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CM to Inches Conversion Information
Converting between centimeters (cm) and inches (in) is a common task when working with measurements from different systems. One inch is exactly equal to 2.54 centimeters, making the conversion straightforward.
How to Convert Centimeters to Inches
To convert centimeters to inches, multiply the length value by 0.3937 (or divide by 2.54):
inches = centimeters × 0.3937
or
inches = centimeters ÷ 2.54
Centimeters to Inches Conversion Table
| Centimeters (cm) | Inches (decimal) | Inches (fraction) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cm | 0.3937 in | 25/64 in |
| 2 cm | 0.7874 in | 25/32 in |
| 5 cm | 1.9685 in | 1 31/32 in |
| 10 cm | 3.9370 in | 3 15/16 in |
| 20 cm | 7.8740 in | 7 7/8 in |
| 50 cm | 19.6850 in | 19 11/16 in |
| 100 cm | 39.3701 in | 39 3/8 in |
Common CM to Inch Conversions
- 1 cm = 0.3937 inches
- 10 cm = 3.937 inches
- 30 cm = 11.811 inches
- 100 cm = 39.37 inches
About Centimeters
A centimeter (cm) is a unit of length in the metric system. The prefix "centi" means one-hundredth, so a centimeter is one-hundredth of a meter. Centimeters are commonly used for measuring relatively small objects and distances.
About Inches
An inch (in) is a unit of length in the imperial and US customary measurement systems. One inch is defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters. Inches are commonly used in the United States and some other countries for measuring everyday objects.
About the CM to Inches Converter
Our centimeter to inches converter provides a fast, accurate way to convert between metric (cm) and imperial (inches) length units. Whether you're working on a home improvement project, studying for class, or converting measurements for international shipping, this tool gives you instant results in both decimal and fractional formats.
How to Convert Centimeters to Inches
To convert centimeters to inches, multiply the centimeter value by 0.3937. This conversion factor comes from the relationship where 1 inch equals exactly 2.54 centimeters.
Conversion Formula:
Inches = Centimeters × 0.3937
Example Conversions
- 1 cm to inches: 1 cm × 0.3937 = 0.3937 inches
- 5 cm to inches: 5 cm × 0.3937 = 1.9685 inches (approximately 1 31/32 inches)
- 10 cm to inches: 10 cm × 0.3937 = 3.937 inches (approximately 3 15/16 inches)
- 20 cm to inches: 20 cm × 0.3937 = 7.874 inches (approximately 7 7/8 inches)
- 100 cm to inches: 100 cm × 0.3937 = 39.37 inches (approximately 39 3/8 inches)
Centimeters to Inches Conversion Table
For quick reference, here's a detailed conversion table showing common centimeter values and their equivalent in both decimal and fractional inches.
| Centimeters (cm) | Inches (decimal) | Inches (fraction) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cm | 0.3937 in | ~ 25/64 in |
| 2 cm | 0.7874 in | ~ 25/32 in |
| 3 cm | 1.1811 in | ~ 1 3/16 in |
| 4 cm | 1.5748 in | ~ 1 37/64 in |
| 5 cm | 1.9685 in | ~ 1 31/32 in |
| 10 cm | 3.9370 in | ~ 3 15/16 in |
| 15 cm | 5.9055 in | ~ 5 29/32 in |
| 20 cm | 7.8740 in | ~ 7 7/8 in |
| 25 cm | 9.8425 in | ~ 9 27/32 in |
| 30 cm | 11.8110 in | ~ 11 13/16 in |
| 40 cm | 15.7480 in | ~ 15 3/4 in |
| 50 cm | 19.6850 in | ~ 19 11/16 in |
| 60 cm | 23.6220 in | ~ 23 5/8 in |
| 70 cm | 27.5590 in | ~ 27 9/16 in |
| 80 cm | 31.4960 in | ~ 31 1/2 in |
| 90 cm | 35.4330 in | ~ 35 7/16 in |
| 100 cm | 39.3700 in | ~ 39 3/8 in |
Common Uses for CM to Inches Conversion
Converting between centimeters and inches is useful in many everyday situations:
- Crafting and DIY: Measuring materials, cutting fabric, or building furniture
- International Shopping: Converting clothing sizes between regions that use different systems
- Academic Work: Science, engineering, and mathematics problems often require unit conversion
- Construction: Converting between metric and imperial measurements on building plans
- Medical Field: Converting patient measurements between different systems
- Travel: Understanding measurements when visiting countries that use different systems
Why Use Our CM to Inches Converter?
Our converter offers several advantages over other online tools:
- Instant Results: No need to click a "calculate" button; see your conversion immediately as you type
- Fractional Inches: Get results in both decimal format and as fractions for woodworking and practical applications
- Mobile Friendly: Works perfectly on smartphones and tablets for on-the-go conversions
- No Ads: Clean, distraction-free interface focused on delivering accurate results
- Copy Functionality: Easily copy results to clipboard for use in other applications
- Bidirectional: Switch between cm to inches and inches to cm with a single click
The Metric and Imperial Measurement Systems
Understanding the two major measurement systems helps explain why conversion is often necessary:
Metric System (cm)
- Used by most countries worldwide
- Based on powers of 10 (decimal)
- 1 meter = 100 centimeters
- Scientific standard for measurements
- Officially used in over 95% of countries
Imperial System (inches)
- Used primarily in the United States
- Based on traditional measurements
- 1 foot = 12 inches
- Common in construction and woodworking
- Widely used in everyday US measurements
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this converter?
Our converter uses the precise conversion factor of 0.3937 inches per centimeter, which is derived from the exact definition of 2.54 centimeters per inch. Results are calculated with high precision and then rounded for display purposes.
Why are fractions important for inch measurements?
In the United States and other countries that use the imperial system, inches are commonly expressed as fractions in construction, woodworking, and manufacturing. Tools like tape measures and rulers often display measurements in fractions of an inch (1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, etc.).
How do I convert from inches to centimeters?
To convert from inches to centimeters, multiply the inch value by 2.54. For example, 5 inches equals 5 × 2.54 = 12.7 centimeters. You can also use the reverse converter by entering a value in the inches field and clicking the arrow button.
Is 1 inch exactly 2.54 cm?
Yes, by international agreement, 1 inch is defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters. This precise definition was established in 1959 by agreement between the United States and Commonwealth countries.
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