Convert centimeters to inches instantly. Formula: inches = centimeters × 0.3937007874. Example: 30 cm = 11.811 in. Works on mobile and desktop, completely free.
Definition: A centimeter (symbol: cm) is a unit of length in the International System of Units (SI). It is defined as 1/100 meters.
History/origin: The centimeter is based on the SI unit meter; the prefix “centi” means one hundredth. Learning a few common prefixes (kilo-, centi-, milli-) helps with quick mental conversions.
Current use: The centimeter is widely used where a smaller unit than the meter is needed. Height is commonly measured in centimeters in most countries outside the U.S.
Definition: An inch (symbol: in) is a unit of length in the imperial and U.S. customary systems. Since 1959, 1 inch = 25.4 millimeters.
History/origin: Historically linked to the “uncia” and barleycorn measures; the modern inch is derived from the international yard.
Current use: Common in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., and often used worldwide for electronics (e.g., screen sizes).
| Centimeter [cm] | Inch [in] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 0.0039370079 |
| 0.1 | 0.0393700787 |
| 1 | 0.3937007874 |
| 2 | 0.7874015748 |
| 3 | 1.1811023622 |
| 5 | 1.968503937 |
| 10 | 3.937007874 |
| 20 | 7.874015748 |
| 50 | 19.6850393701 |
| 100 | 39.3700787402 |
| 1000 | 393.7007874016 |
1 cm = 0.3937007874 in
1 in = 2.54 cm
Example: convert 15 cm to in:
15 cm = 15 × 0.3937007874 in = 5.905511811 in