Meters and centimeters
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.
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.
Worked example
Convert 1.75 m: 1.75 × 100 = 175, so 1.75 meters is 175 centimeters. Likewise 2 m = 200 cm.
Estimating in your head
The factor is a power of ten, so just move the decimal point 2 places to the right: 1.75 m = 175 cm.
Going the other way
To convert centimeters to meters, divide by 100 (or multiply by 0.01). The swap button between the boxes opens that page.
How this works
cm = m × 100
1 m = 1 m and 1 cm = 0.01 m, both by definition, so the factor is their ratio: 100 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 centimeters are in a meter?
1 meter = 100 centimeters, exactly. The value follows from the unit definitions, so it never changes.
How do I convert meters to centimeters?
Multiply by 100. For example, 2 m × 100 = 200 cm.
What is 10 m in centimeters?
10 m = 1,000 cm. 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/meters-to-cm/