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.
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
Centimeter to Inch Conversion Table
Centimeters (cm) | Inches (in) |
---|---|
1 cm | 0.3937 in |
5 cm | 1.9685 in |
10 cm | 3.9370 in |
20 cm | 7.8740 in |
30 cm | 11.8110 in |
50 cm | 19.6850 in |
100 cm | 39.3701 in |
150 cm | 59.0551 in |
200 cm | 78.7402 in |
300 cm | 118.1102 in |
500 cm | 196.8504 in |
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
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
Unit | Symbol | Centimeters |
---|---|---|
Millimeter | mm | 0.1 cm |
Centimeter | cm | 1 cm |
Meter | m | 100 cm |
Inch | in | 2.54 cm |
Foot | ft | 30.48 cm |
Yard | yd | 91.44 cm |
Mile | mi | 160,934.4 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.