Type a number of centimeters and this converter shows the answer in inches instantly (1 cm = 0.393701 in). Below the converter you will find a ready-made cm to in table, and further down the formula with a worked example.
Centimeters are used for clothing sizes, product dimensions and height in most of the world, while the US and UK still describe screens, waist sizes, furniture and TVs in inches. Converting helps when buying online from another country, checking whether a laptop fits a 15-inch bag, reading a sewing pattern or comparing a 165 cm height with a US size chart. Results of 12 inches or more are also shown in feet and inches.
How to use the CM to Inches tool
- Enter the value in centimeters in the Value box. Decimals such as 15.5 are fine.
- The result in inches appears straight away, rounded to six significant digits.
- Check the formula line under the result to see exactly how it was calculated.
- Press ⇄ to convert inches back to centimeters, or pick any other unit from the lists.
- Use Copy result, or look up common values in the conversion table.
Why use ToolOrca CM to Inches
- Exact factor: 1 cm = 0.393701 in
- Conversion table: cm to in
- Formula and worked example included
- Instant result as you type
- Converts to every other length unit too
- Free, private and works offline
How to convert centimeters to inches
A centimeter is one hundredth of a meter. Since the international yard and pound agreement of 1959, one inch is defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters. So 1 cm = 0.393700787 in, and 1 in = 2.54 cm exactly.
To convert centimeters to inches, divide the number of centimeters by 2.54. Multiplying by 0.393701 gives the same answer to six significant digits.
Worked example: 30 cm ÷ 2.54 = 11.811 in.
Quick mental math for cm to in
Multiply by 4 and divide by 10: 30 cm × 4 = 120, ÷ 10 = 12 inches (exact: 11.81 in). For a closer estimate, 2.5 cm is roughly one inch.
Need the opposite direction? Use the inches to centimeters converter, or switch units with the ⇄ button above.
Frequently asked questions
How many inches is 30 cm?
30 cm is 11.811 in (30 ÷ 2.54 = 11.811).
How many inches is 165 cm?
165 cm is 64.9606 in (165 ÷ 2.54 = 64.9606).
How many inches is 10 cm?
10 cm is 3.93701 in (10 ÷ 2.54 = 3.93701).
What is the formula to convert centimeters to inches?
To convert centimeters to inches, divide the number of centimeters by 2.54. Multiplying by 0.393701 gives the same answer to six significant digits. To go the other way, use the inches to centimeters converter.