Convert Inches to Centimeters
Inches to centimeters is one of the most-used length conversions there is, for everything from screen sizes to sewing patterns. One inch is exactly 2.54 centimeters.
Inches to Centimeters conversion table
| Inches (in) | Centimeters (cm) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2.54 |
| 2 | 5.08 |
| 3 | 7.62 |
| 5 | 12.7 |
| 10 | 25.4 |
| 20 | 50.8 |
| 50 | 127 |
| 100 | 254 |
| 500 | 1,270 |
| 1,000 | 2,540 |
The formula
To convert inches to centimeters, multiply the length in inches by 2.54:
centimeters = inches × 2.54
A worked example
Convert a 100-inch screen diagonal to centimeters:
100 × 2.54 = 254 cm
For a smaller item, 5 inches is 12.7 cm.
Why it's exact
The inch has been defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters since 1959, when the US, UK, and other countries agreed on a common international inch. There's no approximation in this conversion at all.
When you'll use it
Converting screen and monitor sizes, sewing and craft measurements, or any small everyday item where US and metric measurements need to line up.
Frequently asked questions
How many centimeters are in an inch?
Exactly 2.54 centimeters. This is a fixed, internationally agreed definition, not a rounded estimate.
How many centimeters is 10 inches?
10 × 2.54 = 25.4 cm.
Why is the inch-to-centimeter conversion exact?
Since 1959 the inch has been officially defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters, so there's no rounding anywhere in the math.