Length
Inches to cm Converter
Convert inches to centimeters and back instantly — type in either box, with a reference chart for everyday sizes.
How to convert inches to cm
One inch is defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters, so the conversion is a single multiplication:
- cm = inches × 2.54
- To go the other way: inches = cm ÷ 2.54
For example, 12 inches × 2.54 = 30.48 cm (one foot), and a 32-inch TV is about 81 cm across. Type a value into either box above and the paired field, the 0–36 inch progress bar and the chart update instantly — clear a box and the other clears too.
Inches to cm conversion chart
These are the inch values people look up most, from a single inch up to a yard (36 inches). Useful for screen sizes, clothing and body measurements, paper and picture-frame sizes, and any US spec you need in metric:
| Inches (in) | Centimeters (cm) | Common size |
|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 2.54 cm | — |
| 2 in | 5.08 cm | — |
| 5 in | 12.70 cm | — |
| 6 in | 15.24 cm | half a foot |
| 10 in | 25.40 cm | — |
| 12 in | 30.48 cm | 1 foot |
| 24 in | 60.96 cm | 2 feet |
| 36 in | 91.44 cm | 1 yard |
Why 2.54 is the exact factor
The inch and the centimeter come from two different measurement systems — imperial and metric — that were only formally reconciled in 1959, when the inch was fixed at exactly 2.54 centimeters. That is why there is no simpler round-number conversion: the factor is exact, not rounded. As a quick mental estimate, every inch is a little over two and a half centimeters.
Frequently asked questions
How many cm is 1 inch?
1 inch equals 2.54 cm exactly.
How do I convert cm to inches?
Divide the centimeter value by 2.54 to get inches.
How many cm is 5 feet?
5 feet is 60 inches, which equals 152.4 cm.
Why isn't there a simpler round-number conversion?
The inch and the centimeter come from two different historical measurement systems, imperial and metric, which were only formally reconciled in 1959.
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