Inches to Centimeters Conversion Calculator
Inches (in) are an imperial/US customary unit of length, while centimeters (cm) are a metric unit.
1 inch = 2.54 centimeters
1 centimeter = 0.3937 inches
Conversion Result
Use the converter above to calculate different values and units
What is Length Measurement?
Length measurement is the quantification of distance between two points, crucial in construction, engineering, and everyday activities. The SI unit for length is the meter (m), while inches and centimeters are commonly used for smaller measurements.
Inches (in) are an imperial/US customary unit defined in modern times as exactly 2.54 centimeters since 1959. Centimeters (cm) are a metric unit equal to 1/100 of a meter. The conversion between these units is essential for international projects and communication.
Learn more on NIST or Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM).
Common Conversions
inches | cm |
---|---|
1 | 2.54 |
2 | 5.08 |
3 | 7.62 |
6 | 15.24 |
12 | 30.48 |
36 | 91.44 |
Practical Use Cases
- International Shopping: Converting US/UK product dimensions (inches) to metric for customers in Europe and Asia
- Electronics: Converting screen and device sizes from inches (industry standard) to centimeters
- Construction: Converting US blueprints and plans to metric measurements for international projects
- Fashion and Apparel: Converting clothing measurements between US sizes (inches) and European sizes (cm)
- DIY and Crafting: Following tutorials from different countries that use different measurement systems
Educational Resource
This educational video explains the relationship between inches and centimeters and demonstrates how to convert between these units of measurement.
Conversion Tools
Download Conversion Chart (PDF)Get our comprehensive inches to centimeters conversion chart for quick reference when you're offline.
Inches to Centimeters Conversion FAQs
Find answers to common questions about converting between inches and centimeters.