Convert Centimeters to Inches

1 cm = 0.393701 in

1 cm = 0.393701 in

centimeters (cm) inches (in)
0.5 0.19685
1 0.393701
2 0.787402
5 1.9685
10 3.937
25 9.8425
50 19.685
100 39.3701
250 98.4252
500 196.85
1000 393.7

To convert centimeters to inches, multiply the value by the conversion factor:

1 cm = 0.393701 in

For example: 10 cm = 3.937 in

The Conversion Formula

To convert centimeters to inches, multiply the value by the conversion factor: 1 cm = 0.393701 in. For a worked example, suppose you need to convert 25 cm to inches: 25 × 0.393701 = 9.8425 in. To convert in the opposite direction, divide by 0.393701, or equivalently multiply by 2.54.

About centimeters

The centimeter (cm) is a versatile unit in the metric system, representing one hundredth of a meter. It was the base unit of length in the now-deprecated CGS (centimeter-gram-second) system, which was widely used in science until the mid-20th century. Today, it remains the go-to unit for everyday measurements that are too small for meters but too big for millimeters, bridging the gap between human-scale and precision engineering. centimeters are commonly used in Human height measurements, Clothing and tailoring, Furniture dimensions, and Rainfall measurement, School supplies (rulers).

The diameter of a standard AAA battery is about 1 cm.

About inches

The inch is a unit of length in the British imperial and United States customary systems. The word comes from the Latin 'uncia', meaning 'one-twelfth'. Traditionally defined as the width of a man's thumb or the length of three barleycorns, it is now precision-defined as 25.4 millimeters. It is the global standard for electronic display sizes (TVs, monitors, phones) and wheel rim diameters. inches are commonly used in Screen sizes (TVs, smartphones), Tire rim diameters, Paper sizes (Letter, Legal), and Plumbing pipe diameters, Rainfall in the US.

A US quarter is just under 1 inch in diameter.

When Would You Convert centimeters to inches?

Converting between centimeters and inches is one of the most common length conversions. You might need this conversion when working with international specifications, following instructions written for a different measurement system, or comparing values across different standards. Having the conversion factor (1 cm = 0.393701 in) memorized or bookmarked can save time in professional and everyday contexts alike.