Inches to Centimeters Converter

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter the measurement in inches.
2. The result in centimeters, millimeters, and meters is shown instantly.
3. Decimals are supported (e.g. 5.5 inches).

Formula

Example

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many centimeters are in an inch? ▼
  Exactly 2.54 centimeters equal 1 inch. This is a defined (exact) international conversion established in 1959 by the International Yard and Pound Agreement. Because it is exact, all inch-to-cm conversions are perfectly precise: 1 in = 2.54 cm, 2 in = 5.08 cm, 12 in = 30.48 cm (1 foot), 36 in = 91.44 cm (1 yard). To convert inches to centimeters, multiply by 2.54. To convert centimeters to inches, divide by 2.54 (or multiply by 0.393701). A quick mental shortcut: 1 inch ≈ 2.5 cm (2.5 is easier to multiply than 2.54). This conversion is used constantly for screen sizes, clothing measurements, paper sizes, and height conversion between countries that use imperial versus metric units.
• How do I convert cm to inches? ▼
  To convert centimeters to inches, divide by 2.54 (or multiply by 0.393701). Examples: 10 cm ÷ 2.54 = 3.937 in; 30 cm ÷ 2.54 = 11.811 in; 100 cm (1 meter) ÷ 2.54 = 39.370 in. The factor 0.393701 is the reciprocal of 2.54 (1 ÷ 2.54 = 0.393701). For quick mental estimates, remember that 10 cm ≈ 4 inches (actually 3.94 in — close to 4). Common conversions: 15 cm = 5.906 in; 20 cm = 7.874 in; 25 cm = 9.843 in; 50 cm = 19.685 in. European paper sizes use cm/mm: an A4 sheet (21 cm × 29.7 cm) corresponds to approximately 8.27 × 11.69 inches. A US letter sheet (8.5 × 11 in) = 21.59 × 27.94 cm.
• What is 12 inches in cm? ▼
  12 inches equals exactly 30.48 centimeters. This is also the definition of 1 foot: 1 ft = 12 in = 30.48 cm. The calculation: 12 × 2.54 = 30.48 cm. This exact value comes from the 1959 international agreement defining 1 inch = 2.54 cm. Knowing that 1 foot = 30.48 cm is useful for quick estimates: a 30 cm ruler is almost exactly 1 foot (actually 11.81 inches). Other foot/inch to cm conversions: 6 inches = 15.24 cm; 18 inches = 45.72 cm; 24 inches = 60.96 cm; 1 yard = 36 inches = 91.44 cm. For height measurements: 5 feet = 60 inches = 152.4 cm; 6 feet = 72 inches = 182.88 cm.
• What is 5 inches in cm? ▼
  5 inches equals exactly 12.7 centimeters (5 × 2.54 = 12.70 cm). This is a useful reference: 5 inches ≈ one-third of a foot (which is 15.24 cm), and 12.7 cm is a common measurement in everyday life — about the length of a standard pencil (7.5 inches = 19.05 cm) or slightly longer than a credit card (3.375 in = 8.57 cm). The 5-inch measurement is often encountered for smartphone screen sizes: a 5-inch phone screen has a diagonal of 12.7 cm. Nearby conversions: 4 in = 10.16 cm; 4.5 in = 11.43 cm; 5 in = 12.7 cm; 5.5 in = 13.97 cm; 6 in = 15.24 cm. All of these are exact because 1 inch = 2.54 cm exactly.
• How do screen sizes relate to inches and cm? ▼
  Screen sizes are measured diagonally from corner to corner in inches. To convert to centimeters, multiply by 2.54. Common screen sizes: 5-inch phone = 12.7 cm; 10-inch tablet = 25.4 cm; 13-inch laptop = 33.02 cm; 15.6-inch laptop = 39.62 cm; 24-inch monitor = 60.96 cm; 27-inch monitor = 68.58 cm; 32-inch TV = 81.28 cm; 55-inch TV = 139.7 cm; 65-inch TV = 165.1 cm. The screen size describes only the diagonal — the actual width and height depend on the aspect ratio. A 16:9 aspect ratio 55-inch TV is approximately 121.3 cm × 68.2 cm. A 4:3 aspect ratio 15-inch screen is roughly 30.5 cm × 22.9 cm. Note that screen size in inches and display resolution (HD, 4K) are independent — a larger screen at the same resolution has lower pixel density (PPI).

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