Centimeters to Inches Calculator | Convert CM to Inches Instantly
Convert centimeters to inches instantly with our free online calculator. 1 cm = 0.3937 inches. Includes handy conversion chart for height and screen sizes.
Embed this calculator
Copy and paste this code into your website. The embed includes a "Powered by CalculatorSwitch.com" footer with a backlink.
Dimensions: 100% width, 650px height, fully responsive.
Attribution: Includes "Powered by CalculatorSwitch.com" footer with backlink (required for free use).
Styling: Clean minimal design with rounded border, optimized for embedding.
Purpose
Need to convert centimeters to inches? Whether you're measuring your height for a US driver's license, shopping for a TV, or working on a DIY project, this calculator gives you accurate conversions instantly.
The Formula: 1 centimeter equals approximately 0.3937 inches. This relationship is defined by the international inch, which was standardized in 1959 as exactly 2.54 centimeters.
The metric system (centimeters) is used in most countries worldwide, while the imperial system (inches) remains common in the United States for everyday measurements like height, screen sizes, and construction materials.
How to use
How to Convert CM to Inches
- Enter your measurement in centimeters in the input field above
- View your result instantly displayed in inches
- Copy or use the converted value for your needs
Common Conversion Reference
| Centimeters | Inches | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 2.54 cm | 1 inch | Standard reference |
| 30.48 cm | 12 inches (1 foot) | Ruler length |
| 91.44 cm | 36 inches (1 yard) | Fabric measurements |
| 152.4 cm | 60 inches (5 feet) | Average height |
| 182.88 cm | 72 inches (6 feet) | Tall height |
Pro Tip: For quick mental math, remember that 1 inch is roughly 2.5 cm, so divide your centimeters by 2.5 for a quick estimate.
Examples
Real-World Conversion Examples
Example 1: Converting Height (170 cm)
A person who is 170 cm tall:
170 cm × 0.393701 = 66.93 inches
66.93 ÷ 12 = 5 feet 6.93 inches ≈ 5'7"
Example 2: TV Screen Size (140 cm diagonal)
A TV advertised as 140 cm diagonal:
140 cm × 0.393701 = 55.12 inches
This is approximately a 55-inch TV.
Example 3: Furniture Width (80 cm)
A desk that's 80 cm wide:
80 cm × 0.393701 = 31.50 inches
About 2 feet 7.5 inches wide.
Example 4: Phone Screen (16.5 cm)
A smartphone screen measuring 16.5 cm diagonally:
16.5 cm × 0.393701 = 6.5 inches
How it works
The Conversion Formula
Inches = Centimeters × 0.393701
Or equivalently:
Inches = Centimeters ÷ 2.54
Why This Number?
The conversion factor comes from the international agreement in 1959 that defined:
- 1 inch = exactly 2.54 centimeters
- 1 centimeter = 1/2.54 inches ≈ 0.393701 inches
This definition is used worldwide and is the basis for all metric-imperial length conversions.
Manual Calculation Example
To convert 170 cm to inches:
170 cm ÷ 2.54 = 66.93 inches
Or: 170 × 0.393701 = 66.93 inches
FAQ
How do I convert cm to inches?
To convert centimeters to inches, multiply your centimeter value by 0.393701, or divide by 2.54. For example, 100 cm × 0.393701 = 39.37 inches. The division method (÷ 2.54) is often easier for mental math since 2.54 is the exact number of centimeters in one inch.
How many inches is 1 cm?
One centimeter equals exactly 0.393701 inches, or approximately 0.4 inches. This is because 1 inch is defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters, making 1 cm equal to 1/2.54 inches. For quick estimates, you can think of 1 cm as being slightly less than half an inch.
How do I convert my height from cm to feet and inches?
First, convert your height to inches by multiplying by 0.393701 (or dividing by 2.54). Then divide by 12 to get feet, and the remainder is inches. For example, 175 cm ÷ 2.54 = 68.9 inches. 68.9 ÷ 12 = 5 feet with 8.9 inches remaining, so 175 cm = 5'9".
What is 150 cm in inches?
150 centimeters equals 59.06 inches, which is approximately 4 feet 11 inches. This is calculated by multiplying 150 by 0.393701 or dividing 150 by 2.54.
Why do some countries use centimeters and others use inches?
Most countries use the metric system (centimeters, meters) because it's based on powers of 10, making calculations simpler. The United States, along with Liberia and Myanmar, still primarily uses imperial units (inches, feet) for everyday measurements due to historical reasons and the cost of switching systems.
Is the cm to inches conversion exact?
Yes, the conversion is mathematically exact. Since 1959, the international inch has been defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters. This means 1 cm = 1/2.54 inches = 0.393700787... inches. Our calculator uses sufficient precision for all practical purposes.