BMI calculators, fitness apps, and even medical records may ask for your height in feet and inches. Knowing how to change between these units is more than just helpful; it's necessary to track your health correctly.
Why Changing Height Matters for BMI
BMI is calculated using your weight and height, typically with the following formula:
BMI = weight (kg) ÷ (height (m) × height (m))
If your height is inputted wrong—such as 170 cm being entered as 1.70 ft—the results will be utterly wrong. This could give you incorrect information regarding whether you are underweight, normal, overweight, or obese.
Knowing how to change your height is essential because feet and inches are used in the U.S. and a few other places.
How to Change Centimeters to Feet and Inches
It is easier than it sounds to change centimeters into feet and inches. Here's a simple way:
Step 1: Convert cm to inches
To find out how tall you are in inches, divide your height in cm by 2.54.
For example, converting 170 cm to inches: 170 ÷ 2.54 = 66.93 inches.
Step 2: Convert inches to feet and inches
To get feet, divide the total inches by 12.
For example: 66 ÷ 12 = 5 feet with 6.93 inches left over → about 5'7".
This simple conversion lets you correctly enter your height into BMI calculators, ensuring you get the right results.
Why It's Important to Have an Accurate BMI
BMI is a straightforward approach to determine what your body is comprised of and what health issues you might have. Knowing your BMI can help you in several ways:
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Learn what makes you more likely to get heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses
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Keep a note of your goals for losing or gaining weight
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Find the weight limits that are considered healthy based on your height
But BMI isn't perfect. It doesn't consider how much muscle, bone, or fat you have. It's still a good place to start if you want to learn more about your health.
Making BMI Calculations Super Easy
It's easier than ever to figure out your BMI with the help of internet calculators, apps, and fitness trackers. You can enter your height in either centimeters or feet and inches; many tools will automatically change it for you.
Conclusion
Height may seem like a simple statistic, but it is essential for figuring out your health through BMI.