A person can measure their height at home by using an object, such as a pencil, to mark a wall and measure the distance. However, it is often easier to measure height with help from another person.
With or without help, a person can get an accurate idea of how tall they are. It is also possible to do so without needing to leave the home.
The following article provides some steps and tips for measuring height accurately at home.
A person who wants to measure their own height unassisted might find it a bit challenging. But here are some steps to make it easier:
- Find a flat, straight object such as a book, ruler, or box.
- Place the object on top of the head and stand with the back straight against a wall and feet flat.
- Ensure the chosen object is straight and parallel with the floor. This is easier to do by looking in a mirror.
- Use a pencil or other erasable writing instrument to mark the wall where the object touches the top of the head.
- Measure from the floor to the marking.
Before measuring height, remove shoes, hats, and other headwear. These articles of clothing can throw off the measurement.
It is important to stand with feet flat and the back straight, as slouching or raising up at all on the ball of the foot can also create an inaccurate measurement.
If possible, ask someone to help. Having a friend or family member assist should help improve the accuracy of the measurement.
To ensure the measurement is as accurate as possible, remove shoes, hats, and other headwear, as before.
Keep feet flat on the floor and stand straight with back flat against the wall, keeping the chin parallel to the floor.
The person helping can either place a flat straight object flat on the head and mark the wall, as before, or simply hold a pencil flat against the top of the person’s head and mark the wall directly.
Measure the distance from the floor to the spot on the wall to find out the height.
Some tape measures have centimeters on one side and inches on the other. If the tape measure has only one type of measurement, it may be necessary to convert them depending on why a person needs the measurement.
For example, if a person needs the height measurements to calculate body mass index (BMI) and is not sure whether they need imperial or metric measurements, they should record both numbers and then convert if necessary.
A person can use the following conversions:
- inches to centimeters: multiply height in inches by 2.54
- centimeters to inches: divide height in centimeters by 2.54
Many calculators have a conversion capability. And tables, such as the one below, often show height in feet (ft) and inches (in), as well as in centimeters (cm).
To help with conversion, note that 1 ft = 12 in, or 30.48 cm. So, someone who measures 5ft 4in will be 64 in, or 162.56 cm tall.
| 4 ft 6 in = 137.16 cm | 5 ft 8 in = 172.72 cm |
| 4 ft 7 in = 139.7 cm | 5 ft 9 in = 175.26 cm |
| 4 ft 8 in = 142.24 cm | 5 ft.10 in = 177.8 cm |
| 4 ft 9 in = 144.78 cm | 5 ft 11 in = 180.34 cm |
| 4 ft 10 in = 147.32 cm | 6 ft = 182.88 cm |
| 4 ft 11 in = 149.86 cm | 6 ft 1 in = 185.42 cm |
| 5 ft = 152.4 cm | 6 ft 2 in = 187.96 cm |
| 5 ft 1 in = 154.94 cm | 6 ft 3 in = 190.5 cm |
| 5 ft 2 in = 157.48 cm | 6 ft 4 in = 193.04 cm |
| 5 ft 3 in = 160.02 cm | 6 ft 5 in = 195.58 cm |
| 5 ft 4 in = 162.56 cm | 6 ft 6 in = 198.12 cm |
| 5 ft 5 in = 165.1 cm | 6 ft 7 in = 200.66 cm |
| 5 ft 6 in = 167.64 cm | 6 ft 8 in = 203.2 cm |
| 5 ft 7 in = 170.18 cm | 6 ft 9 in = 205.74 cm |
A person’s height changes throughout the day. A person is at their tallest in the morning when they first wake and gradually loses some height throughout the day.
There is no best time to measure height. However, as with monitoring weight, it is best to be consistent by taking the measurement at the same point in the day each time. Try to use the same tools, including tape measure, to ensure accuracy.
There is a good chance that the minor difference in height between the morning and evening will not make a significant difference to any calculations or formulas a person is using. For example, it should not drastically alter a person’s BMI.
Average height can vary based on several factors. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, a person’s height is affected by:
- genetics
- nutrition
- access to medical care
- illness
- income
- education
- occupation
- ethnicity
Click here to learn more about factors that influence a person’s height.
As a result, people living in wealthier nations with access to food, water, and healthcare often have taller average heights.
According to the
- biological males: 5 ft 9 in, which is 69 in, or 175.26 cm
- biological females: 5 ft 4 in, which is 63.6 in, or 162.56 cm
Learn more about the average height for men and the average height for women here.
A person can measure their height at home with relative accuracy.
It is often easier to do with help from another person, but it is possible to do it without help by using the proper tools.
A person can convert between in and cm using a simple formula or use an online chart or calculator.