Centimeter to Inches

Centimeter

Definition

A centimeter (symbol: cm) is a unit of length in the metric system, equal to one-hundredth of a meter. It is a commonly used measurement unit for shorter lengths and small distances. The centimeter is widely recognized in everyday applications like measuring the dimensions of objects or distances that aren’t too large.

History/Origin

The centimeter originates from the metric system, which was first developed during the French Revolution in the late 18th century. The metric system was introduced as a standardized way to measure length, mass, and volume, aiming to unify measurements across Europe. The term “centimeter” comes from the Latin “centum,” meaning one hundred, and “metrum,” meaning measure. The metric system’s introduction marked a significant shift from traditional measurements, leading to widespread global adoption.

Current Use

Centimeters are used globally in various fields, including science, engineering, and everyday life. They are particularly common in measuring the dimensions of small objects, such as in product specifications, furniture dimensions, and human height. In many countries, centimeters are the standard unit of measurement for height and length in non-industrial applications. Additionally, centimeters are often used in education and health care for measuring height, length, and body dimensions.

Inches

Definition

An inch (in) is a unit of length in the imperial system, which is commonly used in the United States and other countries that have not fully adopted the metric system. One inch is defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters, making it a useful measurement for both everyday and precise applications. The inch is often used to measure lengths, widths, heights, and diameters of objects, as well as in various fields like engineering, construction, and design.

History/Origin

The inch has ancient origins, dating back to early civilizations where it was based on the width of a human thumb or the length of three barley grains laid end-to-end. The concept of the inch as a unit of measurement has been present in various cultures, including the Romans and Greeks. The modern definition of the inch was standardized in the 19th century, with the United Kingdom establishing the inch as 2.54 centimeters in 1959 through an international agreement. This standardized definition helped unify measurements and facilitate international trade and scientific research.

Current Use

Inches are widely used in countries that use the imperial system, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. In these countries, inches are commonly used to measure dimensions in various contexts, including construction, manufacturing, and everyday items like screens, furniture, and paper sizes. For example, screen sizes for televisions and computer monitors are often described in inches, and architectural blueprints frequently use inches for measurements. While the metric system is used in many parts of the world, inches remain a familiar and practical unit of measure in contexts where the imperial system is prevalent.

Centimeter to Inches Conversion Table

Centimeter [cm]	Inch [in]
0.1 cm	0.03937 in
0.5 cm	0.19685 in
1 cm	0.39370 in
2 cm	0.78740 in
3 cm	1.18110 in
5 cm	1.96850 in
7.5 cm	2.95276 in
10 cm	3.93701 in
15 cm	5.90551 in
20 cm	7.87402 in
25 cm	9.84252 in
30 cm	11.81102 in
40 cm	15.74803 in
50 cm	19.68504 in
75 cm	29.52756 in
100 cm	39.37008 in
150 cm	59.05512 in
200 cm	78.74016 in
250 cm	98.42520 in
300 cm	118.11024 in

How to Convert Centimeter to Inches

1 cm = 0.393701 in
1 in = 2.54 cm

Example: Convert 30 cm to inches:
30 cm = 30 × 0.393701 in = 11.811 in

Convert Centimeter to Other Length Units