A person who is 5 feet 11 inches tall is 180.34 centimeters tall.
Method 2: Converting 5.11 Decimal Feet to CM
Step 1: Identify the decimal feet value
- Value: 5.11 feet
Step 2: Apply the conversion factor
- 5.11 feet × 30.48 cm/foot = 155.7528 cm
Step 3: Round to appropriate decimal places
- 155.75 cm (rounded to 2 decimal places)
Answer: 5.11 decimal feet equals 155.75 centimeters.
Common Student Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1: Confusing Decimal Feet with Feet-Inches Notation
Wrong: Thinking 5.11 feet = 5 feet 11 inches Correct: 5.11 feet = 5 feet 1.32 inches ≈ 155.75 cm, while 5’11” = 180.34 cm
How to Remember: The decimal in feet represents a fraction of a foot (1/100), not inches.
Mistake 2: Using Incorrect Conversion Factors
Wrong: Using 30 or 2.5 as approximate values Correct: Always use 30.48 for feet and 2.54 for inches
Why It Matters: Even small errors compound in calculations, leading to significant inaccuracies.
Mistake 3: Forgetting to Convert Both Components
Wrong: Converting only feet or only inches when given both Correct: Always convert both components and add them together
Example: For 5’11”, you must calculate (5×30.48) + (11×2.54), not just one part.
Practical Applications in Real Life
- International Travel and Documentation: When applying for visas or filling international forms, many countries require height in centimeters. Understanding that 5’11” = 180.34 cm helps you complete documents accurately.
- Sports and Athletics: Athletic records and requirements are often listed in both systems. A basketball player listed as 5’11” tall is 180.34 cm, which helps in international competitions.
- Medical Records: Healthcare providers worldwide use the metric system. Knowing your height in centimeters (e.g., 180.34 cm for 5’11”) ensures accurate medical documentation.
- Online Shopping: Buying clothes from international websites requires understanding your measurements in different units. A 5’11” person needs clothing sized for someone 180.34 cm tall.
- Academic Research: Scientific papers use metric units. Converting your data correctly ensures your research meets international standards.
Reference Chart: Heights Around 5’11”
Table 5: Comprehensive Height Comparison Chart
| Height (ft’in) | Height (cm) | Height (m) | Classification | Percentile (US Males) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5’8″ | 172.72 cm | 1.7272 m | Below average | ~35th |
| 5’9″ | 175.26 cm | 1.7526 m | Average | ~45th |
| 5’10” | 177.80 cm | 1.7780 m | Average | ~60th |
| 5’11” | 180.34 cm | 1.8034 m | Above average | ~75th |
| 6’0″ | 182.88 cm | 1.8288 m | Above average | ~85th |
| 6’1″ | 185.42 cm | 1.8542 m | Tall | ~92nd |
Frequently Asked Questions about 5.11 feet to cm
Q. What height is 5’11 in cm?
5’11” (5 feet 11 inches) is exactly 180.34 centimeters. This is calculated by converting 5 feet to 152.40 cm and 11 inches to 27.94 cm, then adding both values together (152.40 + 27.94 = 180.34 cm).
Q. Is 180 cm 5 ft 11?
Yes, 180 cm is very close to 5’11”. To be precise, 180 cm equals approximately 5 feet 10.87 inches, which rounds to 5’11”. The exact height of 5’11” is 180.34 cm, so there’s only a 0.34 cm (about 0.13 inches) difference.
Q. Is 175 cm 5’11?
No, 175 cm is not 5’11”. 175 cm equals approximately 5 feet 9 inches (5’9″). There’s a 5.34 cm difference between 175 cm and the actual 5’11” height of 180.34 cm. This is a common confusion that can affect documentation accuracy.
Q. Is 179 cm 5’11?
Yes, 179 cm is approximately 5’11”. More precisely, 179 cm equals about 5 feet 10.47 inches, which is typically rounded to 5’11”. The difference between 179 cm and the exact 5’11” measurement (180.34 cm) is only 1.34 cm, making it a reasonable approximation.
Q. Is 5 ft 11 in tall?
Yes, 5 feet 11 inches (180.34 cm) is considered above average height for males in most countries. In the United States, it’s taller than approximately 75% of adult men. However, “tall” is relative to population demographics—in some countries, it’s considered quite tall, while in others (like the Netherlands), it’s closer to average.
Q. What is the difference between 5.11 feet and 5’11”?
These are completely different measurements. 5.11 decimal feet equals 155.75 cm (about 5’1.3″), while 5’11” (5 feet 11 inches) equals 180.34 cm. The decimal notation represents hundredths of a foot, not inches, which causes significant confusion.
Q. How do I convert my height from feet to cm for passport applications?
For passport applications, use the formula: (Feet × 30.48) + (Inches × 2.54). If you’re 5’11”, calculate: (5 × 30.48) + (11 × 2.54) = 152.40 + 27.94 = 180.34 cm. Round to the nearest whole number (180 cm) if required. Always double-check the specific requirements of the issuing country.
Q. Why do some sources say 5’11” is 181 cm instead of 180.34 cm?
The difference comes from rounding practices. The exact conversion is 180.34 cm, but some sources round up to 181 cm, while others round down to 180 cm. For most practical purposes, stating 180 cm is acceptable, but for precise scientific or medical applications, use 180.34 cm.
Q. Can I use online calculators for height conversion, or should I calculate manually?
Both methods are valid. Online calculators are faster and reduce calculation errors, making them ideal for quick conversions. However, manual calculation helps you understand the underlying mathematics and is essential for exams or when internet access is unavailable. We recommend learning the manual method first, then using calculators for convenience.
Q. What is 5’11” in meters, and when should I use meters instead of centimeters?
5’11” equals 1.8034 meters (or approximately 1.80 m when rounded). Use meters in scientific contexts, when discussing distances over several meters, or when required by specific forms. Use centimeters for height measurements in medical records, sports statistics, and everyday documentation, as centimeters provide more precise measurements without decimals.
Learn Height Conversions
Understanding the conversion between feet and centimeters is an essential skill that extends beyond classroom mathematics. Whether you’re traveling internationally, participating in sports, or pursuing scientific studies, accurate height conversion ensures clear communication across different measurement systems.
Important Note:
- 5’11” (5 feet 11 inches) = 180.34 centimeters (the most common height query)
- 5.11 decimal feet = 155.75 centimeters (a different measurement entirely)
- Always use the exact conversion factors: 1 foot = 30.48 cm, 1 inch = 2.54 cm
- Be aware of common mistakes, especially confusing decimal feet with feet-inches notation
- Practice with various examples to build confidence in conversions
Related Resources:
| 30 cm to Inches | 40 cm to Inches | 90 cm to Inches |
| 170 cm in Feet | 155cm in Feet | 5.11 Feet in CM |