Understanding how to convert inches to centimetres can be useful in many situations. It can help you measure your height, calculate the dimensions of a room, work on a DIY project, and more. The metric system, which includes units like metres, centimetres, and kilometres, was introduced in 1799 during the French Revolution due to the shortcomings of the previous system.
On the other hand, the imperial system includes units like inches, yards, and feet. It was established by the British Weights and Measures Act of 1824 and became widely adopted by most countries by the late 20th century. Today, the metric and imperial systems are used in the UK and many other countries.
What is Inch?
Often represented by ″ or in, an inch is a unit of measurement of length used in the US customary systems of measurement as well as the imperial system. This specific unit is generally employed in the measurement of electronics devices such as the laptop, TV, and mobile phone display screen.
The history of the inch started back in the 7th century. According to the very first definition of an inch, the size of three barleycorns equalled an inch. But that didn’t sound satisfactory enough, so, in 1930, it was redefined by the BSI (British Standards Institute) in the document “Metric Units in Engineering: Going SI”.
Later while American Inch was about 25.400051 mm, the ASA (American Standards Association) was asked to decide on whether the same value should be adopted or not as the values were quite similar. Also, because the British had already confirmed and settled for the same, on March 13, 1933, the ASA approved of this value.
Current Use of Inch
An inch is often utilised for the measurement in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, India, etc. Sometimes, Japan along with some other countries also used this unit for measuring the display screens of TV, mobile phones, laptops, etc.
What is Centimeter?
A centimetre is a metric unit of measurement of length that is equal to one by a hundredth of a meter. The centimetre is represented by the symbol “cm” and is used in the International System of Units. This popular unit of measurement has a varied range of applications is popularly used to measure the length & height of the object.
The term “centi” in centimetre is the SI prefix for a fraction 1/100. Earlier, it was used as the base unit of length in the currently despised system of units that is centimetre-gram-second (CGS).
Unlike several other physical quantities, SI prefixes for the factor of 103 such as the milli and kilo that are usually preferred by technicians, the centimetre acts as a practical unit length for a range of everyday measurements. The size of a centimetre is roughly equal to the breadth of the nail of an average adult person’s finger.
Current Use of Centimeter
The centimetre is used globally and for various purposes. It is used as an alternative for the use of meters whenever any small unit of measurement is required. Usually, height, in several countries except for the US, is measured in centimetres.
Relation Between Inches and Centimetres
Inches and centimetres are related to each other in terms that they both are used to measure the length of the object. However, one is used to measure bigger lengths while the other is used for measuring smaller lengths. One is bigger than the other.
The relationship between the two can best be described through the mathematical formula given below:
1 inch = 2.54 centimetres
From the above relation, one thing is evident that an inch is bigger than a centimetre in size. Now that you have contented with this, let’s move on to find out how to convert 1 in to cm.
Inches to Centimeter Conversion Table
Inches to cm |
Inches to cm |
1/64 inch is equal to 0.0397 cm |
11 inches is equal to 27.94 cm |
1/32 inch is equal to 0.0794 cm |
12 inches is equal to 30.48 cm |
1/16 inch is equal to 0.1588 cm |
13 inches is equal to 33.02 cm |
1/10 inch is equal to 0.254 cm |
14 inches is equal to 35.56 cm |
1/8 inch is equal to 0.3175 cm |
15 inches is equal to 38.1 cm |
1/4 inch is equal to 0.635 cm |
16 inches is equal to 40.64 cm |
1/3 inch is equal to 0.8467 cm |
17 inches is equal to 43.18 cm |
1/2 inch is equal to 1.27 cm |
18 inches is equal to 45.72 cm |
2/3 inch is equal to 1.6933 cm |
19 inches is equal to 48.26 cm |
3/4 inch is equal to 1.905 cm |
20 inches is equal to 50.8 cm |
1 inch is equal to 2.54 cm |
21 inches is equal to 53.34 cm |
2 inches is equal to 5.08 cm |
22 inches is equal to 55.88 cm |
3 inches is equal to 7.62 cm |
23 inches is equal to 58.42 cm |
4 inches is equal to 10.16 cm |
24 inches is equal to 60.96 cm |
5 inches is equal to 12.7 cm |
25 inches is equal to 63.5 cm |
6 inches is equal to 15.24 cm |
26 inches is equal to 66.04 cm |
7 inches is equal to 17.78 cm |
27 inches is equal to 68.58 cm |
8 inches is equal to 20.32 cm |
28 inches is equal to 71.12 cm |
9 inches is equal to 22.86 cm |
29 inches is equal to 73.66 cm |
10 inches is equal to 25.4 cm |
30 inches is equal to 76.2 cm |
How to Convert 1 Inch to CM: Formula for Converting Inch to CM
With the help of the aforementioned relation, you can easily convert 1 inch to cm in scale. But before you sink into the conversion process, you must always remember that converting one unit from the other without any alteration in the relative amount of the furnished quality is pretty essential.
To convert an inch into the cm and cm to inch, follow the formula given below:
1 inch = 2.54 centimeters
Or 1 centimeter = 0.393701 inches
Now, to convert an inch into cm, you need to multiply the provided inch by 2.54 centimetres.
Inch to cm = (given inch) x 2.54 centimeters.
Similarly, for converting cm into inch, you need to multiply the given cm by 0.393701 inches.
Cm to Inch = given cm x 0.393701 inches
Let us understand this conversion process with the help of a few examples:
Examples of Inch to Centimetres Conversion
Given below are some instances that will help you convert one unit into another with quite ease:
Example 1: Convert 5 inches to cm
Sol: 5 inch to cm = 5 x 2.54 centimeters = 12.7 cm.
Example 2: Convert 6 inch to cm
Sol: 6 inches to cm = 6 x 2.54 cm = 15.24 cm.
Example 3: Convert 1.25 inch to cm
Sol: 1.25 inch to cm = 1.25 x 2.54 cm = 3. 175 cm.
Example 4: Convert 2 inches in cm
Sol: 2 inch in cm = 2 x 2.54 cm = 5.08 cm.
Example 5: Convert 10 inches in cm
Sol: 10 inch in cm = 10 x 2.54 cm = 25.4 cm.
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Difference Between Inches and Centimetres
Even though both the units are used for the measurement of length, both Inches and Centimeters have different approaches and differ from each other on various terms. Given below is the table where we have differentiated both the units on several grounds:
Basis of Comparison |
Inches |
Centimeters |
Symbol |
in, ″ |
cm |
Definition |
An inch is a unit of measurement of length used in the US customary systems of measurement as well as the imperial system. |
A centimeter is a unit of measurement of length that is equal to one-hundredth of a meter. |
Formula |
1 inch = 2.54 centimetres |
1 centimeter = 0.393701 in |
Size |
An inch is greater than an inch. |
A centimeter is smaller than an inch. |
Origin |
Inch is an English word ( known as ynce in Old English), was borrowed early from Lain uncia (“one-twelfth; Roman inch; Roman ounce”). |
The word Centimeter is an amalgamation of words Centi, meaning hundredth, and Meter, the SI base unit of length. |
Use |
It is used as an imperial system as well as the US customary system of measurement. |
It is used as an SI unit of length, where centi is used as the SI suffix. |
Applicability |
An Inch is used for measuring the length of the display screens of TV, mobile phones, laptops, etc. |
It is used as an alternative for the use of meters whenever any small unit of measurement is required. Usually, height, in several countries except for the US, is measured in centimeters. |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I convert inches to centimetres?
Converting one inch to cm is quite easy. All you need to do is simply multiply the provided inch value by 2.54 centimetres to convert inches to centimetres.
For example: Convert 3 inches to cm
Sol: 3 inches to cm = 3 x 2.54 cm = 7.62 cms.
How many centimetres are equal to 1 inch?
2.54 centimeters are equal to 1 inch.
What is 5ft 7 in CM?
5 ft 7 inch in cm = 5ft × 30.48 + 7in × 2.54= 170.18 centimeters
Is there 12 cm in an inch?
No, there’s 2.54 cm in an inch.
How many centimetres are in an inch?
An inch consists of 2.54 centimeters.
What size are 54 inches in cm?
54 inches in cm = 54 x 2.54 cm = 137.16 cm.
What's 7 cm in inches?
7 cm in inches = 7 x 0.393701 inches = 2.755907 inches.