CM to Inches: Conversion, Formula, Table & Examples

Need to convert centimeters (cm) to inches (in)? Our CM to Inches Converter makes it easy to convert any measurement from centimeters to inches in seconds.

In the United States, we rely on the Imperial system—inches, feet, and yards. But most of the rest of the world uses the metric system—centimeters and meters.

Use the tool below to get an instant, precise conversion. Simply type the number of centimeters into the box, and the inches will appear.

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CM to Inches Converter

Convert centimeters (cm) to inches (in), or inches to cm, instantly. 1 cm = 0.393701 inches.

Amount

CM → Inches Inches → CM

⇅

Result

0.3937 in

1 cm ÷ 2.54 = 0.3937 in

Common conversions

1 cm 10 cm 30 cm 50 cm 100 cm 180 cm

What Is a Centimeter (cm)?

The centimeter is the standard everyday unit of length in most of the world, but in the United States, the centimeter shows up less often in daily life. If you grew up in the United States, you probably measure things in inches, feet, and yards.

A centimeter (abbreviated as “cm”) is a unit of length in the metric system. It is equal to one-hundredth of a meter (0.01 meters).

• 1 centimeter = 10 millimeters
• 1 centimeter = 0.393701 inches

Centimeters are commonly used for measuring relatively small lengths, such as the dimensions of objects, clothing measurements, package sizes, and body measurements.

What Is an Inch (in)?

An inch (abbreviated as “in”) is a unit of length in the Imperial system (also called the U.S. Customary System). It is used in the United States and several other countries.

• 1 inch = exactly 2.54 centimeters
• 1 inch = 25.4 mm

It is the primary small unit of measurement used in the United States for everyday things like screen sizes (TVs, phones, laptops), human height (in feet and inches), clothing sizes (waist, inseam, sleeve length), and tools and hardware (screws, nails, pipes).

Remember the golden rule:

• 1 inch = 2.54 cm
• 1 foot = 12 inches
• 1 yard = 36 inches

The Formula: How to Convert CM to Inches Manually

If you don’t have a calculator handy, the math is simple. To convert centimeters to inches, divide the number of centimeters by 2.54.

The Formula:

Follow these simple steps:

1. Start with the measurement in centimeters.
2. Divide the centimeter value by 2.54.
3. The result is the measurement in inches.
4. Round the answer when a simpler measurement is needed.

Example:

• Suppose you want to convert 20 cm to inches.
  • 20 ÷ 2.54 = 7.874 inches
  • So, 20 cm ≈ 7.87 inches

• Suppose you want to convert 50 cm to inches.
  • 50 ÷ 2.54 = 19.685 inches
  • So, 50 cm ≈ 19.69 inches

The second formula with multiplication.

1 cm = 0.3937 inches.

Bought furniture from IKEA measured in cm, but need inches for your USA apartment?

Example:

• Suppose you want to convert 100 cm to inches.
  • 100 × 0.3937 = 39.37 inches.

CM to Inches Conversion Table

Here are some commonly used centimeter-to-inch conversions:

CM	Inches
30 cm	11.81 in
40 cm	15.75 in
50 cm	19.68 in
60 cm	23.62 in
70 cm	27.56 in
80 cm	31.50 in
90 cm	35.43 in
100 cm	39.37 in
150 cm	59.05 in
180 cm	70.86 in

Frequently Asked Questions