Convert Inches to Centimetres Instantly – Free Online Tool
Convert in to cm as you type.
Metric Length Converter - cm, m, km & MilesReference for one unit; displayed values may be rounded.
Inches
Use a dot or comma for decimals, without thousands separators.
Centimeters
Display rounding does not improve the accuracy of your original measurement. Very large or very small results use scientific notation.
Method and sourceChoose an example to fill the tool. Results use the displayed formula and are rounded for display.
NIST SP 811in → cm — Worked examples
Choose an example to fill the tool. Results use the displayed formula and are rounded for display.
in to cm Conversion Formula
To convert inches to centimetres, multiply the inch value by 2.54. Since 1959, one inch has been internationally defined as exactly 2.54 centimetres.
Inches and Centimeters Explained
Inches (in)
The inch is a US customary and imperial unit of length equal to exactly 2.54 centimeters — one twelfth of a foot. It is the standard unit for screens, pipes, bolts, lumber, and rainfall in the United States, and it divides naturally into the halves, quarters, and eighths that workshop measurement favors. From phone displays to pizza diameters, the inch is how America sizes the objects of daily life, and international buyers constantly translate it.
Where it is used: Dominant in US retail sizing, machining, plumbing, and display marketing; still common in UK trades alongside metric.
Origin: From the Roman "uncia" (a twelfth part); English kings variously fixed it by barleycorns and thumb widths until the 1959 international agreement set exactly 2.54 cm.
Centimeters (cm)
The centimeter is a metric unit of length equal to one hundredth of a meter — 0.393701 inches, so about 2.54 centimeters fill one inch. It is the standard unit for clothing measurements, medical charts, furniture dimensions, and school rulers across nearly the entire world. Products sold into metric markets must carry centimeter dimensions, and anything measured in inches — screen diagonals, wrench openings, photo prints — gets converted to centimeters at the border.
Where it is used: Everyday measuring unit for body size, tailoring, healthcare, and consumer products in all metric countries.
Origin: Introduced with the French metric system of 1795, from the Latin "centum" (hundred); the SI confirmed the cm symbol in 1960.
Inches to Centimetres Conversion Table
Select a value to use it in the calculator.
| Inches (in) | Centimeters (cm) |
|---|---|
| 0.635 cm | |
| 1.27 cm | |
| 1.905 cm | |
| 2.54 cm | |
| 5.08 cm | |
| 7.62 cm | |
| 10.16 cm | |
| 12.7 cm | |
| 15.24 cm | |
| 20.32 cm | |
| 25.4 cm | |
| 30.48 cm | |
| 40.64 cm | |
| 45.72 cm | |
| 60.96 cm | |
| 91.44 cm | |
| 121.92 cm | |
| 152.4 cm |
Centimeters to Inches Conversion Table
| Centimeters (cm) | Inches (in) |
|---|---|
| 1 cm | 0.3937007874 in |
| 2 cm | 0.7874015748 in |
| 5 cm | 1.968503937 in |
| 10 cm | 3.937007874 in |
| 15 cm | 5.905511811 in |
| 20 cm | 7.874015748 in |
| 25 cm | 9.842519685 in |
| 30 cm | 11.811023622 in |
| 40 cm | 15.7480314961 in |
| 50 cm | 19.6850393701 in |
| 60 cm | 23.6220472441 in |
| 100 cm | 39.3700787402 in |
Inches to Centimeters in Everyday Objects
Common real-world examples that make Inches and Centimeters easy to picture at a glance.
| Inches (in) | Centimeters (cm) | |
|---|---|---|
| A US quarter diameter | 0.955 in | 2.4257 cm |
| A credit card width | 3.37 in | 8.5598 cm |
| A dollar bill length | 6.14 in | 15.5956 cm |
| A letter paper long side | 11 in | 27.94 cm |
| A subway footlong sandwich | 12 in | 30.48 cm |
| A bowling pin height | 15 in | 38.1 cm |
When You Need Inches to Centimeters Conversions
Fitting a TV in a European Cabinet
A 65-inch TV has a screen diagonal of 165.1 cm. The diagonal is not its width or height. Check the manufacturer’s dimensions, stand and ventilation clearance to determine whether it fits your furniture.
Ordering Lumber for EU Plans
An American workshop blog calls for 8-inch-wide cedar boards. Your Austrian timber yard sells 20 cm planks — converting 8 in to 20.32 cm shows the metric stock runs a hair narrow but planes down fine.
Reading US Sewing Patterns
A vintage pattern asks for 22-inch zipper tape. Converting 22 in to 55.88 cm means the German notions shop's 60 cm zip gets trimmed to length rather than coming up short.
Buying Wheels and Tires Overseas
Rim diameters stay in inches worldwide, but fitment guides in Europe quote overall tire diameter in centimeters. Converting a 32-inch tire to 81.28 cm checks clearance against the 82 cm wheel arch spec.
Related Length Conversions
How to Use
-
1
Enter Your Inch Value
Type the measurement in inches — for example, enter 65 for a 65-inch TV screen size.
-
2
See the cm Equivalent
The result appears instantly: 65 in = 165.1 cm — great for checking if it fits your lounge wall.
-
3
Copy or Reverse
Copy the result to your clipboard or click Swap to convert centimetres back to inches.
-
4
Use the Reference Table
Check the table for common values like 12 in = 30.48 cm or 24 in = 60.96 cm.
Why Use Be Converter?
Instant Calculation
Get precise results in real-time as you type — no waiting around, whether you're in the office or the shed.
Precise Accuracy
Uses the exact factor of 2.54 cm per inch, ensuring your measurements are spot on for any job.
Handy Reference Table
Common conversions at a glance — from 1/4 inch to 36 inches — perfect for quick checks.
Swap with One Click
Toggle between inches and centimetres instantly — essential when working with mixed-unit plans or sizing.
Free & No Signup
No registration required. Convert as many measurements as you need for work or personal projects.
Fully Private
All calculations happen locally in your browser. No data is sent to any server.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many centimetres are in 1 inch?
How do I convert inches to cm manually?
What is 6 inches in centimetres?
Why is the inch defined as 2.54 cm exactly?
How do I convert fractional inches to centimetres?
How many centimeters is a 55-inch TV?
How many inches is 100 centimeters?
How do I convert shoe sizes from inches to cm?
About Inches to Centimetres Converter
Our free online inches to centimetres converter provides instant, accurate length conversions for any application. Whether you're shopping for electronics with screen sizes listed in inches, ordering timber or hardware from international suppliers, renovating your home, or working on DIY projects in the shed, this tool delivers precise results. The inch is primarily used in the US and UK, while centimetres are standard in Australia, making this conversion essential for getting your measurements right.
Expert Tips for in to cm Conversion
Since 1959, 1 inch has been defined as exactly 2.54 centimetres by international agreement among nations including Australia, the UK, and the US.
For a quick mental estimate, multiply inches by 2.5. For example, 8 inches is roughly 20 cm (actual: 20.32 cm). Accurate enough for a quick check.
Screen sizes are always measured diagonally in inches worldwide. A 65-inch TV, common in Australian living rooms, has a 165.1 cm diagonal.
In construction and DIY, imported lumber dimensions in inches convert to metric: a standard 4-inch wide board is roughly 10 cm wide.
For travel and luggage, knowing suitcase dimensions in cm is helpful. A 24-inch suitcase is approximately 61 cm, fitting most airline check-in limits.
Professional-grade conversion tools for length, weight, area, volume, temperature, pressure, speed, time, and energy measurements