You're standing in front of a mirror, or maybe you're filling out a form, and you see that number: 167. It’s one of those middle-ground measurements that feels different depending on where you are in the world. If you're wondering 167 cm is how tall in the imperial system used in the US or UK, the quick answer is 5 feet 5.7 inches. Most people just round that up to 5’6”, but if we're being precise—and why wouldn't we be?—it’s just a hair under that mark.
It’s a funny height. In a room full of people, you aren't exactly "short," but you aren't towering over anyone either. It’s that sweet spot of being remarkably average in some countries and quite tall in others. Context is everything.
The math of the matter: Breaking down the conversion
Let’s get the technical stuff out of the way first. Converting centimeters to feet and inches isn't just about dividing by one number; it’s a two-step dance. First, you take your 167 and divide it by 2.54, which is how many centimeters are in a single inch. That gives you 65.748 inches.
Now, since there are 12 inches in a foot, you divide 65.748 by 12. You get 5 with a remainder. That remainder is where people usually get confused. It’s not 5.5 feet. It’s 5 feet and about 5 and three-quarter inches.
To be exact: 167 cm is 5.479 feet. Math is dry. I get it. But knowing that precise 5’5.7” measurement helps when you’re buying clothes from European brands that use metric or trying to figure out if you'll actually fit in that tiny budget airline seat without your knees hitting the plastic.
✨ Don't miss: L'Oreal Permanent Hair Dye: What Most People Get Wrong About Box Color
Why 167 cm feels different depending on where you land
Height is relative. It’s a social construct as much as a biological one. If you are 167 cm and walking down a street in Amsterdam, you are going to feel small. The average Dutch man is around 183 cm (6’0”), and even the women average about 170 cm (5’7”). In that forest of tall humans, you’re looking up quite a bit.
But fly over to Southeast Asia or parts of Latin America, and suddenly, the vibe changes. In Vietnam, the average height for men is roughly 168 cm. In that context, 167 cm is perfectly average, almost exactly the median. You’ll find that countertops feel the right height, and you won’t have to hem your pants as often.
The "Average" Trap
In the United States, the average woman is about 162 cm (5’4”), while the average man is 175 cm (5’9”). So, if you’re a woman at 167 cm, you’re actually a bit on the taller side—not "model tall," but definitely above the curve. For men, you’re a couple of inches below the national average.
Does it matter? Honestly, only if you let it.
Celebs who share your stats
Sometimes it helps to see the height on a person you recognize. It gives you a frame of reference that a tape measure just can't provide. Interestingly, many of the world’s most famous faces are exactly this height, even if they look "bigger" on screen.
Take Tom Cruise. For decades, his height has been a topic of weirdly intense public debate, but he is widely cited as being right around 167 cm to 170 cm. He carries it with a lot of presence. Then you’ve got Mila Kunis and Selena Gomez, who are often listed around this mark or just slightly under. On screen, they look "standard height," which just goes to show how much posture, footwear, and camera angles (the "Apple Box" trick in Hollywood) can alter perception.
- Ken Jeong: The hilarious actor is right around this height.
- Bruno Mars: Often cited as 165-167 cm, and he absolutely commands the stage.
- Deepika Padukone: Actually a bit taller, but she’s a great example of how 167-170 cm is the "Goldilocks zone" for high fashion.
The clothing struggle (and wins)
Finding clothes when you are 167 cm is a mixed bag. You’re often caught between the "Regular" and "Short" or "Petite" sections.
If you're a guy at 167 cm, buying dress shirts can be a pain because the sleeves are almost always an inch too long. You end up becoming best friends with your local tailor. But here’s the upside: you can usually pull off "off-the-rack" Italian or Japanese brands much better than someone who is 6’2”. These brands tend to cut slimmer and shorter.
For women, 167 cm is actually kind of the industry standard for fit models. While runway models are 178 cm (5’10”), the clothes you buy in stores like Zara or H&M are often designed based on a fit model who is roughly 165-168 cm. It means maxi dresses actually hit your ankles where they should, rather than dragging on the floor or looking like high-waters.
Pro-tip for the 167 cm crowd:
If you feel like your legs look short at this height, the "rule of thirds" is your best friend. Instead of wearing a long shirt that cuts your body in half, tuck it in. High-waisted trousers or skirts create an optical illusion that your legs start higher up. It’s a simple trick, but it makes that 167 cm look like 175 cm in photos.
Perception and the "Short King" movement
We can't talk about being 167 cm without mentioning the "Short King" trend that took over social media recently. For a long time, there was this weird stigma for men under 5’9”. But things are shifting. There’s a growing appreciation for the "compact" build.
Being 167 cm means you’re likely more proportional. You’re often more agile. In the world of fitness and bodybuilding, being this height is actually an advantage for looking "jacked" faster. Because your limbs are shorter, even a moderate amount of muscle mass looks much more impressive than it would on a lanky 6’4” frame.
Think about Olympic gymnasts or elite wrestlers. They aren't usually giants. They are often exactly in that 160-170 cm range because it offers a lower center of gravity and better power-to-weight ratio.
Health, Longevity, and the Metric System
Here is something most people don't know: there is actually some scientific data suggesting that being around 167 cm might be better for your long-term health than being extremely tall.
Studies published in journals like PLOS ONE have looked at the correlation between height and longevity. While it’s not a guarantee, shorter and average-height individuals often have a lower risk of certain types of cancers and cardiovascular issues compared to people who are significantly taller. This is sometimes attributed to having fewer cells overall (lower chance of mutation) and a heart that doesn't have to work quite as hard to pump blood against gravity.
Practical ways to measure yourself at home
If you're still not sure if you’re exactly 167 cm, don't just use a floppy sewing tape measure. They stretch over time and give you bad data.
- Find a hard floor. Carpet is the enemy of accuracy.
- Lose the shoes. Even socks can add a tiny bit, but shoes add at least 2-3 cm.
- The Pencil Trick. Stand against a flat wall, look straight ahead (don't tilt your head up), and have someone mark a flat object (like a hardback book) against the wall at the top of your head.
- Use a metal tape. Measure from the floor to the mark in centimeters.
If the tape says 167, you’re officially in the club.
What you should do next
Knowing 167 cm is how tall is just the start. If you're using this for a medical form, keep the 167 cm—it's more accurate. If you're using it for a dating profile or a casual conversation in the US, "5’6”" is your go-to number.
If you are shopping for clothes, start looking at "Internal Leg" or "Inseam" measurements rather than just "Small/Medium/Large." For someone who is 167 cm, a 30-inch (76 cm) inseam is usually the "sweet spot" for a perfect break at the shoe. If you find yourself constantly tripping over your hems, look for "Short" lengths in specialized retailers like ASOS or Madewell, which cater specifically to this height bracket.
Next time you're out, pay attention to the people around you. You’ll realize that 167 cm is one of the most common, versatile, and balanced heights a human can be. It’s tall enough to reach the second shelf, and short enough to never have to worry about hitting your head on a low basement ceiling.