Inches to Centimeters
Result:
Enter a length to convert.
Convert inches to centimeters. From is set to inches and To is set to centimeters. The result updates as you type. One inch is exactly 2.54 centimeters. Meters, feet, kilometers, and miles are on the length converter. That converter does not list centimeters. The other direction is centimeters to inches.
Inches to centimeters formula
NIST Handbook 44 (2024), Appendix C lists 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters exactly. One centimeter is 0.01 meter, so the same inch is 0.0254 meter.
Formula: centimeters = inches × 2.54.
The converter multiplies by 0.0254 meter per inch and divides by 0.01 meter per centimeter, then rounds the displayed result to five decimal places.
Example: 10 in × 2.54 = 25.4 cm. The converter shows 25.40000 cm.
Inches to centimeters reference table
Each value below is the converter result at five decimal places. Enter the same inches in the form above and the result should match.
| Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|
| 0.25 | 0.63500 |
| 0.5 | 1.27000 |
| 1 | 2.54000 |
| 2 | 5.08000 |
| 3 | 7.62000 |
| 4 | 10.16000 |
| 5 | 12.70000 |
| 6 | 15.24000 |
| 10 | 25.40000 |
| 12 | 30.48000 |
| 24 | 60.96000 |
| 36 | 91.44000 |
| 48 | 121.92000 |
| 60 | 152.40000 |
| 72 | 182.88000 |
Inches to centimeters examples
Height: 5 ft 10 in is 70 inches, and 70 × 2.54 = 177.8 cm. The BMI calculator accepts height in feet and inches or in centimeters.
Screens: A television with a 55 in diagonal measures 139.7 cm corner to corner.
Clothing: A 32 in waist is 81.28 cm.
Quick mental math (approximation)
To estimate centimeters, multiply the inches by 10 and divide by 4. That is the same as multiplying by 2.5. Example: 12 in × 2.5 is about 30 cm. The exact result is 30.48 cm.
This shortcut is an approximation. It runs about 1.6 percent low. Use the converter or the exact formula for sewing patterns, parts, forms, or records.
Inches to centimeters FAQ
How many centimeters are in an inch?
Exactly 2.54 centimeters. The converter uses that exact factor, so 10 in shows 25.40000 cm with no rounding.
How do I convert centimeters to inches?
Divide centimeters by 2.54. Example: 30 cm ÷ 2.54 is 11.81102 in on the centimeters to inches page.
How do I convert a height in feet and inches?
Multiply the feet by 12, add the remaining inches, then multiply by 2.54. Example: 6 ft is 72 in, which is 182.88 cm.