In 1 inches there are 2.54 centimeters. Meanwhile in 1 centimeters there are 0.393701 inches. Keep reading to learn more about each unit of measure and how they are calculated. Or just use the Centimeters to Inches calculator above to convert any number.
* Values rounded to 6 decimal places for readability
To convert inches to centimeters (cm), use this rule:
Steps
Examples
Tip: Keep 2.54 as your main conversion factor for accurate inch-to-centimeter conversions.
There are 2.54 centimeters in 1 inch. This is an exact conversion, not an estimate. To convert inches to centimeters, multiply the inch value by 2.54.
Use this formula: cm = inches × 2.54.
Example: 10 inches × 2.54 = 25.4 cm.
Use this formula: inches = cm ÷ 2.54.
Example: 25.4 cm ÷ 2.54 = 10 inches.
2.54 is the fixed definition of an inch in the metric system. It links the imperial unit (inch) to the metric unit (centimeter) with a set, exact value.
It’s exact. 1 inch = 2.54 cm by definition. Any rounding comes from how many decimal places you choose to show.
For a fast mental estimate, you can use 1 inch ≈ 2.5 cm. This is close, but it’s not exact. Use 2.54 when accuracy matters.
Here are a few common conversions:
A foot is 12 inches, and each inch is 2.54 cm.
So 1 foot = 12 × 2.54 = 30.48 cm.
Convert the feet to inches, add the extra inches, then multiply by 2.54.
Formula: cm = (feet × 12 + inches) × 2.54
Example: 5 ft 8 in
Total inches = (5 × 12) + 8 = 68
Centimeters = 68 × 2.54 = 172.72 cm
Screen size is measured on the diagonal in inches. To convert, multiply by 2.54.
Example: 27-inch screen = 27 × 2.54 = 68.58 cm (diagonal).
Use cm = inches × 2.54 and keep at least one decimal place for better fit. Many patterns need exact measurements, so avoid using 2.5 unless it’s just a rough plan.
Inches are common in the United States and a few other places. Centimeters are common in most metric-based countries. Listing both helps people compare sizes without converting.
It depends on your use:
An inch is an imperial unit. A centimeter is a metric unit. A centimeter is smaller, so the number in centimeters is larger for the same length. For example, 10 inches equals 25.4 centimeters.
The Calculate Box tool to convert inches to centimeters uses the open source script Convert.js to convert units of measurement. To use this tool, simply type a inches value in the box and have it instantly converted to centimeters.