Convert Centimeters to Inches
Centimeters to inches is one of the most common conversions there is — it comes up any time a metric measurement (a screen size, a waistline, a box dimension) needs to be read in inches. One centimeter is approximately 0.393701 inches.
Centimeters to Inches conversion table
| Centimeters (cm) | Inches (in) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.393701 |
| 2 | 0.787402 |
| 3 | 1.181102 |
| 5 | 1.968504 |
| 10 | 3.937008 |
| 20 | 7.874016 |
| 50 | 19.685039 |
| 100 | 39.370079 |
| 500 | 196.850394 |
| 1,000 | 393.700787 |
The formula
To convert centimeters to inches, multiply the length in centimeters by 0.393701:
inches = centimeters × 0.393701
A worked example
Converting a 100 cm length into inches:
100 × 0.393701 = 39.370079 in
Smaller values scale the same way: 10 cm is 3.937008 in, and 5 cm is 1.968504 in.
When you'll use it
Reading a laptop or TV screen size listed in centimeters, checking clothing measurements against a US size chart, or converting a recipe pan size or craft material dimension. This is one of the highest-traffic conversions on the metric-to-imperial side because so many everyday products list both units.
Frequently asked questions
How many inches are in a centimeter?
About 0.393701 inches. It's a rounded value — the true figure has more decimal places, since an inch and a centimeter don't line up on a clean ratio.
Is the centimeter to inches conversion exact?
No, it's approximate. The relationship between inches and centimeters (1 inch = 2.54 cm exactly) is exact, but dividing 1 by 2.54 to go the other way produces a repeating decimal, so 0.393701 is a rounded practical figure.
What's a fast way to estimate centimeters to inches?
Divide by 2.5 as a rough shortcut — it's close enough for everyday use. For anything precise, like a tailoring measurement, use the full factor above.