Centimeters and meters
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 meter is the SI base unit of length, defined since 1983 as the distance light travels in vacuum in 1/299,792,458 of a second. Heights, room dimensions, fabric and sports tracks are measured in meters in most of the world.
Worked example
Convert 180 cm: 180 × 0.01 = 1.8, so 180 centimeters is 1.8 meters. Likewise 100 cm = 1 m.
Estimating in your head
The factor is a power of ten, so just move the decimal point 2 places to the left: 180 cm = 1.8 m.
Going the other way
To convert meters to centimeters, divide by 0.01 (or multiply by 100). The swap button between the boxes opens that page.
How this works
m = cm × 0.01
1 cm = 0.01 m and 1 m = 1 m, both by definition, so the factor is their ratio: 0.01 exactly. 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 meters are in a centimeter?
1 centimeter = 0.01 meters, exactly. The value follows from the unit definitions, so it never changes.
How do I convert centimeters to meters?
Multiply by 0.01. For example, 100 cm × 0.01 = 1 m.
What is 1,000 cm in meters?
1,000 cm = 10 m. 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-meters/