cm to in Converter
Convert between centimeters and inches with instant bidirectional conversion
Length Conversion Calculator
Metric unit of length
Imperial unit of length
Conversion Results
Conversion Formula:
• cm to inches: in = cm × 0.3937
• inches to cm: cm = in × 2.54
Quick Examples
• 1 cm = 0.3937 in
• 10 cm = 3.937 in
• 30.48 cm = 12 in (1 ft)
• 1 in = 2.54 cm
• 6 in = 15.24 cm
• 12 in = 30.48 cm
Common Conversions
Centimeters to Inches
1 cm = 0.3937 in
2.54 cm = 1 in
5 cm = 1.9685 in
10 cm = 3.937 in
15 cm = 5.906 in
20 cm = 7.874 in
25 cm = 9.843 in
30 cm = 11.811 in
Inches to Centimeters
1 in = 2.54 cm
2 in = 5.08 cm
3 in = 7.62 cm
4 in = 10.16 cm
6 in = 15.24 cm
8 in = 20.32 cm
10 in = 25.40 cm
12 in = 30.48 cm
Measurement Systems
Metric System
Centimeters (cm)
Used worldwide, based on powers of 10
Imperial System
Inches (in)
Used in US, UK, and other countries
Practical Uses
Construction and architecture measurements
Screen size conversions
Clothing and fabric measurements
Engineering and manufacturing
Scientific measurements
Understanding cm to in Conversion
What are Centimeters?
A centimeter (cm) is a metric unit of length equal to one hundredth of a meter. It's commonly used worldwide for measuring small to medium distances and dimensions.
What are Inches?
An inch (in) is an imperial unit of length used primarily in the United States and United Kingdom. It's defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters.
Historical Context
- •The inch was originally based on the width of a human thumb
- •The metric system was developed in France in the 1790s
- •In 1959, the inch was officially defined as exactly 2.54 cm
Conversion Formulas
inches = centimeters × 0.393701
centimeters = inches × 2.54
Conversion Tips
- •1 inch is approximately 2.5 cm (exactly 2.54 cm)
- •For quick estimation: divide cm by 2.5 to get inches
- •Remember: cm are smaller units than inches
Note: For precise measurements, always use the exact conversion factor (2.54) rather than approximations.