Convert Centimeters to Inches
How to Use the Centimeters to Inches Converter
- Enter a value in the centimeters field
- The equivalent value in inches will be calculated instantly
- Alternatively, enter a value in inches to convert to centimeters
- Copy the result with one click using the copy button
What is a Centimeter?
A centimeter (cm) is a unit of length in the metric system, equal to one-hundredth of a meter. The prefix "centi- " means one-hundredth, so a centimeter is literally one-hundredth of a meter. Centimeters are widely used around the world for:
- Everyday measurements of small objects
- Body measurements (height, waist size, etc.)
- Furniture dimensions
- Rainfall measurements in most countries
- Medical measurements
What is an Inch?
An inch (in) is a unit of length in the imperial and US customary systems of measurement. It equals 1/12 of a foot or exactly 2.54 centimeters. The inch has historical origins dating back to Anglo-Saxon England, where it was defined as the length of three barleycorns. Today, inches are commonly used for:
- Screen and display sizes (TVs, monitors, smartphones)
- Small-scale measurements in the US and UK
- Construction materials and hardware
- Rainfall measurements in some countries
- Paper sizes (though less common than metric in most countries)
Centimeters to Inches Conversion Formula
To convert centimeters to inches, use the following formula:
Inches = Centimeters ÷ 2.54To convert inches to centimeters, use this formula:
Centimeters = Inches × 2.54Common Centimeter to Inch Conversions
| Centimeters | Inches |
|---|---|
| 1 cm | 0.3937 in |
| 5 cm | 1.9685 in |
| 10 cm | 3.937 in |
| 20 cm | 7.874 in |
| 30 cm | 11.811 in |
| 50 cm | 19.685 in |
| 100 cm (1 meter) | 39.37 in |
Why Convert Between Centimeters and Inches?
Converting between centimeters and inches is necessary for various practical reasons:
- International shopping: Understanding clothing sizes and product dimensions
- DIY and crafting: Following patterns or instructions from different sources
- Education: Learning and understanding different measurement systems
- Technology: Understanding screen sizes, which are often specified in inches worldwide
- Medical information: Converting between different measurement systems in health records
FAQs About Centimeters to Inches Conversion
How many inches are in 1 centimeter?
There are approximately 0.3937 inches in 1 centimeter.
How many centimeters are in 1 inch?
There are exactly 2.54 centimeters in 1 inch.
How do I convert 30 centimeters to inches?
To convert 30 centimeters to inches, divide 30 by 2.54. The result is 11.811 inches.
Which is bigger, 1 cm or 1 inch?
1 inch is bigger than 1 centimeter. One inch equals 2.54 centimeters, so an inch is more than twice the size of a centimeter.
How do I convert height from centimeters to feet and inches?
To convert height from centimeters to feet and inches:
- Convert centimeters to inches (divide by 2.54)
- Divide the total inches by 12 to get feet (whole number part)
- The remainder is the additional inches
For example, 180 cm = 180 ÷ 2.54 = 70.87 inches = 5 feet 10.87 inches (or approximately 5 feet 11 inches).
What is the average height of an adult in centimeters?
The global average height for adult males is approximately 171 cm (5'7"), and for adult females, it's approximately 159 cm (5'3"). However, average heights vary significantly by country and region.
How can I estimate centimeters to inches without a calculator?
For a quick mental conversion, you can use the approximation that 2.5 cm is about 1 inch. So to estimate, divide the number of centimeters by 2.5. For a more accurate estimate, remember that 10 centimeters is very close to 4 inches (actually 3.94 inches).
What size is a 30 cm ruler in inches?
A 30 cm ruler is approximately 11.81 inches long (30 ÷ 2.54 = 11.81).