Quick Answer: Centimeters to Inches
One centimeter is approximately 0.3937 inches (1 cm ≈ 0.3937 in).
Conversely, 1 in = 2.54 cm.
Formula: in = cm ÷ 2.54
Worked examples
- 1 cm ≈ 0.3937 in
- 2 cm ≈ 0.7874 in
- 5 cm ≈ 1.969 in
Method and limitations
Divide centimeters by 2.54 (equivalently, multiply by 0.393700787). The international inch is exactly 2.54 cm (25.4 mm), fixed by the 1959 international yard and pound agreement. Calculations use full-precision constants; answers in this box are rounded for readability (≈ marks a rounded value) and the calculator shows up to 9 significant figures.
Each factor is exact by definition, derived from exact definitions, or a documented conventional value — see the methodology and sources.
Conversion Formula
Divide centimeters by 2.54 (equivalently, multiply by 0.393700787). The international inch is exactly 2.54 cm (25.4 mm), fixed by the 1959 international yard and pound agreement.
Complete Guide to Centimeters to Inches Conversion
What is a centimeter?
The centimeter (cm) is 1/100 of a meter.
What is an inch?
The international inch is exactly 2.54 cm; US and UK users often express it in fractions of 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 or 1/16.
How the Conversion Works
in = cm ÷ 2.54. To express the result in feet and inches, divide the inch result by 12; the remainder is the inches.
Step-by-Step Conversion Guide
Follow these steps to convert centimeters to inches manually:
Start with your value in centimeters
Example: You want to convert 5 cm
Apply the conversion formula
Use the formula: in = cm ÷ 2.54
Calculate the result
5 cm = 1.9685 in
Verify your answer
Use our calculator above to double-check your manual calculation.
Quick Mental Math Tip
Multiply by 4 and divide by 10: 50 cm ≈ 20 in (exact 19.69). It reads slightly high, by about 1.6%.
Common Conversions
| Centimeters (cm) | Inches (in) | Inches → Centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cm | 0.393701 | 1 in = 2.54 cm |
| 2 cm | 0.787402 | 2 in = 5.08 cm |
| 5 cm | 1.9685 | 5 in = 12.7 cm |
| 10 cm | 3.93701 | 10 in = 25.4 cm |
| 15 cm | 5.90551 | 15 in = 38.1 cm |
| 20 cm | 7.87402 | 20 in = 50.8 cm |
| 25 cm | 9.84252 | 25 in = 63.5 cm |
| 30 cm | 11.811 | 30 in = 76.2 cm |
| 50 cm | 19.685 | 50 in = 127 cm |
| 100 cm | 39.3701 | 100 in = 254 cm |
| 150 cm | 59.0551 | 150 in = 381 cm |
| 200 cm | 78.7402 | 200 in = 508 cm |
Popular Centimeters to Inches Conversions
Tap any value to load it into the calculator above.
When You'll Need This Conversion
Metric furniture and fittings
Check a piece listed in cm against a space or tape measure marked in inches.
DIY plans
Convert metric plan dimensions for use with an inch-only tape or drill set.
Pro Tips for Accurate Conversions
Round to the tape you use
An inch tape reads to 1/16 in (about 1.6 mm); more decimals than that cannot be marked out.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Multiplying by 2.54
Inches are larger than centimeters, so the inch number must be smaller.
30 cm ÷ 2.54 = 11.81 in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides & Articles
View allWant to learn more about length conversions?
Browse all length articles →People Also Convert
Related calculators users frequently visit alongside centimeters to inches.
Conversion factors on this page are either exact by definition, derived from exact definitions, or conventional values in documented use. Each is listed with its source in our conversion methodology and sources, which cites the BIPM SI Brochure, NIST Special Publication 811 and the relevant IEC or national standards. Results are rounded for display only; calculations use full precision.