Millimeters to Centimeters Conversion

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

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1 mm = 0.1 cm
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How to Convert Millimeters to Centimeters

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

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

centimeters = millimeters ÷ 10

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

For example, here's how to convert 5 millimeters to centimeters using the formula above.
5 mm = (5 ÷ 10) = 0.5 cm
conversion scale showing millimeters and equivalent centimeters length values

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

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

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]

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.

Millimeter to Centimeter Conversion Table

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

References

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

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