Centimeters to Millimeters Conversion

Enter the length in centimeters below to get the value converted to millimeters.

SWAP UNITS
Results in Millimeters:
Loading content.
1 cm = 10 mm
Do you want to convert millimeters to centimeters?

How to Convert Centimeters to Millimeters

To convert a centimeter measurement to a millimeter measurement, multiply the length by the conversion ratio.

Since one centimeter is equal to 10 millimeters, you can use this simple formula to convert:

millimeters = centimeters × 10

The length in millimeters is equal to the centimeters multiplied by 10.

For example, here's how to convert 5 centimeters to millimeters using the formula above.
5 cm = (5 × 10) = 50 mm
conversion scale showing centimeters and equivalent millimeters length values

How Many Millimeters Are in a Centimeter?

There are 10 millimeters in a centimeter, which is why we use this value in the formula above.

1 cm = 10 mm

Our inch fraction calculator can add centimeters and millimeters together, and it also automatically converts the results to US customary, imperial, and SI metric values.

Centimeters and millimeters are both units used to measure length. Keep reading to learn more about each unit of measure.

Centimeters

One centimeter is equal to one-hundredth (1/100) of a meter, which is defined as the distance light travels in a vacuum in a 1/299,792,458 second time interval.

The centimeter, or centimetre, is a multiple of the meter, which is the SI base unit for length. In the metric system, "centi" is the prefix for 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 the actual length of a centimeter, a standard pencil is just about 1 cm thick.

Millimeters

One millimeter is equal to one-thousandth (1/1,000) of a meter, which is defined as the distance light travels in a vacuum in a 1/299,792,458 second time interval.

The millimeter, or millimetre, is a multiple of the meter, which is the SI base unit for length. In the metric system, "milli" is the prefix for 10-3. Millimeters can be abbreviated as mm; for example, 1 millimeter can be written as 1 mm.

Millimeters are often represented by the smallest ticks on most metric rulers. To get a reference point of the size, the thickness of a US dime is 1.35mm.[1]

We recommend using a ruler or tape measure for measuring length, which can be found at a local retailer or home center. Rulers are available in imperial, metric, or combination with both values, so make sure you get the correct type for your needs.

Need a ruler? Try our free downloadable and printable rulers, which include both imperial and metric measurements.

Centimeter to Millimeter Conversion Table

Centimeter measurements converted to millimeters
Centimeters Millimeters
0.1 cm 1 mm
0.2 cm 2 mm
0.3 cm 3 mm
0.4 cm 4 mm
0.5 cm 5 mm
0.6 cm 6 mm
0.7 cm 7 mm
0.8 cm 8 mm
0.9 cm 9 mm
1 cm 10 mm

References

  1. United States Mint, Coin Specifications, https://www.usmint.gov/learn/coin-and-medal-programs/coin-specifications

More Centimeter & Millimeter Conversions