Millimeters to Centimeters Converter
Convert between millimeters and centimeters with precision for engineering, crafts, and measurements
Length Conversion Calculator
Millimeter is 1/1000 of a meter
Centimeter is 1/100 of a meter
Conversion Result
Quick Reference Conversions
| Millimeters | Centimeters | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 mm | 0.1 cm | Thin wire |
| 5 mm | 0.5 cm | Pencil lead |
| 10 mm | 1.0 cm | 1 centimeter |
| 25 mm | 2.5 cm | Coin thickness |
| 50 mm | 5.0 cm | Thumb width |
| 100 mm | 10.0 cm | 1 decimeter |
| 254 mm | 25.4 cm | 1 inch |
| 1000 mm | 100.0 cm | 1 meter |
Metric Length Scale
Kilometer
1,000 meters
Long distances
Meter
Base unit
Standard length
Centimeter
0.01 meters
Small measurements
Millimeter
0.001 meters
Precise measurements
Scale Reference
Measurement Tips
1 millimeter is about the thickness of a credit card
1 centimeter is about the width of a fingernail
To convert mm to cm, divide by 10
To convert cm to mm, multiply by 10
Understanding Millimeters and Centimeters
What are Millimeters?
A millimeter (mm) is a unit of length in the metric system equal to one thousandth of a meter. It's commonly used for precise measurements in engineering, manufacturing, and science.
Common Uses
- •Engineering drawings and technical specifications
- •Medical measurements and equipment
- •Jewelry making and watchmaking
- •Scientific research and laboratory work
What are Centimeters?
A centimeter (cm) is a unit of length in the metric system equal to one hundredth of a meter. It's widely used for everyday measurements and is more convenient than millimeters for larger objects.
Conversion Formula
Millimeters to Centimeters
cm = mm ÷ 10
Divide millimeters by 10
Centimeters to Millimeters
mm = cm × 10
Multiply centimeters by 10
Understanding the Relationship
1:10 Ratio
There are exactly 10 millimeters in 1 centimeter. This makes conversion simple - just move the decimal point one place.
Practical Examples
A standard paperclip is about 50mm (5cm) long. A penny is about 19mm (1.9cm) in diameter.
Precision Levels
Use millimeters for high precision (±0.1mm). Use centimeters for general measurements where precision to nearest mm is sufficient.
Practical Applications
Millimeter Applications
- • Mechanical engineering tolerances
- • Electronic component dimensions
- • Medical device specifications
- • Precision manufacturing
- • Gemstone measurements
Centimeter Applications
- • Body measurements (height, waist)
- • Clothing and textile sizing
- • Home decoration and furniture
- • School and office supplies
- • General crafts and DIY projects