When converting feet and inches to centimeters, 5 feet 8 inches (5’8″) equals 172.72 centimeters. The conversion formula involves multiplying the number of feet by 30.48 and the inches by 2.54. Therefore, for 5 feet and 8 inches:

5×30.48=152.4 cm5 \times 30.48 = 152.4 \, \text{cm}5×30.48=152.4cm

8×2.54=20.32 cm8 \times 2.54 = 20.32 \, \text{cm}8×2.54=20.32cm

Adding these together gives 152.4+20.32=172.72 cm152.4 + 20.32 = 172.72 \, \text{cm}152.4+20.32=172.72cm​.

Why People Search for 5’8″ to Centimeters

This particular height is frequently searched as many are curious about their height in different units. The use of feet and inches is common in countries like the United States, while most other nations, including much of Europe, measure height in centimeters. 

This makes converting between these two systems a frequent task for people moving between regions or simply trying to understand their measurements in the global context.

Is 5’8″ Tall?

When discussing whether 5’8″ is tall or short, the context matters. According to surveys, if you are a male who is 5’8″, you would be taller than 33.1% of men in the United States, making you somewhat below average.

 However, if you’re a female, 5’8″ places you in the taller range, exceeding the height of 90.3% of women in the U.S.​

Why This Height Matters in Various Fields

Many people are interested in knowing how their height compares in different activities. For example, in modeling, 5’8″ is a desirable height for women, as it meets the height standards in many parts of the fashion industry. 

Similarly, for athletes, particularly in sports like gymnastics or basketball, height can affect performance and strategy. A male gymnast of 5’8″ might be considered slightly above average for the sport, while a basketball player may be considered shorter compared to the average height of players in professional leagues.

Height Conversion Tools and Online Resources

Height conversions like 5’8″ to cm are often conducted using online calculators for ease and speed. These tools allow you to input your height in feet and inches, and they instantly convert it to centimeters.

 Some popular resources include sites like UnitChefs and Calculat.io, where you can enter your height in feet and inches, and it will display the equivalent in centimeters​.

Global Variations in Height Preferences

In different cultures, 5’8″ may be viewed differently in terms of height expectations. For example, in many European countries, men of 5’8″ might be considered on the shorter side due to generally taller populations, while in Asian countries, 5’8″ is above average for both men and women. 

This variability makes height conversion not just a mathematical task but also a way to understand how height is perceived differently around the world.

Practical Applications of Knowing Height in Centimeters

Understanding height in centimeters is especially useful for:

Buying clothes: International brands list sizing according to height in centimeters. Knowing that 5’8″ is 172.72 cm helps with buying clothes online, particularly from European or Asian retailers.

Medical and Fitness: For body mass index (BMI) calculations, medical professionals use centimeters rather than feet and inches to determine your BMI accurately, which influences health assessments.

Travel and Identification: When filling out travel documents or identification forms in non-English-speaking countries, the height field often requires centimeters. Knowing your height in this measurement system ensures that you input the correct information.

Average Heights Around the World

It’s interesting to compare average heights across different countries and regions. While there are many factors that influence height, including genetics, nutrition, and healthcare, some general trends can be observed:

Northern Europe: Countries like Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands have some of the tallest populations in the world.

East Asia: People in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea tend to be shorter on average.

Africa: Heights vary significantly across the African continent, with some regions having taller populations than others.

North America: The average height in the United States and Canada is generally higher than in many other parts of the world.

FAQs

Q: How many centimeters is 5 feet 8 inches?

A: 5 feet 8 inches is equal to 172.72 centimeters.

Q: How do I convert 5’8″ to centimeters?

A: To convert 5’8″ to centimeters, you can follow these steps:

Convert feet to inches: Multiply the number of feet by 12. (5 ft * 12 in/ft = 60 in)

Add the remaining inches: 60 in + 8 in = 68 in

Multiply the total inches by 2.54: 68 in * 2.54 cm/in = 172.72 cm

Q: What is the average height for men in centimeters?

A: The average height for men varies depending on the country and region. However, in the United States, the average height for men is around 175 cm (5 feet 9 inches).

Q: What is the average height for women in centimeters?

A: The average height for women also varies depending on location. In the United States, the average height for women is around 162 cm (5 feet 4 inches).

Q: How can I measure my height in centimeters?

A: You can use a measuring tape or a height chart to measure your height in centimeters. Make sure to stand straight and tall against a wall, and have someone measure from the top of your head to the ground.

Q: What is the height of the tallest person in the world in centimeters?

A: As of 2023, the tallest person in the world is Sultan Kösen from Turkey, who is 251 cm (8 feet 2.8 inches) tall.

Q: What is the height of the shortest person in the world in centimeters?

A: As of 2023, the shortest person in the world is Chandra Bahadur Dangi from Nepal, who was 54.6 cm (21.5 inches) tall before his death in 2015.

Q: Are there any online tools or calculators that can help me convert inches to centimeters?

A: Yes, there are many online tools and calculators available that can help you convert between inches and centimeters. You can simply search for “inches to centimeters converter” to find these resources.

Conclusion

At 5 feet 8 inches, which equals 172.72 centimeters, you fall into a different height category depending on your gender and location. 

This conversion is important for a variety of practical reasons, from health assessments to shopping for clothes internationally. 

Having a firm understanding of this height measurement also helps when engaging with the global standard of centimeters, ensuring that you’re always clear on how tall you are in any context.

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