Convert Centimeters to Inches
Convert Centimeters(cm) to Inches(inch) or vice versa.
Related "cm" Conversion Units
Convert cm with other distance converter.
Switching from Centimeters to Inches: A Simple Guide
Centimeters (cm) and inches (in) measure length, but they're part of different systems. The world mostly uses centimeters (that's the metric system), while the United States primarily sticks with inches (the imperial system).
So, knowing how to convert between them? Pretty darn useful, especially if you're dealing with anything international – products, instructions, you name it.
I hope you've learned something valuable from us. Don't forget to share this with friends who might find it useful!
The Key Number: 0.393701 (ish)
Here's the thing to remember:
1 cm ≈ 0.393701 in
That means a centimeter's a bit less than half an inch. Find a ruler with both – you'll see it right there.
Example: Let's say your phone's screen is 15 cm diagonally... To get that in inches? Multiply: 15 cm * 0.393701 in/cm = 5.91 in (roughly). Or, you know, just use the converter above – way easier!
Speaking of inches, did you know they're also used to size some types of screws? It is a completely different world! But anyway, back to centimeters and inches...
Centimeter and Inches in Real World Use Cases
Here's where you might find yourself needing this conversion:
- Crafts & Sewing
Patterns, especially international ones, sometimes use *both* units. A 20 cm fabric piece? That's about 7.9 inches, give or take.
- Electronics
Screens – TVs, computers, phones – are often in inches, even in metric countries. A 33 cm laptop screen? Roughly 13 inches.
- Woodworking
Sometimes you are working on the plans that calling for a board 25 cm wide – that's about 9.8 inches, in case you were wondering.
- Product Design
Designing something to sell worldwide? You'll probably need specs in both cm and in.
- Everyday Stuff
It is used in various things:
Online Shopping: Dimensions from overseas sellers might be in cm.
Photography: Camera stuff might use cm, prints often use in.
Just Because: Sometimes you just want to compare!
By the way, the inch? Ancient unit. It's now officially 2.54 centimeters, exactly.
How to Convert CM to Inches? (It's Simple!)
Two ways to do it, here it is how:
cm to in: Multiply
Take your centimeters and increase it by a factor of 0.393701 to get inches.
For instance, a 30 cm picture frame? That's 30 cm * 0.393701 in/cm = 11.81 inches wide.
in to cm: Divide (or Multiply!)
To switch from inches to centimeters, divide by 0.393701. Or, multiply by 2.54 – same result!
A 12-inch pizza? That's 12 in / 0.393701 in/cm = 30.48 cm across (or 12 * 2.54 = 30.48).
Or, you could just, you know, use the thing at the top of the page. The converter, I mean. Much simpler.
Watch Out for These Mistakes!
Confusing the Numbers: 0. 393701 for cm to in. 2.54 for in to cm. Don't mix 'em up!
Multiplying When You Should Divide (and Vice Versa): cm to in – *multiply*. in to cm – *divide* (or multiply by 2.54). Get it right!
Comparison Table
| Object | Centimeters (cm) | Inches (in) |
|---|---|---|
| Paper Clip | 3 cm | 1.18 in |
| Credit Card | 8.5 cm | 3.35 in |
| Pencil | 19 cm | 7.48 in |
| Smart Phone | 15 cm | 5.91 in |
| Centimeter | Inch |
|---|---|
| 0.01 Centimeter | 0.00 Inch |
| 0.1 Centimeter | 0.04 Inch |
| 1 Centimeter | 0.39 Inch |
| 2 Centimeter | 0.79 Inch |
| 3 Centimeter | 1.18 Inch |
| 5 Centimeter | 1.97 Inch |
| 10 Centimeter | 3.94 Inch |
| 20 Centimeter | 7.87 Inch |
| 50 Centimeter | 19.69 Inch |
| 100 Centimeter | 39.37 Inch |
| 1000 Centimeter | 393.70 Inch |
| 10000 Centimeter | 3937.01 Inch |
| 100000 Centimeter | 39370.10 Inch |