Centimeters to inches converter
Provide a length below to convert centimeters (cm) to inches (in). For the reverse direction, visit the inches to centimeters converter.
1 centimeter equals approximately 0.3937007874 inches. This value comes directly from the fixed relationship of 1 inch equaling exactly 2.54 centimeters.
To convert centimeters to inches, divide the measurement in centimeters by 2.54. To convert inches to centimeters, multiply the length in inches by 2.54.
Centimeter
Definition: The centimeter (symbol: cm) is a metric length unit and equals 0.01 meters, or one hundredth of the SI base unit meter.
History: Centimeters inherit their scale from the SI meter and the centi- prefix, which signals a factor of 10⁻². Metric prefixes such as milli-, micro-, kilo-, and mega- let users express broad ranges of magnitudes using powers of ten.
Current use: Centimeters see widespread use wherever metrication is in place, delivering a practical increment of the meter for tasks like measuring height, furniture, or small manufacturing tolerances.
Inch
Definition: An inch (symbol: in) is a unit of length within the imperial and US customary measurement systems, fixed since 1959 as exactly 25.4 millimeters.
History: Historical inch standards varied, including definitions based on barleycorns or thumb widths, but modern practice ties the inch to the international yard. The term itself originates from the Latin "uncia," literally meaning one-twelfth.
Current use: Inches remain prevalent throughout the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, and they also appear in other regions, such as Japan, for describing electronics and hardware dimensions.
| Centimeter [cm] | Inch [in] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 cm | 0.003937 in |
| 0.1 cm | 0.03937 in |
| 1 cm | 0.393701 in |
| 2 cm | 0.787402 in |
| 3 cm | 1.181102 in |
| 5 cm | 1.968504 in |
| 10 cm | 3.937008 in |
| 20 cm | 7.874016 in |
| 50 cm | 19.685039 in |
| 100 cm | 39.370079 in |
| 1000 cm | 393.700787 in |