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Free CM to Inches Converter

Convert centimeters to inches and back. One inch is exactly 2.54 cm, so the conversion is precise — type in either box for an instant result.

1 cm = 0.3937 in

Pick any units and edit either box — it converts instantly in your browser.

Quick answer

To convert centimeters to inches, divide the number of centimeters by 2.54, because one inch is exactly 2.54 centimeters. For example, 30 cm ÷ 2.54 = 11.81 inches. To go back, multiply inches by 2.54.

Formula & method

inches = centimeters ÷ 2.54
  • centimeters — length in cm
  • 2.54 — centimeters in one inch (exact, by definition)

Inverse: centimeters = inches × 2.54.

Common centimeters to inches

Centimeters (cm)Inches (in)
1 cm0.39 in
5 cm1.97 in
10 cm3.94 in
20 cm7.87 in
30 cm11.81 in
50 cm19.69 in
100 cm39.37 in
150 cm59.06 in
180 cm70.87 in

Examples

Example 1: 2.54 centimeters
Input
2.54 cm
Result
1 inch
Why
2.54 ÷ 2.54 = 1, since an inch is defined as 2.54 cm.
Example 2: 10 centimeters
Input
10 cm
Result
3.937 in
Why
10 ÷ 2.54 = 3.937.
Example 3: 30 centimeters
Input
30 cm
Result
11.811 in
Why
30 ÷ 2.54 = 11.811.

When to use this tool

  • Converting a screen, paper, or furniture size between metric and imperial.
  • Reading clothing or body measurements in the other unit.
  • Following DIY or craft instructions that use the unit you don’t.

Common mistakes

  • Using 2.5 instead of the exact 2.54 — that introduces about a 1.6% error.
  • Reporting inches as feet without dividing by 12 afterward (12 inches = 1 foot).
  • Confusing centimeters with millimeters; 1 cm = 10 mm.

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert cm to inches?

Divide the centimeters by 2.54. The conversion is exact because an inch is defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters.

How many centimeters are in an inch?

Exactly 2.54 centimeters. This is a defined value, not a rounded approximation.

How do I convert inches back to centimeters?

Multiply the inches by 2.54, or simply type a value into the inches box in this tool.

How do I turn the result into feet and inches?

Divide the total inches by 12 to get whole feet; the remainder is the leftover inches. For example, 36 inches is 3 feet 0 inches.

Is this the same for mm?

No. There are 10 millimeters in a centimeter, so 1 inch is 25.4 mm. Divide millimeters by 25.4 to get inches.

How do I convert a measurement like 180 cm to feet and inches?

Convert cm to inches (180 ÷ 2.54 = 70.87 in), then divide by 12 to get feet: 70.87 ÷ 12 = 5 feet 10.87 inches (approximately 5'11").

Why is 1 inch exactly 2.54 centimeters?

This is an internationally defined standard. In 1959, the US, UK, and other nations agreed that 1 inch = 2.54 cm exactly, to ensure precision in trade and engineering.

Sources & references

External references open in a new tab. We are independent and not affiliated with these organizations.

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  • ✓ Formula and method shown above
Last updated: How we calculateReport a correctionDisclaimer

Provided “as is” for general information only — results may be inaccurate, so verify before you rely on them. No warranty; use at your own risk.

Built and reviewed by HIFreeTools against the formula shown above and any authoritative references cited on this page. See our methodology and editorial standards.

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