CM to Inches converter

How to convert centimeters to inches

To convert centimeters to inches, use in = cm ÷ 2.54. For example, 25 cm is 9.84252 in. Type any value in the converter above and the result updates instantly.

The CM to Inches formula

The conversion is in = cm ÷ 2.54. One centimeter equals 0.393701 in. This conversion is exact: centimeter is defined precisely in terms of inch, so the only rounding is in the digits shown.

CM to Inches conversion table

Where centimeters and inches are used

Centimeters are the everyday small unit of length in most of the world: body height, clothing and furniture sizes, and screen and paper dimensions.

Inches are the standard for screen sizes, tires, pipes, paper and tool sizes everywhere, and for everyday lengths in the United States.

Worked examples

These examples use the formula above, so you can check the converter or do the same by hand:

• 2 cm = 0.787402 in
• 10 cm = 3.93701 in
• 20 cm = 7.87402 in

Converting centimeters to inches in your head

Divide by 2.5 for a quick estimate, then add about 2 percent: 50 cm is 50 ÷ 2.5 = 20, and the exact answer is 19.7 in.

Inches to CM reference table

For the opposite direction, these values are handy to have at hand:

Common mistakes to avoid

• Do not confuse the international inch (exactly 25.4 mm) with the US survey foot used in old land records; everyday conversions use the international values.
• Feet and inches are often written together: 5 ft 9 in is 69 inches, or 175.26 cm.

About this converter

The converter accepts whole numbers, decimals and negative values, gives the result as you type, and uses full precision internally, so what you copy is as accurate as it can be. It runs in your browser: nothing you type is sent to a server, it keeps working offline once the page has loaded, and there is nothing to install.

Need the opposite direction? Use the Inches to CM converter.