Cm to inches
One centimeter is 0.393701 inches. Type a length in centimeters to see it in inches.
How to convert centimeters to inches
inches = centimeters ÷ 2.54
For example, 170 cm is 66.93 in. The figure is exact. Since 1959 the inch has been defined as precisely 2.54 centimeters, so there is no rounding in the definition, only in how many decimals you keep.
A quick way to do it in your head
Multiply the centimeters by 4, then move the decimal point one place to the left.
- 30 cm: 30 × 4 = 120, so about 12 in. The true answer is 11.81 in.
- 50 cm: 50 × 4 = 200, so about 20 in. The true answer is 19.69 in.
- 170 cm: 170 × 4 = 680, so about 68 in. The true answer is 66.93 in.
The shortcut always runs about 1.6% high, which is fine for furniture, luggage and screen sizes. Use the calculator when the fit is tight.
Centimeters to inches table
| Centimeters | Inches |
|---|---|
| 1 cm | 0.39 in |
| 2 cm | 0.79 in |
| 3 cm | 1.18 in |
| 5 cm | 1.97 in |
| 10 cm | 3.94 in |
| 15 cm | 5.91 in |
| 20 cm | 7.87 in |
| 25 cm | 9.84 in |
| 30 cm | 11.81 in |
| 40 cm | 15.75 in |
| 50 cm | 19.69 in |
| 60 cm | 23.62 in |
| 70 cm | 27.56 in |
| 80 cm | 31.5 in |
| 90 cm | 35.43 in |
| 100 cm | 39.37 in |
| 120 cm | 47.24 in |
| 150 cm | 59.06 in |
| 160 cm | 62.99 in |
| 170 cm | 66.93 in |
| 180 cm | 70.87 in |
| 190 cm | 74.8 in |
| 200 cm | 78.74 in |
Sizes you are likely to meet
| What | Centimeters | Inches |
|---|---|---|
| A4 paper | 21 × 29.7 cm | 8.27 × 11.69 in |
| A credit or debit card, long side | 8.56 cm | 3.37 in |
| A standard school ruler | 30 cm | 11.81 in |
| Cabin bag limit on many airlines | 55 × 40 × 20 cm | 21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 in |
| A standard interior door, height | 203 cm | 79.92 in |
Centimeters to feet and inches
Heights are usually wanted in feet and inches, not inches alone. Divide the centimeters by 2.54 to get inches, take out the whole feet (12 inches each), and what is left is the inches.
| Height in cm | Feet and inches | Inches only |
|---|---|---|
| 150 cm | 4 ft 11.1 in | 59.1 in |
| 155 cm | 5 ft 1 in | 61 in |
| 160 cm | 5 ft 3 in | 63 in |
| 165 cm | 5 ft 5 in | 65 in |
| 170 cm | 5 ft 6.9 in | 66.9 in |
| 175 cm | 5 ft 8.9 in | 68.9 in |
| 180 cm | 5 ft 10.9 in | 70.9 in |
| 185 cm | 6 ft 0.8 in | 72.8 in |
| 190 cm | 6 ft 2.8 in | 74.8 in |
| 195 cm | 6 ft 4.8 in | 76.8 in |
| 200 cm | 6 ft 6.7 in | 78.7 in |
For example, 175 cm ÷ 2.54 = 68.9 in. Five feet is 60 in, which leaves 8.9 in, so 175 cm is 5 ft 8.9 in, normally said as five foot nine.
To go the other way, use inches to cm. For other units, see the unit converter.
Questions
How many inches is 1 centimeter?
0.393701 in.
How many inches is 10 cm?
3.94 in.
How many inches is 30 cm?
11.81 in.
How many inches is 100 cm?
39.37 in.
How many inches is 180 cm?
70.87 in.
How many cm are in an inch?
Exactly 2.54 cm.
Is it centimeters or centimetres?
Both are correct. “Centimeter” is the American spelling and “centimetre” is used in most other English-speaking countries. The unit is the same.