How to convert centimetres to inches
One centimetre equals 0.393701 inches, so multiply the number of centimetres by 0.393701:
in = cm × 0.393701
cm = in ÷ 0.393701 (1 in = 2.54 cm)
Example: 2.5 cm → 2.5 × 0.393701 = 0.984252 in.
Going the other way, divide by 0.393701, or multiply by 2.54; the inches to centimetres converter does it for you.
Everyday values
| Centimetres | Inches | For example |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 cm | 0.984252 in | about one inch |
| 15 cm | 5.9055 in | a short ruler |
| 21 cm | 8.2677 in | short side of A4 paper |
| 29.7 cm | 11.6929 in | long side of A4 paper |
| 30 cm | 11.811 in | a standard ruler |
| 100 cm | 39.3701 in | one metre |
When you need this conversion
Centimetres are used for almost every everyday measurement outside the United States: clothing sizes, furniture, screen sizes on packaging in many countries, and children's growth charts. Inches dominate in the US and remain common worldwide for screen diagonals, tyres, pipes and many tools. When you buy furniture or a TV online from another country, converting centimetres to inches is often the first step.
Because an inch is exactly 2.54 cm, the conversion is precise; rounding only happens when you shorten the result.
Centimetre to inch conversion table
| cm | in | cm | in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cm | 0.393701 in | 16 cm | 6.2992 in |
| 2 cm | 0.787402 in | 17 cm | 6.6929 in |
| 3 cm | 1.1811 in | 18 cm | 7.0866 in |
| 4 cm | 1.5748 in | 19 cm | 7.4803 in |
| 5 cm | 1.9685 in | 20 cm | 7.874 in |
| 6 cm | 2.3622 in | 21 cm | 8.2677 in |
| 7 cm | 2.7559 in | 22 cm | 8.6614 in |
| 8 cm | 3.1496 in | 23 cm | 9.0551 in |
| 9 cm | 3.5433 in | 24 cm | 9.4488 in |
| 10 cm | 3.937 in | 25 cm | 9.8425 in |
| 11 cm | 4.3307 in | 26 cm | 10.2362 in |
| 12 cm | 4.7244 in | 27 cm | 10.6299 in |
| 13 cm | 5.1181 in | 28 cm | 11.0236 in |
| 14 cm | 5.5118 in | 29 cm | 11.4173 in |
| 15 cm | 5.9055 in | 30 cm | 11.811 in |
About the units
- Centimetre (cm): one hundredth of a metre.
- Inch (in): exactly 2.54 centimetres (international agreement of 1959).
Both are units of length. The conversion factor comes from the exact definitions above, so the calculator is exact; results are only rounded for display (up to six significant digits).
Frequently asked questions
How many inches are in one centimetre?
One centimetre is 0.393701 inches. One inch is 2.54 centimetres.
How do I convert centimetres to inches?
Multiply the value in centimetres by 0.393701. To go back, divide by 0.393701.
What is 2.5 cm in inches?
2.5 cm = 0.984252 in.
What is 15 cm in inches?
15 cm = 5.9055 in.
Sources
- NIST Special Publication 811 (2008), Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI), Appendix B: conversion factors.
- NIST Handbook 44 (2024), Appendix C: General tables of units of measurement.
Last reviewed 5 October 2026. Results are estimates; see our disclaimer.