How to Convert Cm to Inches: Formula, Conversion, Examples

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What Is the Centimeter to Inches Conversion?

Converting centimeters to inches means converting a length measurement expressed in centimeters into an equivalent measurement in inches.

A centimeter (The abbreviation: cm) is a metric unit of measurement used for measuring the length of an object. 

Example: 2 centimeters = 2 cm

An inch (abbreviation: in, symbol: “) can be defined as a unit of length in the customary system of measurement. 

Example: 5 inch = 5 in = 5

relation between cm and inch

Cm to Inches Conversion Formula

1 inch = 2.54 cm

1″ = 2.54 cm

Therefore,1 cm = $\frac{1}{2.54}$ inches.

To convert cm to inches, we need to divide the length in centimeters by 2.54.

Length in Inches = $\frac{Length\; in\; centimeters}{2.54}$

Example: Convert 50 cm to inches.

Length in Inches $= \frac{50}{2.54} = 19.685$ inches

So, 50 centimeters is equal to 19.685 inches 

Also, 1 cm = $\frac{1}{2.54}$ inches = 0.3937 inches.

To convert a length in centimeters to inches, you can also multiply the value in centimeters by the conversion factor of 0.3937. It doesn’t matter which conversion factor you use. The answer you get will be the same (perhaps an approximation)!

Length in inches = Length in centimeters $\times$ 0.3937

Example: Convert 50 cm to inches.

Length in inches = Length in centimeters $\times 0.3937$

Length in inches $= 50 \times 0.3937 = 19.685$ inches.

How to Convert Cm to Inches

Step 1: Note down the value in centimeters that you want to convert.

Step 2: Multiply the length in centimeters by 0.3937. OR

 Divide the length in centimeters by 2.54.

Step 3: The result will be the equivalent value in inches. 

Inches = centimeters$\times$ 0.3937007874
or
Inches $= \frac{centimeters}{2.54}$

Step 4: Round the result to the desired number of decimal places, if needed.

Centimeters to Inches Conversion Chart

Here’s a conversion chart that shows common centimeter to inch conversions:

CentimetersInches
1 cm0.3937 inch
2 cm0.7874 inch
3 cm1.1811 inches
4 cm1.5748 inches
5 cm1.9685 inches
10 cm3.9370 inches
20 cm7.8740 inches
30 cm11.8110 inches
40 cm15.7480 inches
50 cm19.6850 inches
80 cm31.4960 inches
100 cm39.3701 inches
110 cm43.3071 inches
120 cm47.2441 inches
200 cm78.7402 inches

These conversions are approximate, rounded to two decimal places. To convert any given centimeter measurement to inches, you can refer to this chart and find the corresponding value. Keep in mind that these conversions are based on the conversion factor of 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters.

Facts on Cm to Inches

  • There are 2.54 centimeters in an inch.
  • An inch is larger compared to one centimeter. 
  • A fingernail is about 1 centimeter wide.
  • The length of a standard paperclip is about 1 inch.
  • When converting from centimeters to inches, you are converting from a smaller unit (centimeters) to a larger unit (inches). This means that the numerical value will decrease after the conversion.

Conclusion

In this article, we have learned about cm, inches, and the conversion of cm to inches. Since centimeters and inches are units of length, converting between them allows you to express measurements in a unit that may be more convenient or commonly used in a specific context. Now let’s solve some examples and practice problems to understand the concept better.

Solved Examples on Cm to Inches

1. John is planning to buy a new TV. The screen size of the TV is listed as 80 cm. How many inches is the screen size?

Solution: 

The screen size of the TV = 80 cm

To convert cm to inches, we divide the value in centimeters by the conversion factor of 2.54.

Value in Inches $= \frac{Value\; in\; cm}{2.54} = \frac{80}{2.54} = 31.4960$ inches ≈ 31.5 inches

The screen size is approximately 31.5 inches.

2. Sarah wants to order a dress online. The dress length is stated as 62 cm. Can you help Sarah understand the dress length in inches? 

Solution: 

The dress length = 62 cm

To convert cm to inches, we multiply the value in centimeters by the conversion factor of 0.3937

Value in inches = value in centimeters $\times$ 0.3937

                         = 62 $\times$ 0.3937

                         = 157.48 inches

The dress length is approximately 157.48 inches.

3. The height of a bookshelf is given as 180 cm. What is the height of the bookshelf in inches?

Solution: 

The height of the book shelf = 180 cm

To convert cm to inches, we divide the value in centimeters by the conversion factor of 2.54.

Value in Inches $= \frac{Value\; in\; cm}{2.54}$

                          $= \frac{180}{2.54}$

                          = 70.86 ≈ 70.9 inches

The height of the bookshelf is approximately 70.9 inches.

4. Convert 120 cm in inches.

Solution: 

Length in inches = Length in centimeters $\times$ 0.3937

120 cm = 120 cm $\times$ 0.3937 

120 cm = 47.24 in

5. What is the length of the pencil in inches?

Measuring the length of a pencil in cm and inches

Solution:

The image shows a ruler marked with measurements in centimeters.

One end of the pencil is at 0 cm. 

The other end is at 17 cm.

Length of pencil = 17 cm

Length in inches = Length in centimeters $\times$ 0.3937

Length of pencil in inches = 17$\times$ 0.3937 in = 6.69291 in

The pencil is about 6.7 inches long.

Practice Problems on Cm to Inches

How to Convert Cm to Inches: Formula, Conversion, Examples

Attend this quiz & Test your knowledge.

1

What is the approximate value of 1 centimeter in inches?

0.254 in
39.37 in
0.3937 in
2.54 in
CorrectIncorrect
Correct answer is: 0.3937 in
The approximate value of 1 centimeter in inches is 0.3937.
2

What is the relationship between inches and centimeters?

1 inch = 2.54 cm
1 inch = 0.3937 cm
Both a and b
None of the above.
CorrectIncorrect
Correct answer is: 1 inch = 2.54 cm
The relationship between inches and centimeters is: 1 inch = 2.54 cm.
3

Which conversion factor is commonly used to convert centimeters to inches?

1 cm = 0.3937
1 inch = 2.54 cm
Both a and b
None of the above
CorrectIncorrect
Correct answer is: Both a and b
Both conversion factors are commonly used in practice.
4

Which of the following statements is true about converting cm to in?

Multiply the value in centimeters by 0.1 to obtain inches.
Divide the value in centimeters by 0.01 to obtain inches.
Multiply the value in centimeters by 0.37 to obtain inches.
Divide the value in centimeters by 2.54 to obtain inches.
CorrectIncorrect
Correct answer is: Divide the value in centimeters by 2.54 to obtain inches.
To convert centimeters to inches, divide the value in centimeters by the conversion factor of 2.54.
5

How many inches are equivalent to 10 cm?

0.3937
3.937
39.37
None of the above
CorrectIncorrect
Correct answer is: 3.937
Value in inches = centimeters $\times$ 0.3937 = 10 $\times$ 0.3937 = 3.937 inches

Frequently Asked Questions on ​​Cm to Inches

The need to convert centimeters to inches arises in various situations. For example, if you have a measurement in centimeters but need to communicate it in a context that primarily uses inches, or if you’re working with a measurement system that utilizes inches instead of centimeters.

One centimeter (cm) is equal to approximately 0.39 inches (in). This value is rounded to two decimal places for simplicity.

To convert inches to centimeters, multiply the measurement in inches by 2.54.
Centimeters = Inches $\times$ 2.54

Example: Convert 10 inches to cm. Centimeters = 10 inches$\times$ 2.54 = 25.4 centimeters

So, 10 inches is equal to 25.4 centimeters.

One possible shortcut is to multiply the length in cm by 0.4. Here, we approximated 0.3937 to 0.4. This approximation can be used for quick mental calculations when estimating conversions. Remember while approximations and shortcuts can be helpful, using the precise conversion factor of 1 inch equals 2.54 centimeters provides the most accurate results.