Convert Meters to Centimeters
Meters to centimeters is one of the simplest metric conversions there is — one meter is exactly 100 centimeters. It's the conversion behind height measurements, sewing patterns, and classroom rulers.
Meters to Centimeters conversion table
| Meters (m) | Centimeters (cm) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 100 |
| 2 | 200 |
| 3 | 300 |
| 5 | 500 |
| 10 | 1,000 |
| 20 | 2,000 |
| 50 | 5,000 |
| 100 | 10,000 |
| 500 | 50,000 |
| 1,000 | 100,000 |
The conversion factor
One meter equals exactly 100 centimeters. Since both units are metric and the centimeter is defined as a hundredth of a meter, this conversion carries no rounding.
centimeters = meters × 100
For example, 5 m = 500 cm, 10 m = 1,000 cm, and 100 m = 10,000 cm.
When you'd use it
This conversion comes up constantly — describing someone's height, measuring fabric for sewing, or reading a tape measure that shows both units. Because it's just a two-place decimal shift, most people can do it in their head, but it's useful to have a clean reference when working with longer or more precise figures.
Frequently asked questions
How many centimeters are in a meter?
Exactly 100 centimeters. The meter is defined as 100 centimeters, so there's no rounding — it's a precise conversion.
Is the meters to centimeters conversion exact?
Yes. Both units are metric, and the centimeter is literally defined as one-hundredth of a meter.
What's a quick way to convert meters to centimeters?
Move the decimal point two places to the right. A 1.75 m person is 175 cm tall; a 5 m room is 500 cm long.