How to Write “5 Foot 6 Inches” Correctly in Writing
When you’re filling out forms, writing a resume, or simply describing your height in a conversation, the way you express “5 foot 6 inches” can vary. That's why knowing the correct format—and when to use each variant—helps you avoid confusion, maintain professionalism, and keep your writing clear. This guide covers everything from the most common abbreviations to the nuances of style guides, ensuring you can confidently write “5 foot 6 inches” in any context.
Introduction
Height is a common detail in many documents: job applications, medical records, sports rosters, and even casual social media posts. On top of that, although the measurement itself is straightforward, the written representation can differ widely. Some people write “5'6"”, others “5 ft 6 in”, and still others spell it out as “five feet six inches.” Each form has its place, and choosing the right one depends on the audience, the medium, and the style guide you’re following. This article explores the rules and best practices for writing “5 foot 6 inches” correctly Most people skip this — try not to..
1. The Standard Measurement Format
1.1. The International System (SI) vs. Imperial
- SI (Metric): Height is usually expressed in centimeters (e.g., 167 cm).
- Imperial: Height is expressed in feet and inches. This is the standard in the United States and a few other countries.
Since the topic is specifically about “5 foot 6 inches,” we’ll focus on the Imperial system.
1.2. The Official Short Form
The most concise and widely accepted way to write 5 feet 6 inches is:
5'6"
- The apostrophe (’) denotes feet.
- The quotation mark (") denotes inches.
- No spaces are required between the numbers and the symbols.
Why this format? It’s brief, leaves no ambiguity, and is the format used in sports statistics, medical charts, and many online platforms That's the part that actually makes a difference..
2. When to Use the Full Words
2.1. Formal Writing (Academic, Legal, Medical)
In formal documents, especially those that are not strictly numeric (e.g., a legal contract or a medical report), you may need to spell out the measurement:
- “Five feet six inches”
- “5 ft 6 in” (with a space between the number and the unit abbreviation)
Example:
The patient’s height was recorded as five feet six inches (167 cm) during the initial examination.
2.2. Style Guides and Their Preferences
| Style Guide | Preferred Format |
|---|---|
| APA (7th ed.) | 5 ft 6 in |
| Chicago Manual of Style | 5'6" |
| MLA (8th ed.) | 5 ft 6 in |
| AP (Associated Press) | 5 ft 6 in |
| ISO 7001 (International) | 5 ft 6 in |
Tip: Always check the specific style guide required for your document. If none is specified, the short form “5'6"” is usually safe for general use.
3. Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Corrected Version | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 5 ft 6 | 5 ft 6 in | Missing the inch unit can mislead readers. That said, 6 in. |
| 5'6' | 5'6" | Confusing feet and inches symbols. On the flip side, |
| 5' 6" | 5'6" | Unnecessary space can be confusing in tables or lists. |
| 5 feet 6 | 5 feet 6 inches | Omitting “inches” makes the measurement incomplete. That's why |
| 5 ft. | 5 ft 6 in | Periods after abbreviations are discouraged in most guides. |
4. Writing Height in Different Contexts
4.1. Online Forms and Applications
Most digital platforms have a dedicated “Height” field that accepts either the short form or the full words. If you’re unsure:
- Use the short form (5'6") for quick entry.
- Double-check if the field labels “feet” and “inches” separately; then enter “5” in feet and “6” in inches.
4.2. Social Media Bios
On platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn, brevity is key:
- Instagram: “5'6" | Yoga Enthusiast | Foodie”
- LinkedIn: “Height: 5'6" (167 cm)”
4.3. Sports Rosters
Athletic profiles often use the short form for consistency:
Position: Guard — Height: 5'6" — Weight: 140 lb.
4.4. Medical Records
Medical documentation tends to use the full words for clarity:
Patient’s height: five feet six inches (167 cm).
If the record is in a spreadsheet, the numeric format “5 ft 6 in” is common.
5. Converting to Metric (Optional)
Many readers outside the U.Practically speaking, s. may not be familiar with feet and inches.
- 5'6" = 167 cm
- 5 ft 6 in = 167 cm
How to convert?
1 foot = 30.48 cm; 1 inch = 2.54 cm.
So, 5 ft × 30.48 cm/ft = 152.4 cm.
Add 6 in × 2.54 cm/in = 15.24 cm.
Total = 167.64 cm → round to 168 cm or 167 cm depending on rounding rules.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I write “5.6” to mean 5 feet 6 inches?
A: No. “5.6” would be interpreted as five point six units, not five feet six inches. Use the standard format.
Q2: Is “5 ft 6” acceptable?
A: It’s incomplete; the inch unit is missing. Add “in” or “inches.”
Q3: Should I use a space between the number and the unit?
A: Style guides differ. In formal writing, a space is common (5 ft 6 in). In informal contexts, no space (5'6") is standard.
Q4: How do I write “5′6″” in Unicode?
A: Use the prime (′) for feet and double prime (″) for inches. This is often preferred in typeset documents Simple, but easy to overlook. Which is the point..
Q5: What if my height is 5 feet 6½ inches?
A: Write it as “5'6½"” or “5 ft 6½ in.” The ½ symbol is the standard half-inch notation.
7. Practical Checklist
Before finalizing your document, run through this quick checklist:
- Identify the required format (short form, full words, or metric).
- Confirm the style guide (APA, Chicago, MLA, etc.).
- Use consistent spacing (no spaces for short form; one space for full words).
- Include units (feet and inches) to avoid ambiguity.
- Add metric equivalent if the audience may benefit.
- Proofread for common errors (missing “in,” stray periods, etc.).
Conclusion
Writing “5 foot 6 inches” accurately is more than a matter of style; it’s about clear communication. By choosing the appropriate format—whether the concise “5'6"”, the formal “five feet six inches”, or the metric equivalent “167 cm”—you check that your readers understand your height without confusion. Remember to consult the relevant style guide, be consistent throughout your document, and double‑check for common pitfalls. With these practices, you’ll present your height—whether for a résumé, a medical chart, or a casual bio—professionally and precisely And that's really what it comes down to..
