Inches to Centimeters Conversion Calculator
Enter the length in inches below to get the value converted to centimeters.
How to Convert Inches to Centimeters
To convert an inch measurement to a centimeter measurement, multiply the length by the conversion ratio.
Since one inch is equal to 2.54 centimeters, you can use this simple formula to convert:
The length in centimeters is equal to the inches multiplied by 2.54.
How Many Centimeters are in an Inch?
There are 2.54 centimeters in an inch, which is why we use this value in the formula above.
1" = 2.54 cm
Our inch fraction calculator can add inches and centimeters together, and it also automatically converts the results to US customary, imperial, and SI metric values.
Inches and centimeters are both units used to measure length. Keep reading to learn more about each unit of measure.
Inches
An inch is a unit of linear length measure equal to 1/12 of a foot or 1/36 of a yard. Because the international yard is legally defined to be equal to exactly 0.9144 meters, one inch is equal to 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 has 12", and is a common measuring tool for measuring inches. They 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.
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.
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.
Inch to Centimeter Conversion Table
| Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|
| 1" | 2.54 cm |
| 2" | 5.08 cm |
| 3" | 7.62 cm |
| 4" | 10.16 cm |
| 5" | 12.7 cm |
| 6" | 15.24 cm |
| 7" | 17.78 cm |
| 8" | 20.32 cm |
| 9" | 22.86 cm |
| 10" | 25.4 cm |
| 11" | 27.94 cm |
| 12" | 30.48 cm |
| 13" | 33.02 cm |
| 14" | 35.56 cm |
| 15" | 38.1 cm |
| 16" | 40.64 cm |
| 17" | 43.18 cm |
| 18" | 45.72 cm |
| 19" | 48.26 cm |
| 20" | 50.8 cm |
| 21" | 53.34 cm |
| 22" | 55.88 cm |
| 23" | 58.42 cm |
| 24" | 60.96 cm |
| 25" | 63.5 cm |
| 26" | 66.04 cm |
| 27" | 68.58 cm |
| 28" | 71.12 cm |
| 29" | 73.66 cm |
| 30" | 76.2 cm |
| 31" | 78.74 cm |
| 32" | 81.28 cm |
| 33" | 83.82 cm |
| 34" | 86.36 cm |
| 35" | 88.9 cm |
| 36" | 91.44 cm |
| 37" | 93.98 cm |
| 38" | 96.52 cm |
| 39" | 99.06 cm |
| 40" | 101.6 cm |
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
