Inches to Centimeters Converter
1 inch equals exactly 2.54 centimeters or 25.4 millimeters. To convert inches to cm, multiply the length in inches by 2.54. For example, 5 inches = 12.7 cm, 12 inches (1 foot) = 30.48 cm, and a 55-inch TV = 139.7 cm diagonal.
Convert inches to centimeters and millimeters instantly. Supports fractional inches (e.g., 5 3/8"). Presets for screen sizes, body measurements, and paper sizes. Free online length converter with quick reference table.
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Quick Reference — Inches to Centimeters
| Inches | Centimeters | Millimeters |
|---|---|---|
| 1" | 2.54 cm | 25.4 mm |
| 2" | 5.08 cm | 50.8 mm |
| 3" | 7.62 cm | 76.2 mm |
| 4" | 10.16 cm | 101.6 mm |
| 5" | 12.70 cm | 127.0 mm |
| 6" | 15.24 cm | 152.4 mm |
| 7" | 17.78 cm | 177.8 mm |
| 8" | 20.32 cm | 203.2 mm |
| 9" | 22.86 cm | 228.6 mm |
| 10" | 25.40 cm | 254.0 mm |
| 11" | 27.94 cm | 279.4 mm |
| 12" | 30.48 cm | 304.8 mm |
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How to Use
- Enter your value in the input field
- Click the Calculate/Convert button
- Copy the result to your clipboard
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many centimeters are in an inch?
- One inch equals exactly 2.54 centimeters. This conversion factor was established by international agreement in 1959. To convert inches to cm, multiply the number of inches by 2.54. For example, 5 inches = 5 × 2.54 = 12.7 cm.
- How do I convert fractional inches to centimeters?
- First convert the fraction to a decimal, then multiply by 2.54. For example, 5 3/8 inches: 3 ÷ 8 = 0.375, so 5.375 inches × 2.54 = 13.6525 cm. Common fractions: 1/4" = 0.635 cm, 1/2" = 1.27 cm, 3/4" = 1.905 cm. Our converter handles fractions automatically.
- What is a 55-inch TV in centimeters?
- A 55-inch TV has a diagonal screen measurement of 139.7 cm (55 × 2.54). Common TV sizes in cm: 32" = 81.28 cm, 42" = 106.68 cm, 55" = 139.7 cm, 65" = 165.1 cm, 75" = 190.5 cm. Note that TV sizes refer to diagonal screen measurement, not width or height.
- How do I convert inches to millimeters?
- One inch equals 25.4 millimeters. To convert inches to mm, multiply by 25.4. For example, 3 inches = 3 × 25.4 = 76.2 mm. This is useful for engineering, manufacturing, and precision measurements where millimeters are the standard unit.
- What are common body measurements in cm?
- Common clothing measurements converted from inches to cm: 28" waist = 71.12 cm, 30" waist = 76.2 cm, 32" waist = 81.28 cm, 34" inseam = 86.36 cm, 36" chest = 91.44 cm. Most international sizing uses centimeters, so knowing these conversions helps when shopping abroad or online.
- Why do some countries use inches and others use centimeters?
- The United States, Liberia, and Myanmar primarily use the imperial system (inches, feet) inherited from British colonial measurements. Most other countries adopted the metric system (centimeters, meters) during the 19th and 20th centuries for its simplicity and scientific consistency. The metric system is based on powers of 10, making conversions straightforward.