CM to Inches Converter
Convert centimeters to inches with precise calculations. Includes feet and inches format plus conversion tables.
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Conversion Formula
| CM | Inches | Feet | Decimal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cm | 0.3937" | 0'0.39" | 0.3937 |
| 2.54 cm | 1.0000" | 0'1.00" | 1.0000 |
| 5 cm | 1.9685" | 0'1.97" | 1.9685 |
| 10 cm | 3.9370" | 0'3.94" | 3.9370 |
| 15 cm | 5.9055" | 0'5.91" | 5.9055 |
| 20 cm | 7.8740" | 0'7.87" | 7.8740 |
| 25 cm | 9.8425" | 0'9.84" | 9.8425 |
| 30 cm | 11.8110" | 0'11.81" | 11.8110 |
How It Works
Converting centimeters to inches uses a simple division formula:
The conversion factor 2.54 comes from the international definition where 1 inch equals exactly 2.54 centimeters. This relationship was established in 1959 and is used worldwide for precise conversions.
Why 2.54?
In 1959, the international yard and pound agreement defined the inch as exactly 25.4 millimeters, which equals 2.54 centimeters. This ensures that the conversion between imperial and metric units is precise and consistent worldwide.
Examples
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Centimeters vs Inches Comparison
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What is Centimeters to Inches Conversion?
Centimeters to inches conversion is the process of converting length measurements from the metric system (centimeters) to the imperial system (inches). This conversion is essential for international communication, trade, and understanding measurements across different measurement systems.
The conversion factor is based on the international definition where 1 inch equals exactly 2.54 centimeters, established in 1959 through international agreement, defining a unified relationship between metric and imperial units.
Formula
How It Works
The conversion uses the exact relationship: Inches = Centimeters ÷ 2.54
This factor comes from the 1959 international yard and pound agreement of 1959, which established the inch as exactly 25.4 millimeters or 2.54 centimeters.
Centimeters are part of the metric system, based on powers of 10, while inches are part of the imperial system. Understanding both systems is essential for global communication and precise measurements.
History and Background
The centimeter was introduced as part of the metric system during the French Revolution in the 1790s, defined as one-hundredth of a meter. The inch has ancient origins, originally based on the width of a human thumb. It was standardized in 1959 through international agreement, defining it as exactly 25.4 millimeters.
Practical Applications
This conversion is essential for international trade, engineering projects, scientific research, medical measurements, and everyday situations where different measurement systems are used. It's particularly important in manufacturing, construction, and design work.
Best Practices
Always use the exact conversion factor (2.54) for precision work. Round only at the final step to maintain accuracy. For quick estimates, remember that 2.5 cm ≈ 1 inch, but use the precise factor for important calculations.