cm to in chart
How to convert centimeters to inches
Divide the number of centimeters by 2.54, because one inch is exactly 2.54 cm. For example, 30 cm ÷ 2.54 = 11.81 inches. To convert inches to centimeters, multiply by 2.54. Use ⇄ in the converter above to switch directions.
Height in feet and inches
Heights in the US and UK are usually given in feet and inches. Convert centimeters to inches, then divide by 12. For example 170 cm = 66.93 inches = 5 ft 6.9 in, and 183 cm = 72.05 inches = 6 ft 0 in. Common heights: 160 cm ≈ 5′3″, 165 cm ≈ 5′5″, 175 cm ≈ 5′9″, 180 cm ≈ 5′11″.
Screen and clothing sizes
- Screens are measured diagonally in inches: a 27-inch monitor is 68.6 cm, a 55-inch TV is 139.7 cm.
- Waist and inseam sizes for jeans are in inches: a 32-inch waist is 81.3 cm.
- Paper: A4 is 21 × 29.7 cm (8.27 × 11.69 in); US Letter is 8.5 × 11 in (21.6 × 27.9 cm).
- Photos: a 6×4 inch print is 15.2 × 10.2 cm.
Quick estimate
To estimate in your head, multiply centimeters by 0.4: 50 cm ≈ 20 in (exact 19.69). It slightly overestimates, so use the exact value for anything that needs to fit.
Measuring tips
Many tape measures and rulers show both centimeters and inches, but inch scales are often divided into fractions such as 1/8 or 1/16 of an inch rather than decimals. To convert a decimal inch value to the nearest 1/8 inch, multiply the decimal part by 8 and round: 11.81 inches is about 11 and 6/8 (11¾) inches. For woodworking, sewing and DIY, that is usually the precision you need.
Why exactly 2.54?
Before 1959 the US and UK inch differed by a tiny amount. The international yard and pound agreement fixed the inch at exactly 25.4 millimeters, so conversions between centimeters and inches are now exact by definition, not an approximation.
Frequently asked questions
How many centimeters are in an inch?
Exactly 2.54 centimeters. The inch has been defined this way by international agreement since 1959.
How do I convert my height from cm to feet and inches?
Divide by 2.54 to get inches, then divide by 12: the whole number is feet and the remainder is inches. 175 cm = 68.9 in = 5 ft 8.9 in.
How do I convert inches to cm?
Multiply inches by 2.54. For example, a 15.6-inch laptop screen is 39.6 cm diagonally.