Convert Inches to Centimeters
Convert Inches to Centimeters instantly. 1 Inch (in) equals 2.54 Centimeters (cm).
Inches to Centimeters conversion table
| Inches (in) | Centimeters (cm) |
|---|---|
| 1 in | 2.54 cm |
| 2 in | 5.08 cm |
| 3 in | 7.62 cm |
| 5 in | 12.7 cm |
| 10 in | 25.4 cm |
| 20 in | 50.8 cm |
| 50 in | 127 cm |
| 100 in | 254 cm |
| 500 in | 1,270 cm |
| 1,000 in | 2,540 cm |
1 Inch = 2.54 Centimeters · multiply Inches by 2.54
About converting Inches to Centimeters
Inches (in) and Centimeters (cm) are both units of length, so converting between them is a single multiplication: multiply your Inches figure by 2.54. Ten Inches comes to 25.4 Centimeters, and a hundred works out at 254 Centimeters.
Rule of thumb: going from Inches to Centimeters multiplies, so the figure always grows — one Inch is already 2.54 Centimeters. If your answer came out smaller, you have the conversion the wrong way round.
What is an Inch?
An inch is exactly 2.54 centimeters — a rare case where an imperial and a metric unit line up on a tidy number, because the inch was redefined in terms of the meter rather than the other way round. It has quietly outlived most imperial units by attaching itself to technology: screen sizes, wheel and tyre diameters, plumbing pipe, and screw threads are specified in inches worldwide, so even in thoroughly metric countries people buy a 15-inch laptop and 17-inch wheels.
What is a Centimeter?
A centimeter is one hundredth of a meter. It is the everyday metric unit for body measurements, paper sizes, furniture and anything else you would reach for a ruler to check — small enough to be precise about a person’s height without resorting to decimals, large enough that you are not counting hundreds of them. Most of the world lists height in centimeters rather than feet and inches, so 180 cm is instantly readable as "about six foot" to a large part of the planet.
To put both in perspective: an inch is about the width of an adult thumb, while a standard credit card is 8.56 centimeters wide.
The converter above updates as you type, and the table lists common values for quick reference. Need the opposite direction? Use the Centimeters to Inches converter, or browse all Length converters.
Frequently asked questions
How many Centimeters are in one Inch?
There are 2.54 Centimeters in one Inch.
How do I convert Inches to Centimeters?
Multiply the number of Inches by 2.54. For example, 10 Inches = 25.4 Centimeters.
What is 100 Inches in Centimeters?
100 Inches is equal to 254 Centimeters.
How do I convert Centimeters to Inches?
Multiply the Centimeters value by 0.3937 (or divide by 2.54).
Is this Inches to Centimeters conversion exact?
Yes, exactly. Both units are fixed against the same base by definition, and 1 Inch = 2.54 Centimeters is the complete value — nothing is rounded away.
What is an Inch?
An inch is exactly 2.54 centimeters — a rare case where an imperial and a metric unit line up on a tidy number, because the inch was redefined in terms of the meter rather than the other way round. It has quietly outlived most imperial units by attaching itself to technology: screen sizes, wheel and tyre diameters, plumbing pipe, and screw threads are specified in inches worldwide, so even in thoroughly metric countries people buy a 15-inch laptop and 17-inch wheels.
What is a Centimeter?
A centimeter is one hundredth of a meter. It is the everyday metric unit for body measurements, paper sizes, furniture and anything else you would reach for a ruler to check — small enough to be precise about a person’s height without resorting to decimals, large enough that you are not counting hundreds of them. Most of the world lists height in centimeters rather than feet and inches, so 180 cm is instantly readable as "about six foot" to a large part of the planet.