Inches to Centimeters Converter
Convert inches to centimeters or centimeters to inches — updates as you type.
Convert inches to centimeters or centimeters to inches — updates as you type.
1 inch = 2.54 centimeters · 1 cm = 0.3937 inches
Inches and centimeters are units of length from two different systems. The inch belongs to the US customary system, while the centimeter is a metric unit equal to one hundredth of a meter. Since 1959, the inch has been defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters, so converting inches to centimeters is an exact multiplication with no rounding in the conversion factor itself. Going the other direction, one centimeter is about 0.3937 inches, a little under four tenths of an inch.
This conversion is common anywhere US and metric measurements meet. Imported tools, hardware, furniture, cabinets and appliances often list dimensions in centimeters or millimeters. Screen sizes, clothing measurements, luggage limits, sewing patterns and medical charts can switch between the two. On a jobsite, plans or product specifications from overseas suppliers may be metric while the tape measure on your belt reads in inches. Fractions are a frequent stumbling point, so it helps to convert them to decimals first: 3/8 inch is 0.375 inch, or 0.9525 centimeters.
To use this converter, type a length in the Inches (in) box and the centimeter value appears as you type. The tool also works in reverse, so entering a value in the Centimeters (cm) box returns inches. Decimals are accepted, and results are shown to up to four decimal places. For millimeters, multiply the centimeter result by 10; for meters, divide it by 100. The conversion chart and formula below cover the most common values if you just need a quick reference without typing, from one inch up to eight feet.
| Inches | Centimeters | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 2.54 cm | 13 in | 33.02 cm |
| 2 in | 5.08 cm | 18 in | 45.72 cm |
| 3 in | 7.62 cm | 24 in | 60.96 cm |
| 4 in | 10.16 cm | 36 in | 91.44 cm |
| 6 in | 15.24 cm | 48 in | 121.92 cm |
| 8 in | 20.32 cm | 60 in | 152.40 cm |
| 10 in | 25.40 cm | 72 in | 182.88 cm |
| 12 in | 30.48 cm | 96 in | 243.84 cm |
Multiply inches by 2.54 to get centimeters. Formula: cm = inches × 2.54
To convert centimeters to inches, divide by 2.54. Formula: inches = cm ÷ 2.54
This is an exact conversion — 1 inch is defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters by international agreement since 1959.
Inches to centimeters conversions are common in construction when working with metric and imperial measurements together, in manufacturing for international specifications, and in everyday use when US measurements need to be converted for metric-standard products.
There are exactly 2.54 centimeters in one inch, by international definition.
One centimeter is about 0.3937 inches, or a little less than 13/32 of an inch.
30 centimeters is about 11.81 inches, just under one foot.
5 feet 6 inches is 66 inches, and 66 × 2.54 = 167.64 centimeters.
Multiply inches by 25.4. For example, 2 inches × 25.4 = 50.8 millimeters.
Turn the fraction into a decimal, then multiply by 2.54. For example, 1/4 inch = 0.25 × 2.54 = 0.635 cm, and 5/8 inch = 0.625 × 2.54 = 1.5875 cm.
One foot is 12 inches, so it equals 12 × 2.54 = 30.48 centimeters.
100 centimeters, or one meter, is about 39.37 inches, roughly 3 feet 3.37 inches.