How to Convert CM to Inches
Use this formula:
inches = cm ÷ 2.54
One inch is defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters, so dividing by 2.54 gives you the length in inches. That value was agreed internationally in 1959 so that the imperial yard matched the metric system.
Worked example: 50 cm to inches
50 ÷ 2.54 = 19.69 inches (rounded to two decimals). So 50 cm is about 19.69 in.
More examples: 10 cm = 3.94 in, 30 cm = 11.81 in, and 100 cm = 39.37 in. For the reverse, multiply inches by 2.54—or use our inches to cm converter.
CM to Inches Conversion Table
Reference table from 1 cm to 100 cm in inches (rounded to 2 decimal places).
| cm | inches |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.39 |
| 2 | 0.79 |
| 3 | 1.18 |
| 4 | 1.57 |
| 5 | 1.97 |
| 6 | 2.36 |
| 7 | 2.76 |
| 8 | 3.15 |
| 9 | 3.54 |
| 10 | 3.94 |
| 11 | 4.33 |
| 12 | 4.72 |
| 13 | 5.12 |
| 14 | 5.51 |
| 15 | 5.91 |
| 16 | 6.30 |
| 17 | 6.69 |
| 18 | 7.09 |
| 19 | 7.48 |
| 20 | 7.87 |
| 21 | 8.27 |
| 22 | 8.66 |
| 23 | 9.06 |
| 24 | 9.45 |
| 25 | 9.84 |
| 26 | 10.24 |
| 27 | 10.63 |
| 28 | 11.02 |
| 29 | 11.42 |
| 30 | 11.81 |
| 31 | 12.20 |
| 32 | 12.60 |
| 33 | 12.99 |
| 34 | 13.39 |
| 35 | 13.78 |
| 36 | 14.17 |
| 37 | 14.57 |
| 38 | 14.96 |
| 39 | 15.35 |
| 40 | 15.75 |
| 41 | 16.14 |
| 42 | 16.54 |
| 43 | 16.93 |
| 44 | 17.32 |
| 45 | 17.72 |
| 46 | 18.11 |
| 47 | 18.50 |
| 48 | 18.90 |
| 49 | 19.29 |
| 50 | 19.69 |
| 51 | 20.08 |
| 52 | 20.47 |
| 53 | 20.87 |
| 54 | 21.26 |
| 55 | 21.65 |
| 56 | 22.05 |
| 57 | 22.44 |
| 58 | 22.83 |
| 59 | 23.23 |
| 60 | 23.62 |
| 61 | 24.02 |
| 62 | 24.41 |
| 63 | 24.80 |
| 64 | 25.20 |
| 65 | 25.59 |
| 66 | 25.98 |
| 67 | 26.38 |
| 68 | 26.77 |
| 69 | 27.17 |
| 70 | 27.56 |
| 71 | 27.95 |
| 72 | 28.35 |
| 73 | 28.74 |
| 74 | 29.13 |
| 75 | 29.53 |
| 76 | 29.92 |
| 77 | 30.31 |
| 78 | 30.71 |
| 79 | 31.10 |
| 80 | 31.50 |
| 81 | 31.89 |
| 82 | 32.28 |
| 83 | 32.68 |
| 84 | 33.07 |
| 85 | 33.46 |
| 86 | 33.86 |
| 87 | 34.25 |
| 88 | 34.65 |
| 89 | 35.04 |
| 90 | 35.43 |
| 91 | 35.83 |
| 92 | 36.22 |
| 93 | 36.61 |
| 94 | 37.01 |
| 95 | 37.40 |
| 96 | 37.80 |
| 97 | 38.19 |
| 98 | 38.58 |
| 99 | 38.98 |
| 100 | 39.37 |
For values above 100 cm, use the formula: inches = cm ÷ 2.54, or the calculator above.
When Is CM to Inches Conversion Used?
Converting between cm and inches comes up whenever measurements are given in one system and you think in the other. Typical situations include:
- Clothing and sizes: Many brands list measurements in cm (e.g. EU or Asian sizing). Converting to inches helps when you’re used to US or UK size charts.
- Furniture and room dimensions: IKEA and other catalogs often use cm. Converting to inches (or feet to cm for room size) makes it easier to check fit in spaces measured in feet and inches.
- Screen sizes: TVs and monitors are often sold in inches (diagonal). Specs and manuals may give dimensions in cm—converting helps compare with your space.
- Construction and plans: US plans are usually in inches and feet; international or scientific specs may be in cm. Converting keeps everything consistent.
- DIY and crafts: Tutorials and materials can use either system. Converting cm to inches (or the other way with our inches to cm tool) avoids cutting or ordering errors.
- International shopping: Product listings from overseas often use metric. Converting to inches makes it easier to judge size before you buy—similar to checking pounds to kg for weight.
About Centimeters
The centimeter is part of the metric system and is used as the standard unit of length in most countries. It is defined as one hundredth of a meter (1 cm = 0.01 m). Because the meter is tied to a universal constant (the speed of light), the cm is stable and consistent everywhere. You’ll see it in science, engineering, medicine, and everyday life in metric countries. For other metric conversions—for example, weight—tools like a pounds to kg converter follow the same idea: one system to another with a fixed factor.
About Inches
The inch is an imperial (and US customary) unit of length. It is still the main unit for many applications in the United States and is used in the UK for things like screen sizes and body height. Historically the inch varied by region; since 1959 it has been defined as exactly 2.54 cm, so conversions between inches and centimeters are exact. If you need to go from inches to cm, use the formula cm = inches × 2.54 or our inches to cm converter.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many inches are in 1 cm?
- 1 cm is about 0.39 inches (exactly 1/2.54). For quick estimates, 0.4 inches per cm is close enough.
- How do I convert cm to inches manually?
- Divide the length in centimeters by 2.54. Example: 50 cm ÷ 2.54 = 19.69 inches. The factor 2.54 is exact.
- Is 100 cm equal to 1 meter?
- Yes. 100 centimeters equal exactly 1 meter. In inches, 100 cm is about 39.37 in.
- Why is 1 inch exactly 2.54 cm?
- Since 1959, the inch has been defined internationally as exactly 2.54 cm so that the imperial yard aligns with the metric meter. That keeps conversions consistent worldwide.
- How many inches is 180 cm?
- 180 cm is about 70.87 inches, or roughly 5 feet 11 inches—a common height in metric countries. For feet and centimeters, use our feet to cm or cm to feet converter.
- What is 50 cm in inches?
- 50 cm equals 19.69 inches (50 ÷ 2.54). So 50 cm is just under 20 inches, or about 1 foot 7.7 inches.