Centimeters to Inches Conversion Calculator
Enter the length in centimeters below to convert it to inches.
Result: Inches
1 cm ≈ 25/64"
*inch fraction is rounded to nearest 1/64"
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How to Convert Centimeters to Inches
To convert centimeters to inches, use a simple formula. Since one inch is equal to 2.54 centimeters, the formula used to convert is:
inches = centimeters ÷ 2.54
The length in inches equals the length in centimeters divided by 2.54.
For example, here's how to convert 5 centimeters to inches using the formula above.
inches = (5 cm ÷ 2.54) = 1.968504"
How Many Inches Are in a Centimeter?
There are 0.393701 inches in a centimeter, which is why we use this value in the formula above.
1 cm = 0.393701"
How to Convert Centimeters to Fractional Inches
We covered how to convert centimeters to inches, but you may still be wondering how to convert centimeters to fractional inches.
To do so, begin by converting cm to inches using the conversion formula above to get the resulting decimal, and then round to the nearest fractional inch. The number to the left of the decimal is the number of whole inches, and the numbers to the right of the decimal are what will be rounded to the nearest fractional inch.
To round, take the number to the right of the decimal point from the decimal result and multiply it by the level of precision you need. You can round to the nearest 1/16, 1/32, or 1/64 of an inch.
To round to the nearest 1/16 of an inch, for instance, take the decimal portion and multiply it by 16. Then, round that result to the nearest whole number to get the numerator of the fractional inch measurement in 16ths of an inch.
For example, let's convert 3 cm to fractional inches with 1/16” precision following these steps.
Step 1: Divide 3 by 2.54 to convert cm to inches in decimal form.
3 cm ÷ 2.54 = 1.1811 in
Step 2: Multiply the decimal remainder by 16.
0.1811 × 16 = 2.8976
Step 3: Round this value to the nearest whole number; in this case, 2.8976 can be rounded to 3. Place this value in a fraction over 16, so 3/16 is the remaining fraction.
Step 4: Put it all together by placing the whole number from the decimal form in front of the fraction.
3 cm ≈ 1 3/16"
Note that we now use the "approximately equal" sign above since we rounded, and thus 3 cm is not exactly equal to 1 and 3/16 inches.
Our inch fraction calculator can add centimeters and inches, and it automatically converts the results to US customary, imperial, and SI metric values.
Centimeters and inches are both units used to measure length. Keep reading to learn more about each unit.
What Is a Centimeter?
One centimeter is equal to one-hundredth (1/100) of a meter, which is defined as the distance light travels in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 of a second. One centimeter is equal to 0.393701 inches.
The centimeter, or centimetre, is a multiple of the meter, the SI base unit for length. In the metric system, "centi" is the prefix for hundredths, or 10-2. Centimeters can be abbreviated as cm; for example, 1 centimeter can be written as 1 cm.
Metric rulers typically have 30 cm, which are represented by 30 large tick marks. To get a rough idea of a centimeter's length, a standard number 2 pencil is about 1 cm thick.
Learn more about centimeters.
What Is an Inch?
An inch is a unit of length equal to 1/12 of a foot or 1/36 of a yard. Because the international yard is legally defined as exactly 0.9144 meters, one inch equals 2.54 centimeters.[1]
The inch is a US customary and imperial unit of length. Inches can be abbreviated as in; for example, 1 inch can be written as 1 in.
Inches can also be denoted using the ″ symbol, otherwise known as a double prime. Often a double quote (") is used instead of a double prime for convenience. A double prime is commonly used to express 1 in as 1″.
The standard ruler is 12 inches long and is a common tool for measuring a length in inches. Another frequently used tool to perform measurements in inches is a tape measure, which commonly comes in lengths from 6' to 35'. Other devices used to measure in inches include scales, calipers, measuring wheels, micrometers, yardsticks, and even lasers.
Learn more about inches.
We recommend using a ruler or tape measure to measure length, which you can find at a local retailer or home center. Rulers are available in imperial, metric, or a combination of both, so make sure you get the right type for your needs.
Need a ruler? Try our free downloadable and printable rulers, which include both imperial and metric measurements.
cm to Inches Conversion Chart
The chart below shows centimeters and the equivalent value in inches as a decimal or fraction rounded to the nearest 1/64".
| Centimeters | Inches (decimal) | Inches (fraction) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cm | 0.393701" | 25/64" |
| 2 cm | 0.787402" | 25/32" |
| 3 cm | 1.1811" | 1 3/16" |
| 4 cm | 1.5748" | 1 37/64" |
| 5 cm | 1.9685" | 1 31/32" |
| 6 cm | 2.3622" | 2 23/64" |
| 7 cm | 2.7559" | 2 3/4" |
| 8 cm | 3.1496" | 3 5/32" |
| 9 cm | 3.5433" | 3 35/64" |
| 10 cm | 3.937" | 3 15/16" |
| 11 cm | 4.3307" | 4 21/64" |
| 12 cm | 4.7244" | 4 23/32" |
| 13 cm | 5.1181" | 5 1/8" |
| 14 cm | 5.5118" | 5 33/64" |
| 15 cm | 5.9055" | 5 29/32" |
| 16 cm | 6.2992" | 6 19/64" |
| 17 cm | 6.6929" | 6 11/16" |
| 18 cm | 7.0866" | 7 3/32" |
| 19 cm | 7.4803" | 7 31/64" |
| 20 cm | 7.874" | 7 7/8" |
| 21 cm | 8.2677" | 8 17/64" |
| 22 cm | 8.6614" | 8 21/32" |
| 23 cm | 9.0551" | 9 1/16" |
| 24 cm | 9.4488" | 9 29/64" |
| 25 cm | 9.8425" | 9 27/32" |
| 26 cm | 10.24" | 10 15/64" |
| 27 cm | 10.63" | 10 5/8" |
| 28 cm | 11.02" | 11 1/32" |
| 29 cm | 11.42" | 11 27/64" |
| 30 cm | 11.81" | 11 13/16" |
| 31 cm | 12.2" | 12 13/64" |
| 32 cm | 12.6" | 12 19/32" |
| 33 cm | 12.99" | 12 63/64" |
| 34 cm | 13.39" | 13 25/64" |
| 35 cm | 13.78" | 13 25/32" |
| 36 cm | 14.17" | 14 11/64" |
| 37 cm | 14.57" | 14 9/16" |
| 38 cm | 14.96" | 14 61/64" |
| 39 cm | 15.35" | 15 23/64" |
| 40 cm | 15.75" | 15 3/4" |
References
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Checking the Net Contents of Packaged Goods, Handbook 133 - 2019 Edition, https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/hb/2019/NIST.HB.133-2019.pdf