Inches to Centimeters Converter
There are exactly 2.54 centimeters in one inch. To convert inches to centimeters, multiply by 2.54.
How to Convert Inches to Centimeters
To convert inches to centimeters, multiply by 2.54.
For example: 5 inches × 2.54 = 12.7 centimeters.
Where This Comes Up
Inches are how Americans state screen sizes, waist sizes, tire rims, lumber and rainfall. Almost every product spec sheet printed outside the United States gives those same dimensions in centimeters.
A 32-inch waist is 81.28 centimeters, which is why European jeans in that size are labeled 81 or 82.
What People Get Wrong
Screen sizes are measured diagonally, so a 27-inch monitor is 68.58 cm corner to corner, not 68.58 cm wide. Its actual width is closer to 60 cm.
Inches to Centimeters Conversion Table
| Inches (in) | Centimeters (cm) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2.54 |
| 2 | 5.08 |
| 3 | 7.62 |
| 4 | 10.16 |
| 5 | 12.7 |
| 6 | 15.24 |
| 7 | 17.78 |
| 8 | 20.32 |
| 9 | 22.86 |
| 10 | 25.4 |
| 11 | 27.94 |
| 12 | 30.48 |
| 13 | 33.02 |
| 14 | 35.56 |
| 15 | 38.1 |
| 16 | 40.64 |
| 17 | 43.18 |
| 18 | 45.72 |
| 19 | 48.26 |
| 20 | 50.8 |
| 25 | 63.5 |
| 30 | 76.2 |
| 40 | 101.6 |
| 50 | 127 |
| 75 | 190.5 |
| 100 | 254 |
| 250 | 635 |
| 500 | 1,270 |
| 1,000 | 2,540 |
About These Units
The inch
The inch is exactly 2.54 centimeters by international agreement. Americans use it for screen sizes, lumber, rainfall, tire rims and body height together with feet.
The centimeter
A centimeter is one hundredth of a meter, or 10 millimeters. Most of the world lists body measurements, paper sizes and product dimensions in centimeters.
Definitions follow NIST Special Publication 811, Appendix B. See how we calculate for the exact values and rounding rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an inch exactly 2.54 cm?
Yes, exactly. The inch has been defined as 2.54 centimeters by international agreement since 1959, so there is no approximation involved.
How many centimeters is 5 feet 8 inches?
5 feet 8 inches is 68 inches, which is 172.72 centimeters.
How do I convert a fraction of an inch?
Convert the fraction to a decimal first. Three quarters of an inch is 0.75 in, which is 1.905 centimeters.
Which is bigger, an inch or a centimeter?
An inch is bigger. One inch equals 2.54 centimeters, so it takes about two and a half centimeters to make an inch.