Centimeters and inches
The centimeter is one hundredth of a meter (10 mm). Body height, clothing measurements, screen and paper sizes are commonly given in centimeters outside the US.
The inch is exactly 25.4 millimeters, one twelfth of a foot. Screen diagonals, wheel and tire sizes, pipe threads, and most US measurements of small objects use inches.
Worked example
Convert 30 cm: 30 × 0.3937007874 = 11.81102362, so 30 centimeters is 11.81102362 inches. Likewise 20 cm = 7.874015748 in.
Estimating in your head
Divide by 2.5 for a quick figure; it is off by about 1.6%. For 30 cm that gives 12 in, against 11.811 exactly.
Going the other way
To convert inches to centimeters, divide by 0.3937007874 (or multiply by 2.54). The swap button between the boxes opens that page.
How this works
in = cm × 0.3937007874
1 cm = 0.01 m and 1 in = 0.0254 m, both by definition, so the factor is their ratio: 0.3937007874 (rounded here; the page uses the full value). Results drop binary floating-point noise beyond 15 significant digits and display at the precision you choose (6 significant figures by default). Copy result copies the full value.
Frequently asked
How many inches are in a centimeter?
1 centimeter = 0.3937007874 inches. The factor is exact by definition but has endless decimals, so it is shown rounded; the page uses the full value.
How do I convert centimeters to inches?
Multiply by 0.3937007874. For example, 20 cm × 0.3937007874 = 7.874015748 in.
What is 100 cm in inches?
100 cm = 39.37007874 in. The table next to the converter lists more common values.
Is the result rounded?
Only on screen. The page computes with the exact definitions and removes floating-point noise past 15 significant digits; pick 3 to 12 significant figures, or use Copy result for the full value.
Sources
- NIST SP 811 Appendix B.8 — Factors for units listed alphabetically
- Federal Register 59-5442 (1959) — Refinement of values for the yard and the pound
- Wikipedia — Conversion of units of length
Reviewed Oct 17, 2026 · test vectors fixtures/units/length/cm-to-inches/