Inches to Millimeters Conversion Calculator
Symbol: in (inch), mm (millimeter)
The inch and millimeter are units of length measurement, with the inch being part of the imperial system and the millimeter being part of the metric system (SI).
Formula: 1 inch = 25.4 millimeters
Common Conversions:
- 1/4 in = 6.35 mm
- 1/2 in = 12.7 mm
- 1 in = 25.4 mm
- 2 in = 50.8 mm
- 10 mm ≈ 0.394 in
Conversion Result
Use the converter above to calculate different values and units
What are Length Measurements?
Length measurements are fundamental units used to quantify distance, size, and dimensions. Inches (in) and millimeters (mm) are two of the most commonly used units for small-scale measurements in the imperial and metric systems respectively.
The inch has been standardized internationally as exactly 25.4 millimeters since 1959, while the millimeter belongs to the International System of Units (SI) and is precisely defined. This standardization ensures consistent conversions between these systems worldwide.
Learn more from Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) or NIST.
Common Inches to Millimeters Conversions
Inches (in) | Millimeters (mm) | Common Reference |
---|---|---|
0.039 | 1 | Thickness of a credit card |
0.25 | 6.35 | Standard computer RAM thickness |
0.5 | 12.7 | Standard pencil diameter |
1 | 25.4 | Exact definition of an inch |
2 | 50.8 | Width of a golf ball |
3 | 76.2 | Width of a credit card |
6 | 152.4 | Smartphone width (approx.) |
12 | 304.8 | Standard ruler (1 foot) |
Practical Use Cases
- DIY Projects: Converting measurements from US tools and materials to metric specifications
- Engineering & Manufacturing: Converting imperial design specifications to metric measurements for international production
- Electronics: Converting screen sizes from inches to millimeters when working with international specifications
- Crafting & Sewing: Following US-based patterns on metric ruler systems
- Medical Applications: Converting medical device measurements from imperial to metric systems
- Academic & Scientific Work: Converting imperial measurements to metric for scientific publications
Educational Resource
This educational video explains the relationship between inches and millimeters and demonstrates how to convert between these units with practical examples and applications.
Conversion Tools
Download Conversion Chart (PDF)Get our comprehensive inches to millimeters conversion chart for quick reference when you're offline.
Inches to Millimeters Conversion FAQs
Find answers to common questions about converting between inches and millimeters.