Kilometers to Centimeters Conversion

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

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1 km = 100,000 cm
1 km = 1,000 m
Do you want to convert centimeters to kilometers?

How to Convert Kilometers to Centimeters

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

Since one kilometer is equal to 100,000 centimeters, you can use this simple formula to convert:

centimeters = kilometers × 100,000

The length in centimeters is equal to the kilometers multiplied by 100,000.

For example, here's how to convert 5 kilometers to centimeters using the formula above.
5 km = (5 × 100,000) = 500,000 cm

How Many Centimeters Are in a Kilometer?

There are 100,000 centimeters in a kilometer, which is why we use this value in the formula above.

1 km = 100,000 cm

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

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

Kilometers

One kilometer is equal to 1,000 meters, which are defined as the distance light travels in a vacuum in a 1/299,792,458 second time interval.[1]

The kilometer, or kilometre, is a multiple of the meter, which is the SI base unit for length. In the metric system, "kilo" is the prefix for 103. Kilometers can be abbreviated as km; for example, 1 kilometer can be written as 1 km.

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.

Kilometer to Centimeter Conversion Table

Kilometer measurements converted to centimeters
Kilometers Centimeters
0.00001 km 1 cm
0.00002 km 2 cm
0.00003 km 3 cm
0.00004 km 4 cm
0.00005 km 5 cm
0.00006 km 6 cm
0.00007 km 7 cm
0.00008 km 8 cm
0.00009 km 9 cm
0.000001 km 0.1 cm
0.00001 km 1 cm
0.0001 km 10 cm
0.001 km 100 cm
0.01 km 1,000 cm
0.1 km 10,000 cm
1 km 100,000 cm

References

  1. Ambler Thompson and Barry N. Taylor, Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI), National Institute of Standards and Technology, https://physics.nist.gov/cuu/pdf/sp811.pdf

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