Inches to Centimeters
1 in = 2.54 cm
Converting inches to centimeters is common when a product listed with US measurements needs to be compared against metric specifications. Shoppers check TV and monitor sizes, travelers compare luggage limits, and crafters adapt American sewing or woodworking patterns. The inch is defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters, so the result is always precise.
When you need to convert inches to centimeters
- Checking a TV or monitor diagonal against a metric wall or cabinet space
- Adapting American sewing, knitting, or quilting patterns for a metric ruler
- Comparing carry-on bag limits published in inches with metric luggage tags
- Reading US clothing size charts that list waist and inseam in inches
How to convert inches to centimeters
cm = in × 2.54
Example: 5 in = 12.7 cm
Common screen sizes
| Inches (in) | Centimeters (cm) |
|---|---|
| 13 in | 33.02 cm |
| 15.6 in | 39.624 cm |
| 24 in | 60.96 cm |
| 27 in | 68.58 cm |
| 32 in | 81.28 cm |
| 43 in | 109.22 cm |
| 55 in | 139.7 cm |
| 65 in | 165.1 cm |
Tips for converting inches to centimeters
- For a quick estimate, multiply inches by 2.5. The answer runs about 1.6% low, which is fine for rough planning but not for cutting material.
- Screen sizes are measured diagonally, so the converted figure is not the width of the TV. Check the spec sheet for actual width and height.
- Fractions like 3/8 in should be turned into decimals first (0.375) before converting, or rounding errors creep in.
Inches to Centimeters conversion table
| Inches (in) | Centimeters (cm) |
|---|---|
| 1 in | 2.54 cm |
| 2 in | 5.08 cm |
| 3 in | 7.62 cm |
| 4 in | 10.16 cm |
| 5 in | 12.7 cm |
| 6 in | 15.24 cm |
| 7 in | 17.78 cm |
| 8 in | 20.32 cm |
| 9 in | 22.86 cm |
| 10 in | 25.4 cm |
| 15 in | 38.1 cm |
| 20 in | 50.8 cm |
| 25 in | 63.5 cm |
| 30 in | 76.2 cm |
| 40 in | 101.6 cm |
| 50 in | 127 cm |
| 75 in | 190.5 cm |
| 100 in | 254 cm |
| 250 in | 635 cm |
| 500 in | 1,270 cm |
| 1,000 in | 2,540 cm |
Fractional inches to centimeters
Tape measures and drill bits use fractions of an inch. You can also type fractions such as 5 1/2 or 3/8 into the converter above.
| Inches (fraction) | Inches (decimal) | Centimeters (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 1/16 in | 0.0625 in | 0.15875 cm |
| 1/8 in | 0.125 in | 0.3175 cm |
| 3/16 in | 0.1875 in | 0.47625 cm |
| 1/4 in | 0.25 in | 0.635 cm |
| 5/16 in | 0.3125 in | 0.79375 cm |
| 3/8 in | 0.375 in | 0.9525 cm |
| 7/16 in | 0.4375 in | 1.11125 cm |
| 1/2 in | 0.5 in | 1.27 cm |
| 9/16 in | 0.5625 in | 1.42875 cm |
| 5/8 in | 0.625 in | 1.5875 cm |
| 11/16 in | 0.6875 in | 1.74625 cm |
| 3/4 in | 0.75 in | 1.905 cm |
| 13/16 in | 0.8125 in | 2.06375 cm |
| 7/8 in | 0.875 in | 2.2225 cm |
| 15/16 in | 0.9375 in | 2.38125 cm |
| 1 in | 1 in | 2.54 cm |
About the units
Inches: The inch is an imperial and US customary unit of length, defined since 1959 as exactly 2.54 centimeters. It is used for screen sizes, clothing and hardware in the US and UK.
Centimeters: The centimeter is a metric unit of length equal to one hundredth of a meter. It is the everyday unit for body height, clothing and small objects in most of the world.
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Frequently asked questions
How many centimeters are in 1 inch?
1 inch equals 2.54 centimeters.
How many inches are in 1 centimeter?
1 centimeter equals 0.3937008 inches.
How do I convert inches to centimeters?
Use the formula cm = in × 2.54.
What is 10 inches in centimeters?
10 inches equals 25.4 centimeters.
Related conversions
Factors: NIST SP 811 · SI Brochure · NIST Handbook 44 — Updated