UnitConInches to Centimeters Converter
Convert inches to centimeters for product dimensions, clothing sizes, screen sizes, and medical measurements. The inch is common in US product specs, while most international standards use centimeters.
Formula
Multiply inches by 2.54 to get centimeters. To reverse, divide centimeters by 2.54 to get inches.
Quick reference
| Inch (in) | Centimeter (cm) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2.54 |
| 2 | 5.08 |
| 3 | 7.62 |
| 4 | 10.16 |
| 5 | 12.7 |
| 6 | 15.24 |
| 8 | 20.32 |
| 10 | 25.4 |
| 12 | 30.48 |
| 24 | 60.96 |
About these units
Inch
The inch was defined in medieval England as three barleycorns placed end to end. It was standardized as 1/12 of a foot and later fixed at exactly 25.4 mm (2.54 cm) in 1959 as part of the international yard and pound agreement.
Centimeter
The centimeter (one hundredth of a meter) was introduced with the metric system in France in the 1790s. Its small, human-scale size made it practical for everyday measurement, replacing traditional units like the inch and ligne in continental Europe.
Frequently asked questions
One inch equals exactly 2.54 centimeters, by definition since 1959.
First convert feet to inches: 5 × 12 = 60 in, then add 10 to get 70 in. Multiply by 2.54 to get 177.8 cm.
A4 paper is 21 cm × 29.7 cm, which equals approximately 8.27 in × 11.69 in.