Convert Inches to Centimeters
Learn How to Convert Inches to Centimeters Using our Conversion Formula
Converting an inch length measurement to a centimeter measurement involves multiplying your length by the conversion ratio to find the result. An inch is equal to 2.54 centimeters, so to convert simply multiply by 2.54.
For example, 5" = (5 × 2.54) = 12.7cm.
Our inch fraction calculator can add inches and centimeters together and it also automatically converts the results to both imperial and metric values.
Inches and centimeters are both units used to measure length. Learn more about length and find more length measurement conversion calculators. An inch is an imperial measurement and can be abbreviated as in, for example 1in. A centimeter is a metric measurement and can be abbreviated as cm, for example 1cm. Learn more about the metric system, including the common unit prefixes and how to convert between metric units.
Internationally the centimeter is actually spelled centimetre and it's equal to 10 millimeters, .01 meters, or .393701 inches. Metric rulers have 30cm and they are the larger measurement. A standard pencil is just about 1cm thick, and can be used to get a rough idea of the size of a centimeter.
The actual length of an inch has varied becuase of variances of the length of a foot. Throughout history it has been equal to 1/12 - 1/16 of a foot, but there are now exactly 12 inches in a foot. In 1959 the world agreed to the exact length of the national yard, .9144 meters. As such a foot is equal to .3048 meters and an inch is equal to 2.54 centimeters.
The standard ruler has 12", and metric combinations have 30cm. Inches are also often measured using tape measures which commonly come in lengths from 6' - 35'. Other types of measuring devices include scales, calipers, measuring wheels, micrometers, yardsticks, and even lasers.
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. If you need a ruler you can also download and print our free printable rulers which include both imperial and metric measurements.
More Length Conversions
- Convert to Miles Length
- 1" is equal to 1.5783E-5 miles
- Convert to Yards Length
- 1" is equal to 0.027778 yards
- Convert to Feet Length
- 1" is equal to 0.083333 feet
- Convert to Kilometers Length
- 1" is equal to 2.54E-5 kilometers
- Convert to Meters Length
- 1" is equal to 0.0254 meters
- Convert to Millimeters Length
- 1" is equal to 25.4 millimeters
- Convert to Micrometers Length
- 1" is equal to 25,400 micrometers
- Convert to Nanometers Length
- 1" is equal to 25,400,000 nanometers
Inch Measurements and Equivalent Centimeter Conversions
| Inches | Centimeters | Inches | Centimeters | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1" | 2.54 | 21" | 53.34 | 41" | 104.14 |
| 2" | 5.08 | 22" | 55.88 | 42" | 106.68 |
| 3" | 7.62 | 23" | 58.42 | 43" | 109.22 |
| 4" | 10.16 | 24" | 60.96 | 44" | 111.76 |
| 5" | 12.7 | 25" | 63.5 | 45" | 114.3 |
| 6" | 15.24 | 26" | 66.04 | 46" | 116.84 |
| 7" | 17.78 | 27" | 68.58 | 47" | 119.38 |
| 8" | 20.32 | 28" | 71.12 | 48" | 121.92 |
| 9" | 22.86 | 29" | 73.66 | 49" | 124.46 |
| 10" | 25.4 | 30" | 76.2 | 50" | 127 |
| 11" | 27.94 | 31" | 78.74 | 51" | 129.54 |
| 12" | 30.48 | 32" | 81.28 | 52" | 132.08 |
| 13" | 33.02 | 33" | 83.82 | 53" | 134.62 |
| 14" | 35.56 | 34" | 86.36 | 54" | 137.16 |
| 15" | 38.1 | 35" | 88.9 | 55" | 139.7 |
| 16" | 40.64 | 36" | 91.44 | 56" | 142.24 |
| 17" | 43.18 | 37" | 93.98 | 57" | 144.78 |
| 18" | 45.72 | 38" | 96.52 | 58" | 147.32 |
| 19" | 48.26 | 39" | 99.06 | 59" | 149.86 |
| 20" | 50.8 | 40" | 101.6 | 60" | 152.4 |
