Convert Centimeters to Millimeters
Convert Centimeters(cm) to Millimeters(mm) or vice versa.
Related "cm" Conversion Units
Convert cm with other distance converter.
Centimeters to Millimeters: Getting Down to Details
Centimeters (cm) and millimeters (mm) are both metric units of length, and they're closely related. You'll often find yourself switching between them when you need to be *really* precise. Think of it like this: centimeters are good for everyday measurements, while millimeters are for when you need to get down to the nitty-gritty.
It's a simple conversion, and mastering it gives you greater flexibility when working with measurements.
The Conversion: 1 cm = 10 mm
Here's the key fact:
1 cm = 10 mm
Or, the other way around:
1 mm = 0.1 cm
This is because "milli-" means one-thousandth. A millimeter is one-thousandth of a meter, and a centimeter is one-hundredth of a meter. That's the beauty of the metric system – everything's based on powers of 10!
Example: You measure a small screw and find it's 2 cm long. To express that in millimeters: 2 cm * 10 mm/cm = 20 mm. Super simple! (Or, just use the converter above – it's even easier.)
If you have a ruler that shows both centimeters and millimeters, take a look – you'll see the 10 millimeter markings within each centimeter.
When Millimeters Matter
Here are some situations where you'll appreciate the precision of millimeters:
- Precision Engineering
When you're building or designing something with very tight tolerances – think engines, electronics, or intricate machinery – millimeters are essential. A tiny difference in size can make a big difference in how things fit together and function.
For instance, the components inside your smartphone are measured in millimeters (or even smaller units!).
- Medical Equipment
From surgical instruments to tiny implants, the medical field relies heavily on millimeter precision. The size and placement of these devices can be critical.
- 3D Printing
When you're designing and printing 3D objects, you'll often work with millimeter measurements to ensure accuracy and proper fit. The resolution of your 3D printer is also often expressed in millimeters.
- Scientific Research
Scientists in many fields – biology, chemistry, physics – frequently work with very small objects and distances, requiring millimeter (or even smaller) measurements.
Think about measuring the width of a human hair or the size of a cell – you'd definitely be using millimeters (or micrometers!).
- Everyday Life
Although less common than using centimeters, there are situation where we use it.
Jewelry Making: Setting small stones with perfection
Crafting Projects: Some may need detailed measurement
Converting: cm and mm
It couldn't be easier:
Centimeters to Millimeters (cm to mm)
Multiply the number of centimeters by 10.
So, a line that's 4.5 cm long is 4.5 cm * 10 mm/cm = 45 mm long.
Millimeters to Centimeters (mm to cm)
Divide the number of millimeters by 10.
A tiny insect that's 8 mm long is 8 mm / 10 mm/cm = 0.8 cm long.
But, for maximum ease, just type your number into the converter at the top of this page – problem solved!
Things to Remember
It's All About 10: The key is that there are 10 millimeters in every centimeter.
| Centimeter | Millimeter |
|---|---|
| 0.01 Centimeter | 0.10 Millimeter |
| 0.1 Centimeter | 1.00 Millimeter |
| 1 Centimeter | 10.00 Millimeter |
| 2 Centimeter | 20.00 Millimeter |
| 3 Centimeter | 30.00 Millimeter |
| 5 Centimeter | 50.00 Millimeter |
| 10 Centimeter | 100.00 Millimeter |
| 20 Centimeter | 200.00 Millimeter |
| 50 Centimeter | 500.00 Millimeter |
| 100 Centimeter | 1000.00 Millimeter |
| 1000 Centimeter | 10000.00 Millimeter |
| 10000 Centimeter | 100000.00 Millimeter |
| 100000 Centimeter | 1000000.00 Millimeter |