Height measurements are commonly expressed using feet and inches, especially in the United States, Canada, and several other countries. Whether you’re filling out a medical form, comparing heights, shopping for clothing, checking sports statistics, or simply curious about your height in different units, understanding height conversions is useful.
One of the most frequently asked questions is: How many inches is 5’8″?
The answer is straightforward, but knowing how to perform the conversion can help you understand height measurements more accurately and convert other heights with ease.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how many inches 5 feet 8 inches equals, how the calculation works, conversions to other units, real-world comparisons, and practical applications.
How Many Inches Is 5’8″?
The simple answer is:
5’8″ = 68 inches
This means a person who is 5 feet 8 inches tall has a total height of 68 inches.
Quick Calculation
Since:
- 1 foot = 12 inches
- 5 feet = 60 inches
Add the remaining 8 inches:
60 + 8 = 68
Therefore:
5 feet 8 inches = 68 inches
Understanding Feet and Inches
Before converting height measurements, it’s helpful to understand these units.
What Is a Foot?
A foot is a unit of length in the Imperial system.
One foot equals:
- 12 inches
Feet are commonly used for:
- Human height
- Building dimensions
- Furniture measurements
- Construction projects
What Is an Inch?
An inch is a smaller unit of length.
Inches are commonly used for:
- Clothing measurements
- Electronics
- Furniture dimensions
- Household objects
Twelve inches combine to form one foot.
How Height Is Written
Height is usually expressed in the following format:
Feet’ Inches”
Example:
- 5’8″
- 6’2″
- 5’11”
The apostrophe (‘) represents feet, while the quotation mark (“) represents inches.
Formula for Converting Height to Inches
The conversion process is simple.
Height Conversion Formula
Total Inches = (Feet × 12) + Remaining Inches
This formula works for any height expressed in feet and inches.
Example: 5’8″
Step 1:
Convert feet into inches.
5 × 12 = 60
Step 2:
Add the remaining inches.
60 + 8 = 68
Result:
5’8″ = 68 inches
Height Conversion Chart
Here are some common height conversions.
| Height | Inches |
|---|---|
| 5’0″ | 60 |
| 5’1″ | 61 |
| 5’2″ | 62 |
| 5’3″ | 63 |
| 5’4″ | 64 |
| 5’5″ | 65 |
| 5’6″ | 66 |
| 5’7″ | 67 |
| 5’8″ | 68 |
| 5’9″ | 69 |
| 5’10” | 70 |
| 5’11” | 71 |
| 6’0″ | 72 |
This chart provides a quick reference for common height measurements.
5’8″ in Other Units
Besides inches, height is often expressed in centimeters and meters.
5’8″ in Centimeters
One inch equals 2.54 centimeters.
Calculation:
68 × 2.54 = 172.72
Therefore:
5’8″ = 172.72 centimeters
5’8″ in Meters
Convert centimeters to meters:
172.72 ÷ 100 = 1.7272
Therefore:
5’8″ = 1.73 meters
Conversion Summary
| Unit | Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Inches | 68 |
| Feet | 5.67 |
| Centimeters | 172.72 |
| Meters | 1.73 |
Is 5’8″ a Common Height?
Yes, 5’8″ is a very common height in many countries.
Height averages vary by:
- Country
- Gender
- Age group
- Genetics
- Nutrition
In many regions, 5 feet 8 inches falls close to average adult height ranges.
Because of this, many people use 5’8″ as a reference point when comparing heights.
Real-Life Examples of 68 Inches
Visualizing 68 inches can be easier when compared to everyday objects.
Standard Door Height Comparison
A typical interior door is approximately 80 inches tall.
Someone who is 68 inches tall stands about 12 inches shorter than the door.
Refrigerator Height
Many refrigerators range from 65 to 72 inches tall.
A 5’8″ person is similar in height to many household refrigerators.
Large Bookshelf
Some bookshelves stand close to 68 inches tall.
Tall Floor Lamp
Many decorative floor lamps measure around 65–70 inches in height.
Basketball Hoop Comparison
A standard basketball hoop stands:
- 10 feet
- 120 inches
A person who is 5’8″ is slightly more than half the height of the hoop.
Why Convert Height Into Inches?
There are several reasons.
Medical Records
Healthcare providers often record height in inches.
Sports Statistics
Athletes’ heights are frequently listed in total inches.
Clothing and Apparel
Certain clothing measurements rely on inch-based sizing.
Military and Government Forms
Some applications require height in inches rather than feet and inches.
Mathematical Calculations
Using a single unit simplifies calculations and comparisons.
How to Measure a Height of 5’8″
Using a Measuring Tape
Stand against a wall and measure from the floor to the top of your head.
If the measurement reaches:
- 68 inches
your height is:
- 5’8″
Using a Height Chart
Many medical offices and fitness centers use wall-mounted height charts marked in both inches and feet.
Using a Stadiometer
A stadiometer is the standard device used by healthcare professionals to measure height accurately.
Common Height Conversion Mistakes
Forgetting to Multiply Feet by 12
Many people incorrectly add feet and inches together.
Incorrect:
5 + 8 = 13
Correct:
(5 × 12) + 8 = 68
Mixing Inches and Centimeters
Remember:
- Inches belong to the Imperial system.
- Centimeters belong to the Metric system.
Confusing Decimal Feet With Feet and Inches
5.67 feet is not the same format as 5 feet 8 inches.
Always convert carefully.
Calculation Errors
Double-check multiplication and addition when converting heights.
Tips for Remembering Height Conversions
Memorize Key Benchmarks
Some useful heights include:
- 5’0″ = 60 inches
- 5’6″ = 66 inches
- 5’8″ = 68 inches
- 6’0″ = 72 inches
Remember the Number 12
Every foot contains exactly 12 inches.
Use a Simple Formula
(Feet × 12) + Inches
This formula works every time.
Practice Common Heights
Frequent practice makes conversions automatic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many inches is 5’8″ exactly?
5’8″ equals exactly 68 inches.
Is 5 feet 8 inches the same as 68 inches?
Yes. Both measurements represent the same height.
How many centimeters is 5’8″?
5’8″ equals 172.72 centimeters.
How many meters is 5’8″?
5’8″ equals approximately 1.73 meters.
Is 5’8″ considered tall?
Height perceptions vary by region and population, but 5’8″ is generally considered an average-to-above-average height in many areas.
How do I convert feet and inches into total inches?
Multiply the feet by 12 and add the remaining inches.
Practical Applications of Knowing This Conversion
Understanding that 5’8″ equals 68 inches is useful for:
- Health assessments
- Fitness tracking
- Sports statistics
- Clothing purchases
- Height comparisons
- International conversions
Knowing both measurements allows you to communicate height accurately across different systems.
Conclusion
The answer to “How many inches is 5’8″?” is:
5’8″ = 68 inches
By using the formula:
Total Inches = (Feet × 12) + Inches
you can quickly convert any height into inches.
Whether you’re filling out forms, comparing heights, shopping for clothing, tracking fitness goals, or learning measurement conversions, understanding that 5 feet 8 inches equals 68 inches provides a useful and practical reference for everyday life.
