Inches to CM—Convert Inches to Centimeters
Need to convert inches to cm for Amazon furniture, TV size, or height? It’s simple: 1 inch = 2.54 cm.
In the USA we use inches, but most products from IKEA, Amazon International, and clothes use cm. This free tool converts instantly.
Inches to CM Converter
Convert inches (in) to centimeters (cm), or cm to inches, instantly. 1 inch = 2.54 cm. The standard length conversion.
Common conversions
What is an Inch?
An inch is a unit of length in the imperial and U.S. customary systems of measurement. It is used in the United States to measure small distances and objects.
An inch is 1/12 of a foot, or exactly 2.54 cm. Used in the USA for height, screen size, length, clothing measurements, tools, furniture, paper size, and everyday objects.
Key facts:
- Symbol: in or ″ (double prime)
- Length: Exactly 2.54 centimeters (since 1959, by international agreement)
- Feet: 12 inches = 1 foot
- Yards: 36 inches = 1 yard
- Meters: 1 inch = 0.0254 meters
Handy conversions:
| Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2.54 |
| 6 | 15.24 |
| 12 | 30.48 |
| 36 | 91.44 |
What is a Centimeter?
A centimeter is a unit of length in the metric system and is used to measure small distances and objects.
A cm is 1/100 of a meter. Used worldwide for small lengths.
- 1 centimeter = 10 millimeters (mm)
- 100 centimeters = 1 meter (m)
Centimeters are commonly used to measure the length, height, or width of everyday objects, such as books, furniture, clothing, and small packages.
Key facts:
- Symbol: cm
- Length: 1/100 of a meter (centi- means “one hundredth”)
- Inches: 1 cm = 0.3937 inches
- Millimeters: 1 cm = 10 mm
- Meters: 100 cm = 1 m
Handy conversions:
| Centimeters | Inches |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.39 |
| 2.54 | 1 |
| 30.48 | 12 |
| 100 | 39.37 |
Inches to CM Formula
Going from inches to cm is easy; multiply the number of inches by 2.54. Because 1 inch = exactly 2.54 cm.
The formula to convert inches to centimeters is:
Formula:
cm = inches × 2.54
inches = cm ÷ 2.54
Examples:
- To convert 20 inches to centimeters:
- 20 × 2.54 = 50.8 cm
- So, 20 inches = 50.8 centimeters.
| Inches | Calculation | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 1 × 2.54 | 2.54 cm |
| 5 in | 5 × 2.54 | 12.7 cm |
| 10 in | 10 × 2.54 | 25.4 cm |
| 12 in | 12 × 2.54 | 30.48 cm |
| 36 in | 36 × 2.54 | 91.44 cm |
Reverse Formula (cm to inches)
Going from cm to inches? Do the opposite—divide the number of cm by 2.54. because 1 inch = 2.54 cm.
- Convert 10 cm to inches
- inches = 10 ÷ 2.54
- inches ≈ 3.94 in
- So, 10 cm ≈ 3.94 inches
- Convert 50 cm to inches.
- inches = cm ÷ 2.54
- inches = 50 ÷ 2.54
- inches ≈ 19.69 in
- So, 50 cm ≈ 19.69 inches
Inches to Cm Conversion Table
Here’s a handy Inches to Centimeters conversion table:
| Inches | CM |
|---|---|
| 1 in | 2.54 cm |
| 2 in | 5.08 |
| 3 in | 7.62 |
| 4 in | 10.16 |
| 5 in | 12.70 |
| 6 in | 15.24 |
| 7 in | 17.78 |
| 8 in | 20.32 |
| 9 in | 22.86 cm |
| 10 | 25.40 |
| 11 | 27.94 |
| 12 in | 30.48 cm |
| 13 | 33.02 |
| 14 | 35.56 |
| 15 | 38.10 |
| 16 | 40.64 |
| 17 | 43.18 |
| 18 | 45.72 |
| 19 | 48.26 |
| 20 in | 50.8 cm |
| 24 | 60.96 |
| 30 | 76.20 |
| 36 | 91.44 |
| 48 | 121.92 |
| 55 in | 139.7 cm |
| 60 | 152.40 |
| 72 in | 182.88 cm |
| 100 | 254.00 |
Quick Reference (Key Values)
- 1 inch = 2.54 cm
- 10 inches = 25.4 cm
- 12 inches = 30.48 cm (1 foot)
- 36 inches = 91.44 cm (3 feet)
- 39.37 100 (1 meter)
Real-Life USA Examples:
In the United States, inches are commonly used to measure height, screen sizes, clothing, furniture, and everyday objects.
TV Size:
- You buy a 55-inch TV in the USA
- 55 × 2.54 = 139.7 cm
- 55 inches to cm = 139.7 cm diagonally.
Note: Measure your wall before buying.
Height of a Person:
- Someone who is 5 feet 9 inches tall has 70 inches of height.
- Height: 5 ft 9 in = 69 inches = 175.26 cm.
Clothing & Waist Size:
- Your jeans say 32-inch waist
- 32 in × 2.54 = 81.28 cm
- So a 32-inch waist is ≈ 81 cm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cm is 1 inch?
2.54 cm exactly.
How to convert inches to cm quickly?
Multiply by 2.5 and add 2%—20 in × 2.5 = 50 + 1 = 51 cm approx.
Is cm bigger than inch?
No, 1 inch is 2.54 times bigger than 1 cm.
