Millimeters to Centimeters Converter
Enter the length in millimeters below to convert it to centimeters.
Result in Centimeters:
Do you want to convert centimeters to millimeters?
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How to Convert Millimeters to Centimeters
To convert a measurement in millimeters to a measurement in centimeters, divide the length by the following conversion ratio: 10 millimeters/centimeter.
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 length in millimeters divided by 10.
For example, here's how to convert 5 millimeters to centimeters using the formula above.
centimeters = (5 mm ÷ 10) = 0.5 cm
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.
What Is a Millimeter?
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 1/299,792,458 of a second. One millimeter is equal to 0.0393701 inches.
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 thousandths, or 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]
Learn more about millimeters.
What Is a Centimeter?
One centimeter is equal to one-hundredth (1/100) of a meter, which is defined as the distance light travels in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 of a second. One centimeter is equal to 0.393701 inches.
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 hundredths, or 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 number 2 pencil is just about 1 cm thick.
Learn more about centimeters.
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 a combination of 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
| 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
- United States Mint, Coin Specifications, https://www.usmint.gov/learn/coin-and-medal-programs/coin-specifications