Last week my cousin from Germany told me he’s 180 centimeters tall. I just stared at my phone. What does that even mean? I grew up with feet and inches – centimeters might as well be ancient hieroglyphics to me.
Pulled out Google. Did some quick math. Messed up twice because apparently I can’t divide properly anymore. Finally figured it out.
180 cm equals 5 feet 11 inches. Write that down somewhere.
The exact number my calculator spit out was 5 feet and 10.87 inches but come on. Nobody’s measuring that 0.87 part unless they’re at a doctor’s office filling out paperwork. Just say 5’11” and move on with your life.
You could also write it as 5.9 feet in decimal but that sounds robotic. “Hi I’m five point nine feet tall.” Weird. Don’t do that.
How Tall is 180 cm in Feet? Breaking Down the Math (Won’t Take Long)
Converting these measurements made my brain hurt initially. Seriously, why do we have two completely different systems? Would’ve saved me so much confusion if everyone just picked one and stuck with it.
How This Conversion Actually Works
One number matters here: 2.54 centimeters equals 1 inch. Memorize that if you can. Makes everything easier.
Take your 180 centimeters. Grab a calculator. Divide 180 by 2.54. You’ll get something around 70.87 inches total.
But here’s the thing – we don’t say someone is “seventy point eight seven inches tall” because that sounds insane. We use feet combined with inches. There’s 12 inches in every foot, so take those 70.87 inches and divide by 12.
Calculator shows 5.9 feet. The whole number (5) becomes your feet. That leftover 0.9 needs converting to inches.
Multiply 0.9 times 12. Boom – 10.87 inches. Round that up to 11 because life’s too short for decimals.
Final answer: 180 cm equals 5 feet 11 inches total.
Not complicated once you do it a couple times.
Nearby Heights for Reference
Maybe you’re not exactly 180. Maybe you’re 178 or 182 and wondering where that puts you. Here’s a chart:
| Height | Feet & Inches | Total Inches |
|---|---|---|
| 175 cm | 5’9″ | 69 inches |
| 176 cm | 5’9″ | 69 inches |
| 177 cm | 5’10” | 70 inches |
| 178 cm | 5’10” | 70 inches |
| 179 cm | 5’10.5″ | 70.5 inches |
| 180 cm | 5’11” | 71 inches |
| 181 cm | 5’11” | 71 inches |
| 182 cm | 5’11.5″ | 72 inches |
| 183 cm | 6’0″ | 72 inches |
| 184 cm | 6’0.5″ | 72.5 inches |
| 185 cm | 6’1″ | 73 inches |
See where 183 cm hits? That’s your magical 6-foot mark. Everyone obsesses over being 6 feet for some reason. At 180 you’re roughly an inch away. Close enough to round up at parties? Your call.
Is 180 cm Actually Considered Tall?
Depends massively on where you’re standing when someone asks.
For Guys
United States: You’re definitely above average here. Most American guys measure around 5’9″ (175 cm according to CDC height data). You’ve got about 2 inches on the typical person. Not towering but noticeable.
Asia: You’ll probably feel pretty tall. In countries like Japan, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand – average heights run shorter. People might stare a bit. Old ladies at markets will definitely ask if you play basketball (even if you’ve never touched one in your life).
Netherlands or Scandinavia: Buckle up for a reality check. Dutch guys average around 6’0″ (184 cm). You’d actually be below average there. Kind of humbling when you think about it. All those tall blonde people make you feel regular-sized.
Latin America or Southern Europe: You’re comfortably taller than most folks you’ll meet. Not freakishly tall or anything. Just noticeably above average in a normal way.
For Women
Any woman at 180 cm already knows she’s tall everywhere. No surprises there.
Average female height globally sits somewhere between 5’3″ and 5’6″ (160-168 cm per WHO growth data). At 5’11” you’re anywhere from 5 to 7 inches above that. Finding pants with proper inseam length probably haunts your shopping trips. People have told you “wow you should model” approximately seven thousand times.
Average Heights Around the World
Here’s how 180 cm stacks up internationally:
| Country | Average Male Height | Where 180 cm Stands |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | 6’0″ (184 cm) | Below average actually |
| Germany | 5’11” (180 cm) | Right at average |
| United States | 5’9″ (175 cm) | Clearly above average |
| United Kingdom | 5’10” (178 cm) | Slightly above average |
| China | 5’9″ (176 cm) | Above average |
| Japan | 5’8″ (172 cm) | Quite noticeably taller |
| Mexico | 5’7″ (169 cm) | Pretty tall |
| India | 5’5″ (166 cm) | Really tall |
Geography matters way more than most people realize. What’s tall in Mumbai is average in Munich.
Why You Actually Need This Conversion
Nobody sits around converting measurements for entertainment purposes. There’s usually a practical reason behind it.
Dating Apps (Yeah, Let’s Address It)
This is probably why half of you are reading this right now. Someone on Bumble or Tinder mentioned they’re 180 cm tall. You have absolutely no frame of reference for that number.
Now you know – that’s 5’11” in American. Generally considered solid height in the dating world according to data from dating preferences research. Tall enough without being too tall. Not that height should matter as much as it does but let’s be realistic about how people think.
Shopping for Clothes Online
European clothing brands list every single measurement in centimeters. You’re trying to figure out if those jeans will actually fit your legs. Their size charts make zero sense when you only know your height in feet.
At 180 cm (5’11”) you probably need “long” or “tall” sizes for pants. Regular length might leave your ankles showing. Learned that the hard way myself.
Travel Documents and Forms
Visa applications. International driver’s licenses. Customs paperwork. Medical forms abroad. They all ask for height and sometimes specify which unit they want.
Way easier when you’ve got both measurements memorized. Saves you from frantically Googling conversions while standing in line at immigration.
Just Meeting People in Real Life
You’ve been messaging someone online. They casually mention their height in centimeters during conversation. You’re trying to picture if they’re taller or shorter than you. Makes sense to understand what they’re actually saying.
Why We’re Stuck With Two Different Systems
This genuinely drives me crazy sometimes. Why can’t the entire world just agree on one measuring system?
Metric System (Centimeters)
Pretty much the whole planet uses this except America. Everything’s based on multiples of 10 which makes logical sense:
- 10 millimeters = 1 centimeter
- 100 centimeters = 1 meter
- 1,000 meters = 1 kilometer
Clean. Organized. Easy to calculate in your head. The French came up with this during their revolution and most countries eventually adopted it per NIST metric program history.
Imperial System (Feet and Inches)
America and sorta-kinda the UK still use this mess:
- 12 inches = 1 foot
- 3 feet = 1 yard
- 5,280 feet = 1 mile
Why these completely random numbers? Because it’s based on old British measurements from medieval times. Supposedly based on king’s body parts or barleycorns or something equally bizarre. Nobody really remembers the original reasoning anymore.
Why America Refuses to Switch
Short answer: money plus stubbornness. Converting every road sign, product label, manufacturing tool, textbook – would cost absolutely insane amounts of money. There were some attempts in the 1970s to go metric. Failed spectacularly. So here we are, forever Googling conversions like cavemen.
You’re Actually Taller in the Morning (Seriously)
This sounds completely made up but I swear it’s real science. You lose measurable height during the day.
Anywhere from 1 to 2 centimeters (roughly half an inch to three-quarters inch) gets compressed off your height by nighttime.
What’s happening is gravity literally squishes your spine throughout the day. The discs between your vertebrae contain fluid. As you walk around, sit at your desk, stand in line – that fluid gradually gets squeezed out. Your spine compacts slightly.
When you lie horizontal for sleep, everything decompresses. Fluid returns to those discs. You stretch back to full height. Morning version of you stands taller than evening version.
So measuring yourself:
- Right after waking up: Might hit 181 cm (almost 5’11.5″)
- End of the day: Could be closer to 179 cm (5’10.5″)
Doctors know about this. That’s why they try measuring patients at consistent times. Also explains why your height varies slightly across different IDs or medical records according to studies on diurnal height variation.
Random tip: Need to maximize your height for something important? Photos, meeting requirements, impressing someone? Do it first thing after waking up. You’ll measure tallest then.
How to Actually Measure Height Correctly
Most people completely botch this process without realizing it.
What You’ll Need
- Completely flat wall (no baseboards sticking out)
- Hardcover book or other rigid flat object
- Tape measure (non-stretchy kind)
- Another human to help (measuring yourself is surprisingly impossible)
The Actual Steps
Step one: Take your shoes off. Obvious but people forget constantly.
Step two: Stand with your back pressed against the wall. Heels touching it. Butt touching it. Shoulders touching it. Stand naturally tall but don’t cheat by going on tiptoes.
Step three: Look straight forward. Keep your head level – not tilted up or down. Imagine there’s a horizontal line running from your ear canal to the bottom of your eye socket.
Step four: Have your helper place that book flat on top of your head. Needs to sit perpendicular to the wall, not at some weird angle.
Step five: Mark exactly where the bottom edge of the book meets the wall. Light pencil mark works perfectly.
Step six: Measure the distance from floor up to that mark.
Step seven: Repeat the whole process. If you get different numbers, do it a third time. Height measurements are weirdly easy to mess up.
Common Mistakes Everyone Makes
- Keeping shoes on adds 1-3 cm depending on footwear
- Tilting head upward artificially adds height
- Not standing completely flat against wall affects posture
- Measuring at wildly different times of day (that morning vs evening thing)
- Using a floppy cloth tape measure on your head never works right
Weight and Health Stuff at 180 cm
Height naturally brings up weight discussions. What’s considered healthy at this height?
The Healthy Weight Range
BMI calculations (which aren’t perfect but give a general ballpark) suggest someone who’s 180 cm tall should weigh approximately:
Between 60 and 80 kilograms (roughly 132 to 176 pounds)
More detailed breakdown:
| Your Weight | In Pounds | BMI Category | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55 kg | 121 lbs | 17.0 | Underweight zone |
| 60 kg | 132 lbs | 18.5 | Normal (lower end) |
| 65 kg | 143 lbs | 20.1 | Normal range |
| 70 kg | 154 lbs | 21.6 | Normal (pretty ideal) |
| 75 kg | 165 lbs | 23.1 | Normal range |
| 80 kg | 176 lbs | 24.7 | Normal (upper end) |
| 85 kg | 187 lbs | 26.2 | Overweight starts |
| 90 kg | 198 lbs | 27.8 | Overweight |
| 95 kg | 209 lbs | 29.3 | Overweight |
Major disclaimer here: BMI is pretty outdated honestly. Doesn’t account for muscle mass, bone density, where your weight sits on your frame, or tons of other factors. If you lift weights and have significant muscle, BMI might label you “overweight” when you’re actually really healthy. Take these numbers as rough guidelines, not absolute gospel truth per Harvard Health BMI limitations.
Famous People Who Are Around 180 cm
Sometimes helps to picture actual celebrities at this height.
Actors:
- Ryan Gosling gets listed at 6’0″ usually but he’s probably closer to 5’11” in reality
- Jake Gyllenhaal sits right around the 5’11” mark
- Robert Downey Jr. is more like 5’9″ to 5’10” for comparison
Musicians:
- Ed Sheeran falls somewhere in that 5’10” to 5’11” range
- Justin Bieber is probably 5’9″ to 5’10” honestly
Athletes:
- Professional soccer players frequently fall between 175-185 cm
- Many NBA point guards sit around this height (though that’s considered short for basketball)
Celebrity heights get exaggerated constantly. Someone officially listed at 6’0″ might actually be 5’10” in real shoes. Hollywood does weird things with height reporting.
Quick Cheat Sheet for Other Heights
Since you’re already here looking stuff up, probably need other conversions too:
Common Heights for Men
- 170 cm = 5’7″ (below average most places)
- 175 cm = 5’9″ (about average in US)
- 180 cm = 5’11” (above average)
- 183 cm = 6’0″ (that magical number)
- 185 cm = 6’1″ (definitely tall)
- 190 cm = 6’3″ (very tall)
Common Heights for Women
- 155 cm = 5’1″ (shorter side)
- 160 cm = 5’3″ (bit below average)
- 165 cm = 5’5″ (pretty average)
- 170 cm = 5’7″ (above average)
- 175 cm = 5’9″ (tall)
- 180 cm = 5’11” (very tall)
The Actual Conversion Formulas
Most people just want the answer without caring about formulas. But some folks need to understand the mechanics.
Centimeters to Feet (Decimal Format)
Take your height in centimeters. Divide by 30.48. That’s it.
Example: 180 ÷ 30.48 = 5.906 feet
Centimeters to Feet and Inches
First step: Convert centimeters to inches by dividing by 2.54
- 180 ÷ 2.54 = 70.87 inches total
Second step: Divide those inches by 12 to figure out feet
- 70.87 ÷ 12 = 5.91 feet
- The whole number (5) becomes your feet
Third step: Multiply the decimal portion by 12 for remaining inches
- 0.91 × 12 = 10.87 inches
Final answer: 5 feet and 10.87 inches, which everyone rounds to 5’11”
Feet to Centimeters (Reverse Direction)
Multiply feet by 30.48. Or convert everything to inches first then multiply by 2.54. Either method works fine.
Example with 5’11”:
- 5 feet × 30.48 = 152.4 cm
- 11 inches × 2.54 = 27.94 cm
- Add together: 152.4 + 27.94 = 180.34 cm (basically 180)
Questions People Keep Asking Me
Is 180 cm exactly the same as 6 feet?
Nope, close but not identical. Six feet actually equals 182.88 cm (people usually round to 183). So 180 cm falls about 3 centimeters short of 6 feet. That’s roughly an inch and a quarter.
People round up in casual conversation all the time though. Close enough that most won’t notice the difference unless you’re literally standing back-to-back comparing.
Can you still grow taller after turning 18?
Probably not but maybe in rare cases. Most guys stop growing somewhere between ages 18 and 21. Girls usually stop earlier around 16 to 18. Growing another 3 cm (about an inch) after that is pretty uncommon.
You might measure differently at various times because of posture changes or time of day. And yeah, some people squeeze out tiny amounts of growth in early twenties, especially men. But don’t bank on it happening.
Does height really matter that much for dating?
Depends entirely on who you ask. Some people have strong preferences. Others genuinely don’t care at all.
At 180 cm (5’11”) you’re in what most consider attractive territory height-wise. Tall enough to be noticed positively, not so tall it gets awkward or impractical.
That whole “must be 6 feet minimum” thing is more internet meme than actual reality. Plenty of guys under 6 feet date successfully. Personality, humor, being a decent human – matters infinitely more than an extra inch or two.
What’s the ideal height for buying clothes easily?
Being close to average height (which varies by country) makes off-the-rack shopping way simpler. At 180 cm you’re slightly above average in most places, which means:
- Regular pants might run short on you (probably need “long” sizes)
- Shirts and jackets usually fit fine without alterations
- Shoes are typically easy to find in your size
- Don’t need specialty “big and tall” store sections
Could be way worse. Really tall people (like 6’4″ and up) or really short folks struggle significantly more finding clothes that fit properly.
Do people lie about their height constantly?
Oh absolutely. All the time. Constantly.
Research shows people on dating apps tend to add roughly 1 to 2 inches to their actual height. Someone claiming 6’0″ might actually be 5’10” or 5’11” in reality according to OkCupid data analysis.
Women tend to be slightly more accurate but still round up sometimes.
So if you’re genuinely 180 cm (5’11”), you’re probably taller than lots of people claiming to be 6’0″. Kind of funny when you think about it.
Can you measure height accurately using phone apps?
Sort of, in a rough ballpark way. Apps using AR (augmented reality) and your camera can measure heights. They’ll usually get you within a centimeter or two.
But for anything official or when precision matters, use an actual tape measure and wall. Phone apps are fine for quick estimates when you’re curious about something but they’re not super accurate.
Height and Different Sports
Different sports favor different heights. At 180 cm you’re in an interesting middle zone:
Sports Where 180 cm Works Great
- Soccer/football (excellent for most positions, maybe short for goalkeeper)
- Tennis (good balance of reach and agility)
- Swimming (decent height though taller often helps)
- Martial arts (solid height for most weight classes)
- Baseball (works fine for most positions)
Sports Where You’d Be Short
- Basketball (you’d be short – most players are 6’3″ and taller)
- Volleyball (below average for competitive levels)
- Rowing (they typically prefer taller athletes)
Sports Where You’d Be Too Tall
- Horse racing jockey (way too tall)
- Gymnastics (generally too tall)
- Figure skating (on the taller end)
Bottom line: 180 cm is pretty versatile for most athletic activities. Not so tall you sacrifice agility, not so short you lack reach or power.
Genetics and Height Development
Your height isn’t some random lottery. There’s actual science determining it.
Genetic Factors
Roughly 80% of your height comes from genetics – what you inherited from mom and dad. The remaining 20% comes from environmental factors like nutrition, health, and lifestyle during growing years.
It’s not just one simple gene either. Scientists have identified over 700 different genetic variants that contribute to determining height. Complicated stuff according to genetic height studies.
Environmental Influences on Height
Things that help you reach genetic potential:
- Solid nutrition throughout childhood and teen years
- Getting enough sleep consistently (growth hormone peaks during deep sleep)
- Regular exercise and physical activity
- Access to decent healthcare
- Relatively low stress during developmental periods
Things that might limit growth:
- Poor nutrition or insufficient calories
- Chronic illness during childhood or adolescence
- Consistent sleep deprivation
- Certain medications or medical conditions
- Really high stress levels over extended periods
Predicting Adult Height
There’s a formula called the mid-parental height method that gives rough estimates:
For boys: Add mom’s height to dad’s height, divide by 2, then add 6.5 cm
For girls: Add mom’s height to dad’s height, divide by 2, then subtract 6.5 cm
This gives a ballpark estimate. Most people end up within about 5 cm (2 inches) of this prediction either direction. Not perfect but decent guess.
How Humans Have Gotten Taller Over Time
Average human height has increased dramatically over the past 150 years or so.
Height Changes Through History
- 1850s average male: Approximately 167 cm (5’6″)
- 1950s average male: Approximately 173 cm (5’8″)
- 2020s average male: Approximately 175 cm (5’9″)
That’s a pretty significant jump. Scientists call this the “secular trend in height.” Main reasons include:
- Dramatically improved nutrition
- Way better healthcare and medicine
- Fewer serious childhood diseases
- Economic development across countries
- Generally better living conditions
Countries With Tallest Average Heights
Top 10 tallest countries for men:
- Netherlands – 183.8 cm (6’0.4″)
- Montenegro – 183.3 cm (6’0.2″)
- Denmark – 181.4 cm (5’11.4″)
- Norway – 180.5 cm (5’11.1″)
- Serbia – 180.3 cm (5’11.0″)
- Germany – 179.9 cm (5’10.8″)
- Croatia – 179.6 cm (5’10.7″)
- Czech Republic – 179.2 cm (5’10.5″)
- Slovenia – 179.0 cm (5’10.5″)
- Sweden – 178.9 cm (5’10.4″)
If you’re 180 cm, you’d be right around average or slightly above in these tall populations.
Other Useful Conversions
While we’re talking conversions, here are other measurements that come up:
Length Conversions
| Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|
| 1 cm | About 0.4 inches |
| 10 cm | About 4 inches |
| 30 cm | About 12 inches (1 foot) |
| 1 meter (100 cm) | About 39 inches (3.3 feet) |
| 1 kilometer | About 0.6 miles |
Weight Conversions
| Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|
| 1 kg | About 2.2 pounds |
| 10 kg | About 22 pounds |
| 50 kg | About 110 pounds |
| 100 kg | About 220 pounds |
Temperature Conversions
- Celsius to Fahrenheit: Multiply by 1.8 then add 32
- Fahrenheit to Celsius: Subtract 32 then multiply by 0.56
Tools and Resources for Converting
If you need to convert stuff beyond just 180 cm:
Online Resources
- Just Google “cm to feet” directly
- Your phone’s built-in calculator app usually has conversion functions
- Various conversion websites (though Google works perfectly fine)
- Dedicated converter apps if you need them constantly
Phone Features
- iPhone has the Measure app using AR technology
- Android has Google Measure
- Various height measurement apps that use your camera
Traditional Tools
- Tape measure with both metric and imperial markings
- Stadiometer (what they use at doctor’s offices)
- Wall-mounted height charts
Wrapping Everything Up
Alright, let’s summarize all of this.
180 centimeters equals 5 feet 11 inches total. That’s 5’11” in shorthand.
It’s approximately 3 centimeters (roughly 1 inch) shorter than that 6-foot mark everyone seems obsessed with, but close enough people round up in casual situations.
It’s above average height in most parts of the world. Definitely tall in many countries. Pretty much average in a handful of Northern European places where everyone’s ridiculously tall.
Whether you’re 180 cm yourself, trying to picture someone who mentioned they’re that height, shopping for clothes on international websites, or just fell down a curiosity rabbit hole at 2am – now you know exactly what this measurement means in both systems.
And hopefully you can now do rough conversions in your head without pulling out your phone calculator every single time.
Height is just a number at the end of the day. Being a decent person matters infinitely more than a couple inches. But it’s still genuinely useful to understand what 180 cm actually means when someone mentions it.
Last updated: October 2025
I’m not a medical professional or professional mathematician or anything like that. Just someone who spent way too much time researching height conversions. If you need actual medical advice about growth, weight, health stuff – talk to a real doctor. And seriously don’t blame me if you round 180 cm up to 6’0″ on your dating profile and someone calls you out on it later.