Convert Centimeter to Inch

Centimeter to Inch Converter (cm to in) | Free Online Calculator

Centimeter to Inch Converter (cm to in)

Instantly convert between centimeters and inches using this precise tool. Essential for design, engineering, and academic applications. 100% free with no registration required.

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centimeter (cm)
inch (in)

Conversion Formula

1 centimeter (cm) = 0.3937 inches (in)

To convert centimeters to inches:

inches = centimeters × 0.3937007874

Example: 10 cm × 0.3937007874 = 3.937 in

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Centimeter to Inch Conversion Table

Practical Examples

  • Ruler length: 30 cm = 11.8110 in (standard ruler)
  • Screen size: 81 cm = 31.8898 in (32-inch TV diagonal)
  • Paper size: 21 cm = 8.2677 in (A4 paper width)

Professional Applications

  • Interior design: Furniture and room measurements
  • Fashion: Clothing and fabric measurements
  • Engineering: Component sizing in mechanical design
  • Education: Teaching metric and imperial conversions
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Definition and Background

What is a Centimeter?

A centimeter (cm) is a metric unit of length equal to one hundredth of a meter (0.01 m). The name comes from:

  • Latin “centum”: meaning hundred
  • Greek “metron”: meaning measure

What is an Inch?

An inch (in) is a unit of length in the imperial system, equal to 1/12 of a foot or 2.54 centimeters. It was historically based on:

  • The width of a man’s thumb
  • Now standardized as exactly 2.54 cm

Metric and Imperial System Hierarchy

Centimeters (cm)Inches (in)
1 cm0.3937 in
5 cm1.9685 in
10 cm3.9370 in
20 cm7.8740 in
30 cm11.8110 in
50 cm19.6850 in
100 cm39.3701 in
150 cm59.0551 in
200 cm78.7402 in
300 cm118.1102 in
500 cm196.8504 in
UnitSymbolCentimeters
Millimetermm0.1 cm
Centimetercm1 cm
Meterm100 cm
Inchin2.54 cm
Footft30.48 cm
Yardyd91.44 cm
Milemi160,934.4 cm

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would I use centimeters instead of inches?

Centimeters are part of the metric system, widely used globally for precision and simplicity in scientific and everyday measurements.

How precise is centimeter to inch conversion?

The conversion factor (1 cm = 0.3937007874 in) is precise, but rounding to 0.3937 is common for practical use.

What’s the history of the inch?

The inch originated from the Roman “uncia” (1/12) and was based on the thumb’s width, standardized in 1959 to 2.54 cm.

Are centimeters and inches used worldwide?

Centimeters are used globally in metric countries, while inches are common in the US, UK, and other imperial-system countries.

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