Length Converter

CM to Inches quick reference

Centimeters	Inches
1 cm	0.39 in
5 cm	1.97 in
10 cm	3.94 in
15 cm	5.91 in
30 cm	11.81 in
50 cm	19.69 in
100 cm	39.37 in

How the conversion works

1 inch equals exactly 2.54 centimeters, an international standard since 1959. This tool uses that precise conversion factor, along with standard factors for millimeters (1 inch = 25.4 mm) and feet (1 foot = 30.48 cm), so results match what you'd get from a ruler or measuring tape conversion chart.

What people actually convert with this tool

TV and monitor sizes are almost always advertised in inches worldwide (a "55-inch TV" measured diagonally), but the physical space it needs to fit is easier to plan in centimeters if you're measuring a room with a metric tape measure. Furniture dimensions from European or Asian retailers list centimeters, while US furniture and doorway/appliance clearance specs use inches so shopping across borders means converting constantly. Sewing, woodworking, and 3D printing projects also mix systems depending on which country's plans or patterns you're following, and DIY measurements like shelf depth or picture-frame size benefit from double-checking in both units before cutting material.

FAQ

What's a common use for this converter?
Converting screen sizes, furniture dimensions, or heights between the metric measurements used in most countries and the inches/feet used in the US.

Is this the same as the Distance Converter?
No this tool is for small, everyday measurements (cm, mm, inches, feet). For longer distances like travel or running routes, use our Distance Converter (miles, kilometers, meters).

How many millimeters are in an inch?
Exactly 25.4 millimeters. Millimeters are useful for small, precise measurements machining tolerances, jewelry, and electronics specs are usually given in mm rather than fractions of an inch.

Why do some tape measures show both inches and centimeters?
Dual-scale tape measures are common in countries transitioning between systems, or sold to serve both DIY markets and international buyers, letting you read a measurement in whichever unit a plan or instruction manual uses without doing math by hand.

How do I convert a fraction of an inch, like 3/8"?
Convert the fraction to a decimal first (3/8 = 0.375) and enter that in the inches field. Common fractions: 1/4" = 0.25", 1/2" = 0.5", 3/4" = 0.75".

Is 30 cm the same as "a foot"?
Close, but not exact 1 foot is 30.48 cm, so 30 cm is slightly less than a foot (about 11.81 inches vs. 12). It's a common approximation, but this tool gives the precise figure.