171 cm in Feet – Exact Conversion, Rounding and Height Guide

Understanding height conversions can be surprisingly tricky, especially when a number like 171 cm falls near the boundary between two common foot-inch measurements. This guide provides the exact conversion of 171 cm to feet and inches, explains the common rounding debate, and offers context for how this height is perceived for both men and women.

How Many Feet and Inches Is 171 cm? (Exact Conversion)

• The exact conversion of 171 cm is 5 feet 7.32 inches, meaning the height is slightly over 5’7″.
• In everyday use, people often round to 5’7″ (down) or 5’8″ (up) — the Reddit discussion highlights this ambiguity.
• 171 cm (about 5’7.3″) is close to the global average height for women (~160–165 cm) and below average for men (~175 cm).
• Ideal weight for a 171 cm tall person (BMI 18.5–24.9) ranges from about 54 kg to 73 kg (119–161 lbs), with a slightly lower range for women.

Is 171 cm Considered 5’7 or 5’8? (Rounding Explained)

The debate over whether 171 cm is 5’7″ or 5’8″ stems from different rounding conventions. The exact number is 5 feet and 7.32 inches. A person who rounds strictly down would say 5’7″. Someone who rounds to the nearest inch would also say 5’7″, as 7.32 is closer to 7 than 8. However, some people choose to round up to the nearest whole inch, especially in casual conversation, leading them to say 5’8″. There is no official rule, and the choice often depends on personal preference or the specific context. Medical records, for instance, typically use centimeters for precision.

Is 171 cm a Good Height for a Girl or Boy? (Height Context)

How does 171 cm compare for women?

At 171 cm (5’7.3″), a woman is generally considered tall to above-average in many countries. In the United States and many Western nations, the average height for an adult woman is closer to 5’4″ (163 cm). Being 5’7″ places a woman well above this average, a fact supported by data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This height is often associated with a statuesque or model-like stature. Global averages vary, with data from the World Health Organization (WHO) showing that the average female height can be lower or higher depending on the region, but 171 cm consistently falls above many global norms.

How does 171 cm compare for men?

For a man, 171 cm (5’7.3″) is generally considered below average to around average, depending heavily on the population. In many Western countries, the average adult male height is about 5’9″ to 5’10” (175-178 cm). At 5’7″, a man is shorter than this average. However, in some other regions of the world where the average male height is lower, 171 cm could be considered closer to the norm. The perception of this height is therefore relative and varies significantly by geographic and demographic context.

What Is the Ideal Weight for a 171 cm Height? (Health & BMI)

There is no single “ideal” weight for a person 171 cm tall, but standard health guidelines provide a healthy range. The most common reference method is the Body Mass Index (BMI). For a height of 171 cm (1.71 m), a healthy BMI range of 18.5 to 24.9 corresponds to an approximate weight of 54 kg to 73 kg (119 to 161 lbs). These guidelines are based on recommendations from health authorities like the National Health Service (NHS). Different formulas for calculating “ideal” weight may give slightly different results, often landing around 57–66 kg, depending on a person’s sex, bone density, and muscle mass.

How Does 171 cm Compare to Other Common Heights? (Conversion Table)

To put 171 cm in perspective, it is helpful to see it alongside other common conversions. This table shows how a few inches of difference change the height in feet and inches.

As the table shows, 171 cm is very close to 173 cm, which is often rounded to 5’8″. This proximity further explains the common rounding confusion. For example, a person who is 172 cm tall is just a fraction of an inch from 5’8″.

Certainty vs. Uncertainty: Why 171 cm Can Be 5’7 or 5’8

For most practical purposes, such as filling out a driver’s license, 5’7″ is the more accurate figure. However, the lack of a universal rule for rounding means that some people will correctly identify as 5’8″.

Why This Context Matters

The simple query “171 cm in feet” often hides a deeper need. People are not just looking for a number; they want to understand how that height fits into the social and physical world. They want to know if they should say 5’7 or 5’8, whether they are considered tall or short for their gender, and what a healthy weight for their frame might be. By providing this interpretive layer—including the rounding ambiguity, gender-specific height context, and health data—this guide offers a more complete and practical answer than a simple conversion tool can provide. It addresses the real-world questions that follow the initial number.

Sources and Authority

This information is compiled from standard conversion practices and authoritative health bodies. The conversion factor is based on official standards from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Global average height data is informed by reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Healthy weight ranges are derived from guidelines provided by the National Health Service (NHS).

“The exact conversion of 171 cm is 5 feet 7.32 inches.”

— National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) conversion standards

“For a height of 171 cm, a healthy BMI range corresponds to an approximate weight of 54 kg to 73 kg.”

— National Health Service (NHS) BMI guidelines

Key Takeaways for 171 cm

Whether you are 171 cm yourself or just need to convert this measurement, the most important points are the exact value (5’7.32″), the common rounding (5’7″), and the context that this height is above average for women and below average for men in many Western countries. For more related height information, you can convert 172 cm to feet for a direct comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)