Centimeter to Inch Converter
PrintCentimeter to Inch Conversion Table
| Centimeter (cm) | Inch (in) |
|---|---|
| 0.01 cm | 0.0039370079 in |
| 0.1 cm | 0.0393700787 in |
| 1 cm | 0.3937007874 in |
| 2 cm | 0.7874015748 in |
| 3 cm | 1.1811023622 in |
| 5 cm | 1.968503937 in |
| 10 cm | 3.937007874 in |
| 20 cm | 7.874015748 in |
| 50 cm | 19.68503937 in |
| 100 cm | 39.37007874 in |
| 1000 cm | 393.7007874 in |
Centimeters and inches are two of the most common units used to measure height, clothing dimensions, body measurements, screen diagonals, and home furniture. While the centimeter (cm) is the standard decimal metric unit used throughout Continental Europe, Asia, and Latin America, the inch (in) is the standard imperial unit used across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Our free online Cm to Inches Converter provides instant, accurate length conversions in both directions:
- Centimeters to Inches: Multiply centimeters by
0.39370079(or divide by2.54). - Inches to Centimeters: Multiply inches by
2.54(exact international standard).
Exact Conversion Formulas: Centimeters & Inches
Since the International Yard and Pound Agreement of 1959, one inch is defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters (25.4 millimeters). This establishes exact mathematical relationships:
| Conversion Direction | Exact Mathematical Formula | Quick Mental Approximation Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Centimeters to Inches | Inches = Centimeters ÷ 2.54 |
Multiply cm by 4 and divide by 10 (e.g., 10 cm × 0.4 = 4 inches). |
| Inches to Centimeters | Centimeters = Inches × 2.54 |
Multiply inches by 2.5 (e.g., 10 inches × 2.5 = 25 cm). |
Step-by-Step Calculation Example
To convert 15 centimeters to inches:
15 cm ÷ 2.54 = 5.905512 inches (or 15 × 0.39370079 = 5.905512 in)
Thus, 15 centimeters is equivalent to approximately 5.91 inches.
Centimeter to Inch Conversion Table
Below is a quick reference lookup table for converting common measurements from 0.01 cm up to 1,000 cm:
| Centimeters (cm) | Exact Equivalent in Inches (in) | Rounded Equivalent (2 Decimals) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.01 cm | 0.00393701 in | 0.004 in |
| 0.1 cm | 0.03937008 in | 0.04 in |
| 1.0 cm | 0.39370079 in | 0.39 in |
| 2.0 cm | 0.78740157 in | 0.79 in |
| 2.54 cm (1 Inch Exact) | 1.00000000 in | 1.00 in |
| 3.0 cm | 1.18110236 in | 1.18 in |
| 5.0 cm | 1.96850394 in | 1.97 in |
| 10.0 cm | 3.93700787 in | 3.94 in |
| 20.0 cm | 7.87401575 in | 7.87 in |
| 30.48 cm (1 Foot Exact) | 12.00000000 in | 12.00 in |
| 50.0 cm | 19.68503937 in | 19.69 in |
| 100.0 cm (1 Meter) | 39.37007874 in | 39.37 in |
| 1,000.0 cm | 393.70078740 in | 393.70 in |
History & Origins: Centimeter vs. Inch
The Origin of the Centimeter (cm)
The centimeter is a submultiple of the meter in the International System of Units (SI). Derived from the Latin centum (meaning hundred), the prefix centi- designates 1/100th of a meter. Established in 1791 in France, the metric system organizes all units in powers of ten, eliminating awkward fractional conversions.
The Origin of the Inch (in)
The word inch derives from the Latin uncia, meaning “one-twelfth” of a Roman foot (pes). Historical definitions included:
- Barleycorn Standard: King Edward II of England declared in 1324 that an inch equaled the length of three dry, round barleycorns laid end-to-end.
- Human Thumb Standard: Earlier medieval folk standards defined an inch as the average width of three human thumbs (a small, medium, and large thumb).
- 1959 International Agreement: Standardized the inch across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and South Africa as exactly 25.4 millimeters (2.54 cm).
Current Worldwide Usage
While centimeters are used globally for architectural drawings, height measurements, and tailoring, inches remain dominant in the United States and UK for construction lumber and display technology. Electronics manufacturers worldwide specify smartphone, tablet, monitor, and television screen diagonals in inches (e.g., a 6.1-inch iPhone or 65-inch TV screen).
To convert body height between metric and imperial units, use our Height Calculator. For construction tile and floor layout measurements, visit our Tile Calculator. For general unit conversions, explore our Conversion Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many centimeters are in 1 inch?
There are exactly 2.54 centimeters in 1 inch.
How many inches are in 1 centimeter?
There are approximately 0.393701 inches in 1 centimeter (1 ÷ 2.54).
How do I convert a height of 175 cm to feet and inches?
First convert 175 cm to inches: 175 ÷ 2.54 = 68.8976 inches. Divide by 12 to get feet: 68.8976 ÷ 12 = 5 feet with 8.8976 inches remaining (approximately 5 feet 9 inches).
Why are television and smartphone screen sizes measured in inches worldwide?
Because cathode-ray tube (CRT) television production originated in the United States, screen diagonal measurements were standardized in inches. Global manufacturers maintained this standard for LCD, OLED, and smartphone displays worldwide.