Converting 170 cm to feet requires more than a quick calculator check—it demands understanding the precise math behind the metric-imperial divide. 170 cm equals 5 feet 6.93 inches, which most people round to 5’7″ for everyday use. This guide covers the exact calculation, common rounding conventions, and where 170 cm ranks on height charts for men and women across different regions.

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Exact Conversion: 5 feet 6.93 inches · Feet Decimal: 5.577 feet · Rounded Common: 5’7″ · Cm per Foot: 30.48 cm

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Subjective “tallness” perception varies by region and gender (GIGACalculator)
  • Average male height comparisons lack precise regional granularity (Calculator Online)
3Timeline signal
4What happens next
  • Use the formula to convert any cm value to feet/inches (RapidTables)
  • Apply context for your specific gender or regional comparison (GIGACalculator)

The table below consolidates the key conversion values for 170 cm across all standard notations used in imperial and metric contexts.

Label Value
170 cm in Feet/Inches 5′ 6.93″
Decimal Feet 5.577 ft
1 Foot in cm 30.48 cm
Rounded US Notation 5’7″
Total Inches 66.93 in
Cm per Inch 2.54 cm

Is 170 cm 5’5″ or 5’7″?

The confusion around whether 170 cm equals 5’5″ or 5’7″ stems from rounding conventions. The precise answer from Inch Calculator is 5 feet 6.93 inches—placing it closer to 5’7″ than 5’5″.

Exact calculation

The math follows a two-step process. First, divide 170 by 2.54 (the exact centimeter value of one inch) to get total inches: 170 ÷ 2.54 = 66.93 inches. Then divide by 12 to separate whole feet from the remainder: 66.93 ÷ 12 = 5 feet with 6.93 inches left over.

Common rounding

Most everyday contexts round 6.93 inches up to 7 inches, making 170 cm equivalent to 5’7″. This rounded figure appears on many conversion charts and medical records, according to The Calculator Site. The difference of 0.07 inches is negligible for most purposes but matters for precision work like tailoring.

The catch: when precision matters—say, for medical height tracking or custom clothing—stick with 5’6.93″. For casual conversation and general sizing, 5’7″ works fine.

How many feet and inches are there in 170 cm?

The straightforward answer: 170 cm contains 5 feet and 6.93 inches. The RapidTables conversion method uses the formula: total feet = cm ÷ 30.48, then extract whole feet and multiply the remainder by 12.

Conversion formula

  • Step 1: 170 cm ÷ 30.48 cm/foot = 5.577 feet
  • Step 2: 0.577 × 12 inches = 6.93 inches
  • Result: 5′ 6.93″

Step-by-step math

Alternatively, multiply cm by 0.393701 to get inches directly: 170 × 0.393701 = 66.93 inches. Then divide by 12 for the feet/inches split. Both methods yield identical results, as confirmed by Calculatio.

The takeaway

For scientific calculations requiring decimal precision, 5.577 feet delivers the accuracy you need. For height charts, clothing sizes, and everyday conversation, imperial notation (5′ 6.93″) aligns with what systems and people expect.

What this means: if you’re inputting height into a US-formatted system, use 5’7″ or 5’6.93″—not 5.577 feet.

Is 5’7″ tall for a man?

In the United States, the average adult male stands around 5’9″ (175.3 cm), according to national health surveys. At 5’7″, a man falls roughly 2 inches below the US average. However, this is highly context-dependent—GIGACalculator’s height comparison data shows considerable variation across regions.

US average comparison

US males aged 20+ average 5’9.5″ according to CDC data. A 5’7″ man is shorter than average but well within the normal range. He’s taller than roughly 30-40% of US men.

Worldwide context

The picture changes dramatically outside the US. In many Asian, Latin American, and European countries, 170 cm (5’7″) sits at or above the male average. Southeast Asian and East Asian nations often see male averages below 170 cm, while Northern European countries typically exceed it.

The pattern: “tall” is relative. 5’7″ reads short in Scandinavia and the Netherlands but average or above-average in the Philippines, Japan, or Mexico.

Is 170cm too tall for a girl?

For women, 170 cm (5’7″) is notably tall in most countries. The global female average hovers around 5’3″ to 5’4″, making a 5’7″ woman taller than roughly 85-90% of women worldwide.

Female height averages

US women average 5’4″ (162.6 cm). In many European nations, averages range from 5’5″ to 5’6″. Parts of East Africa show lower averages around 5’0″-5’2″, while some Central African populations average under 5′. GIGACalculator’s comparison tools show these regional variations clearly.

Perception factors

Height perception varies by culture and context. In modeling, 5’7″ is on the shorter end for runway work (typically 5’9″+ for high fashion) but meets commercial and petite modeling requirements. In social and professional settings, taller women often report both advantages (perceived confidence) and challenges (finding clothes, standing out).

The paradox

170 cm reads differently depending on whose shoulders it’s sitting on. For men, it’s slightly below average in Western nations. For women, it’s notably above average everywhere. The implication: before assuming someone is “tall” or “short,” specify the gender and the comparison population.

Is 170 cm tall enough to be a model?

Model requirements depend heavily on the modeling category. 170 cm opens some doors while closing others—the Calculator Online height comparison tool provides gender-specific benchmarks that clarify where 5’7″ lands.

Fashion requirements

High fashion/runway models typically need 5’9″ to 6’0″ (175-183 cm). Commercial and catalog models often accept 5’7″ to 5’9″. At exactly 170 cm (5’7″), a woman meets the lower threshold for commercial modeling but falls short for most runway work.

Other model types

  • Petite modeling: requires under 5’4″—170 cm is too tall
  • Commercial/lifestyle modeling: 5’5″ to 5’9″ typical—170 cm qualifies
  • Fitness modeling: 5’4″ to 5’9″ range—170 cm qualifies
  • Parts/hand modeling: no height restriction—170 cm irrelevant

What this means: for aspiring fashion models in New York or Paris, 170 cm requires careful category selection. Commercial and lifestyle modeling tracks remain open; runway ambitions face a height barrier.

How to Convert 170 cm to Feet

Converting centimeters to feet involves a simple formula. The key constant: one foot equals exactly 30.48 centimeters (standardized internationally since 1959, per RapidTables). For a precise conversion, check out this 20 inch to cm converter. 20 inch to cm converter

Formula overview

  • Method 1: cm ÷ 30.48 = total feet → split into whole feet + remainder × 12
  • Method 2: cm × 0.393701 = total inches → ÷ 12 for feet/inches
  • Method 3: Use an online converter like Height Comparison for instant results

Step-by-step conversion

  1. Start with your cm value: 170 cm
  2. Divide by 30.48: 170 ÷ 30.48 = 5.577 feet
  3. Separate whole feet: 5 feet
  4. Multiply remainder by 12: 0.577 × 12 = 6.93 inches
  5. Result: 5′ 6.93″ (or rounded to 5′ 7″)
Watch out

Mixing units in converters produces wildly incorrect results—enter cm in a cm field, not a feet field. This common error explains why many people get confused about whether 170 cm equals 5’5″ or 5’7″, as noted by MrInitialMan’s sizing guide.

The implication: once you know the 30.48 cm/foot constant, you can convert any height. Bookmark a converter for quick checks, or memorize 5’7″ ≈ 170 cm as a useful touchstone.

Bottom line: 170 cm converts to 5 feet 6.93 inches precisely, commonly rounded to 5’7″. Men at this height fall slightly below average in Western nations; women are notably above average globally. For aspiring models, 170 cm qualifies for commercial work but falls short for runway requirements in high fashion markets.

Confirmed facts

  • 170 cm = 66.93 inches exactly (using 2.54 cm/inch)
  • 170 cm ÷ 30.48 = 5.577 feet decimal
  • 170 cm = 5′ 6.93″ in feet/inches notation
  • 1 foot = 30.48 cm (standard since 1959)
  • Online converters consistently show 5’6.9″ to 5’7″

What’s unclear

  • Precise regional male height averages for comparison
  • Subjective perception of “tallness” by culture and context

What do the experts say?

170 centimeters is equal to 5 feet and 6.9 inches.

— Inch Calculator (Specialized conversion calculator)

170 centimeters is equal to 5 feet and 6.9 inches.

— The Calculator Site (Conversion reference tool)

170 cm is approximately 5 feet 7 inches (exactly 5′ 7″).

— Wukongsch (Conversion reference)

For anyone needing quick conversions, the consensus across multiple tools is clear: 170 cm sits between 5’6″ and 5’7″, fractionally closer to 5’7″. If precision matters, use 5’6.93″. If convenience wins, 5’7″ works for most everyday situations.

Related reading: 170cm in Feet and Inches: Exact Converter + Height Guide · 170cm in Feet and Inches: Exact Conversion Guide

Additional sources

easy-peasy.ai, math.answers.com, arahr.com

For a close comparison just 2cm taller, the 172cm feet converter explains 172cm as roughly 5 feet 8 inches with model and average height charts.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the formula to convert cm to feet?

Divide centimeters by 30.48 to get total feet. For feet and inches separately: divide by 30.48 for total feet, then separate whole feet and multiply the decimal remainder by 12 for inches.

How accurate is 170 cm as 5’7″?

5’7″ is a rounded approximation. The precise figure is 5′ 6.93″. The 0.07-inch difference is negligible for most purposes but matters for tailoring and medical recording.

What is 175 cm in feet?

175 cm equals approximately 5′ 8.9″ or rounded to 5’9″. This puts it closer to the US male average of 5’9″.

Is 170 cm average male height?

170 cm is slightly below average for US and Northern European men but at or above average in many Asian and Latin American countries. Global male averages range from 165-180 cm depending on region.

What height is 171 cm in feet?

171 cm converts to about 5′ 7.32″ (5’7″ rounded). It’s essentially the same as 170 cm for casual purposes—just 0.4 inches taller.

How to measure height accurately?

Stand barefoot against a wall, heels together, back straight. Place a flat object on top of your head at a right angle to the wall. Mark and measure from floor to mark. Use a measuring tape or ruler for the result in cm or inches.

170 cm ideal weight range?

Ideal weight depends on frame size, muscle mass, and health factors. For a 170 cm adult, BMI-healthy ranges typically span 56-75 kg (123-165 lbs), though this varies by gender and body composition.

For anyone working across metric and imperial systems, 170 cm ≈ 5’7″ gives you a reliable anchor point. Bookmark this conversion for travel, shopping, or anytime you need to communicate height across measurement systems.