Convert Inches to Meters
Inches to meters is useful when a small US measurement needs to slot into a metric-scale figure, like a component dimension on a metric drawing. One inch is exactly 0.0254 meters.
Inches to Meters conversion table
| Inches (in) | Meters (m) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.0254 |
| 2 | 0.0508 |
| 3 | 0.0762 |
| 5 | 0.127 |
| 10 | 0.254 |
| 20 | 0.508 |
| 50 | 1.27 |
| 100 | 2.54 |
| 500 | 12.7 |
| 1,000 | 25.4 |
The formula
To convert inches to meters, multiply the length in inches by 0.0254:
meters = inches × 0.0254
A worked example
Convert 10 inches to meters:
10 × 0.0254 = 0.254 m
For a bigger measurement, 5 inches is 0.127 m.
Why it's exact
Since 1959 the inch has been defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters, which is exactly 0.0254 meters. There's no rounding built into the factor.
When you'll use it
Converting small component or part dimensions, DIY and craft measurements, or any US-inch figure that needs to appear on a metric drawing or spec sheet.
Frequently asked questions
How many meters are in an inch?
Exactly 0.0254 meters. The inch is officially defined in terms of the meter, so this is an exact conversion.
How many meters is 100 inches?
100 × 0.0254 = 2.54 m.
How do I convert a length like 40 inches to meters?
Multiply by 0.0254: 40 × 0.0254 = 1.016 m.