Inches to cm converter
Type a length in inches to get centimeters, or switch to convert cm to inches. Fractions such as 5 3/8 and heights such as 5'11" work too. You also get millimeters, feet and inches, the nearest ruler fraction and a ruler that shows both scales.
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How to use it
- Choose Inches to cm or Cm to inches.
- Type the length. For inches you can use decimals, fractions such as 5 3/8, or feet and inches such as 5'11".
- Read the result in centimeters or inches, plus millimeters, feet and inches and the nearest ruler fraction.
- Change the fraction precision to 1/8, 1/16 or 1/32 to match your tape measure, then copy the result.
Why use this tool
Both directions
Convert inches to centimeters or centimeters to inches, and swap with one click while keeping the value.
Fractions and feet
Type 5 3/8, 5-3/8, ¾ or 5'11" just as they appear on a tape measure or a height chart.
Nearest ruler fraction
Cm results are also shown as the nearest 1/8, 1/16, 1/32 or 1/64 inch, with how far that fraction is off in millimeters.
Dual ruler
See your value on an inch scale and a centimeter scale drawn to the same size, so the two units are easy to compare.
Quick chart
A ready chart covers common fractions, 1 to 48 inches and 1 to 150 cm.
Exact
Uses the international definition of 1 inch = 2.54 cm, so results are exact, not rounded estimates.
How to convert inches to cm
Multiply inches by 2.54. For example, 12 inches × 2.54 = 30.48 cm. To go from centimeters to inches, divide by 2.54: 30 cm ÷ 2.54 = 11.81 inches.
For fractions, turn the fraction into a decimal first: 5 3/8 inches is 5.375 inches, and 5.375 × 2.54 = 13.65 cm. For feet and inches, multiply the feet by 12 and add the inches: 5'11" is 71 inches, or 180.34 cm.
Common conversions
| Inches | Centimeters | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 2.54 cm | Width of a thumb |
| 6 in | 15.24 cm | Phone length |
| 12 in (1 ft) | 30.48 cm | School ruler |
| 24 in | 60.96 cm | Monitor width |
| 36 in (1 yd) | 91.44 cm | Door width |
| 5'7" (67 in) | 170.18 cm | Average height |
Reading fractions of an inch
US tape measures mark inches in halves, quarters, eighths and sixteenths. The longest line between two numbers is 1/2, then 1/4 and 3/4, then the eighths, and the shortest lines are the sixteenths.
When you convert centimeters to inches, the result is rarely an exact fraction. Pick the precision that matches your tool: 1/8 inch for rough carpentry, 1/16 for most tape measures and 1/32 or 1/64 for machining.
Screen sizes in inches
TV and monitor sizes are measured across the diagonal of the screen. A 55 inch TV has a diagonal of about 139.7 cm, and a 27 inch monitor about 68.6 cm. The width and height depend on the aspect ratio, so convert the diagonal here and check the maker's spec sheet for the exact width.
Frequently asked questions
How many cm is 1 inch?
1 inch is exactly 2.54 cm. This has been the international definition since 1959.
How do I convert inches to cm?
Multiply the number of inches by 2.54. For example, 10 inches × 2.54 = 25.4 cm.
How do I convert cm to inches?
Divide the number of centimeters by 2.54, or multiply by 0.3937. For example, 50 cm ÷ 2.54 = 19.69 inches.
How many cm is 5 feet 7 inches?
5'7" is 67 inches, and 67 × 2.54 = 170.18 cm. Type 5'7" in the converter to check any height.
Can I type fractions like 3/8?
Yes. Type 3/8, 5 3/8, 5-3/8 or 5⅜. The converter also accepts feet and inches written as 5'11" or 5 ft 11 in.
What is 1/16 inch in mm?
1/16 inch is 1.5875 mm, about 1.6 mm. 1/8 inch is 3.175 mm and 1/4 inch is 6.35 mm.
Inches and centimeters explained
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