Centimeters
Inches
Centimeter [cm]Inch [in]
1 cm0.393701 in
5 cm1.968505 in
10 cm3.937008 in
20 cm7.874016 in
50 cm19.685039 in
100 cm39.370079 in
Inch [in]Centimeter [cm]
1 in2.54 cm
2 in5.08 cm
3 in7.62 cm
6 in15.24 cm
12 in30.48 cm
36 in91.44 cm

Understanding the Centimeter (cm)

History

The centimeter was introduced as part of the metric system during the French Revolution in 1795. It was defined as one hundredth of a meter, which was originally based on the distance from the Earth's equator to the North Pole. The centimeter became widely adopted throughout Europe and eventually most of the world, providing a standardized unit of measurement.

Conversion Formulas

To Inches:

1 cm = 0.393701 inches

Formula: inches = cm × 0.393701

To Meters:

1 cm = 0.01 meters

Formula: meters = cm ÷ 100

To Millimeters:

1 cm = 10 millimeters

Formula: mm = cm × 10

To Feet:

1 cm = 0.0328084 feet

Formula: feet = cm × 0.0328084

Global Usage

The centimeter is the primary unit of length measurement in most countries worldwide, including:

  • All European Union countries
  • Most Asian countries (China, Japan, South Korea)
  • Most South American countries
  • Most African countries
  • Australia and New Zealand

Notable exceptions include the United States, Liberia, and Myanmar, which primarily use the imperial system but often include metric measurements alongside imperial units.

Understanding the Inch (in)

History

The inch has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Originally defined as the width of a man's thumb, it was standardized in the British Imperial System. The modern inch is exactly 25.4 millimeters, a definition that was established in 1959 through an international agreement between English-speaking nations.

Conversion Formulas

To Centimeters:

1 inch = 2.54 centimeters

Formula: cm = inches × 2.54

To Feet:

1 inch = 0.0833333 feet

Formula: feet = inches ÷ 12

To Yards:

1 inch = 0.0277778 yards

Formula: yards = inches ÷ 36

To Millimeters:

1 inch = 25.4 millimeters

Formula: mm = inches × 25.4

Common Uses

The inch is widely used in several industries and applications:

  • Screen sizes for televisions and monitors
  • Construction and architecture in the United States
  • Manufacturing of machinery and tools
  • Clothing and fashion measurements
  • Plumbing and pipe fittings

While most countries have adopted the metric system, the inch remains the primary unit of measurement in the United States for many everyday applications, particularly in construction, manufacturing, and consumer products.