CM to Inches Converter
Convert centimeters to inches in one step. Enter a length in cm and get the exact value in inches, with the formula and common values below.
Inches = Centimeters ÷ 2.54
CM to Inches Formula
One inch is defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters, so converting centimeters to inches means dividing by 2.54. To go the other way, multiply inches by 2.54. Because the 2.54 figure is exact, the result is only limited by how many decimals you choose to keep.
How to Convert Centimeters to Inches
- Type the length in centimeters into the input box. Decimals such as 17.5 work, and so do negative values.
- The answer in inches appears straight away. You can also press Convert Now.
- Use Swap Units to convert inches to centimeters instead, Copy Result to copy the answer, or Clear to start over.
To do it by hand, divide the number of centimeters by 2.54. For a quick estimate in your head, multiply by 0.4 and you will be within about 2% of the true value.
Practical Examples
- Height: 170 cm ÷ 2.54 = 66.929134 in, which is 5 ft 6.93 in.
- Paper size: A4 paper is 21 × 29.7 cm, or 8.267717 × 11.692913 in.
- Furniture: a 75 cm desk height is 29.527559 in.
- Small object: 2.5 cm ÷ 2.54 = 0.984252 in, just under one inch.
- Negative value: −10 cm = -3.937008 in, useful for offsets and coordinates measured from a reference point.
CM to Inches – Common Values
Quick reference for frequently used conversions
| Centimeters (cm) | Inches (in) | Feet & Inches |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cm | 0.393701 in | 0 ft 0.39 in |
| 2 cm | 0.787402 in | 0 ft 0.79 in |
| 5 cm | 1.968504 in | 0 ft 1.97 in |
| 10 cm | 3.937008 in | 0 ft 3.94 in |
| 15 cm | 5.905512 in | 0 ft 5.91 in |
| 20 cm | 7.874016 in | 0 ft 7.87 in |
| 25 cm | 9.84252 in | 0 ft 9.84 in |
| 30 cm | 11.811024 in | 0 ft 11.81 in |
| 50 cm | 19.685039 in | 1 ft 7.69 in |
| 75 cm | 29.527559 in | 2 ft 5.53 in |
| 100 cm | 39.370079 in | 3 ft 3.37 in |
| 150 cm | 59.055118 in | 4 ft 11.06 in |
| 170 cm | 66.929134 in | 5 ft 6.93 in |
| 180 cm | 70.866142 in | 5 ft 10.87 in |
| 200 cm | 78.740157 in | 6 ft 6.74 in |
Where and Why This Conversion Is Used
The metric system measures lengths in centimeters, while the United States and a few other places still use inches for everyday items. Anyone moving between the two needs a reliable way to convert.
- Body measurements: height, waist, chest and sleeve length are given in cm in most countries and in inches in the US.
- Shopping online: clothing charts, furniture dimensions, picture frames and luggage sizes are often listed in one unit only.
- Printing and photography: paper, frame and photo sizes are usually quoted in inches even when the rest of the job is metric.
- Home and DIY: curtain widths, shelf depths and appliance cut-outs need accurate conversion before you buy.
- Shipping: carriers may ask for parcel length, width and height in a specific unit.
Need plot or room measurements instead? See the Meters to Feet Converter and MM to Inches Converter.