Centimeters to Inches Converter
Convert centimeters (cm) to inches (in), learn why you divide by 2.54, and check a worked example.
Let’s convert it.
Swap unitsDecimals welcome. The answer updates as you type.
30 cm × 0.39370078740157477 ≈ 11.811024 in
Understanding centimeters and inches
To convert centimeters to inches, divide the length by 2.54. This relationship is exact, although the answer may need rounding.
What are centimeters (cm)?
A centimeter (cm) is one hundredth of a meter. A standard school ruler usually has centimeter marks divided into ten millimeters.
What are inches (in)?
An inch (in) is a customary unit of length equal to exactly 2.54 cm. There are 12 inches in one foot.
How to use this converter
- Enter the length in centimeters.
- Read the equivalent length in inches.
- Use the decimal answer directly or round it to the precision you need.
The conversion formula
inches = centimeters ÷ 2.54
A worked example
A 30 cm ruler is 30 ÷ 2.54 = approximately 11.811 in long. It is slightly shorter than a 12-inch ruler.
Use centimeters to inches when a furniture listing or clothing measurement uses a different ruler scale. Measure the same edge or distance before comparing the numbers.
Quick conversion table
Values are rounded for readability.
| centimeters (cm) | inches (in) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.393701 |
| 5 | 1.968504 |
| 10 | 3.937008 |
| 25 | 9.84252 |
| 50 | 19.685039 |
| 100 | 39.370079 |
Common questions
How many inches is 1 cm?
One centimeter is approximately 0.393701 in.
Is 30 cm exactly 12 inches?
No. Twelve inches equals 30.48 cm.
Does this give inches as fractions?
The result uses decimal inches. For example, 0.5 inch is 1/2 inch and 0.25 inch is 1/4 inch.