cm to inches
Common values
| From (cm) | To (in) |
|---|---|
| 0 | 0.0000 |
| 0.2 | 0.0787 |
| 0.4 | 0.1575 |
| 0.6 | 0.2362 |
| 0.8 | 0.3150 |
| 1 | 0.3937 |
| 1.2 | 0.4724 |
| 1.4 | 0.5512 |
| 1.6 | 0.6299 |
| 1.8 | 0.7087 |
| 2 | 0.7874 |
One centimeter equals exactly 0.3937 inches, or equivalently, 1 inch equals exactly 2.54 cm. This relationship has been internationally standardized since 1959. To convert centimeters to inches, divide your value by 2.54.
Formula: inches = cm ÷ 2.54
- 30 cm = 11.81 inches (a standard 12-inch ruler is about 30.5 cm)
- 180 cm = 70.87 inches ≈ 5 ft 11 in (average American male height)
- 55 cm = 21.65 inches (common carry-on luggage height)
- 100 cm = 39.37 inches — just over 3 ft 3 in
Americans encounter centimeters most often when shopping internationally, reading European clothing or furniture sizes, or dealing with imported electronics. Screen sizes are always quoted in inches in the US — a 15.6-inch laptop screen equals about 39.6 cm. Medical dosage syringes and precision tools may use millimeters, making cm-to-inch conversion a frequent need.
The United States is one of only three countries (alongside Myanmar and Liberia) that has not adopted the metric system as the primary standard. Most everyday US measurements — height, building dimensions, tool sizes — use inches and feet. Centimeters still appear in science, medicine, and imported goods.
Frequently asked questions
- How many inches is 5 cm?
- 5 cm equals 1.97 inches (approximately 2 inches).
- What is 100 cm in inches?
- 100 cm equals 39.37 inches, or 3 feet 3.37 inches.
- What is 170 cm in feet and inches?
- 170 cm = 66.93 inches = 5 feet 6.9 inches.
Related converters: Unit converter