Converting cm to inches is one of the most frequently needed length conversions, whether checking a product dimension listed in centimeters, converting a height measurement, or working through a school assignment involving metric-to-imperial conversion. This page covers exactly how many centimeters are in an inch, a full conversion chart, and worked examples across the most commonly searched values. The reverse conversion is at inches to cm. For other length units, use the length converter. Browse all converters if you need a different tool.
How Many Centimeters in an Inch?
The Exact Conversion Factor
1 inch = 2.54 cm exactly
This is the internationally defined inch (not a rounded approximation), which means every cm to inches conversion on this page uses this exact factor: divide the centimeter value by 2.54 to get inches.
CM to Inches Conversion Chart
Reference Table: 10cm to 100cm
| Centimeters | Inches |
|---|---|
| 10 cm | 3.94 in |
| 12 cm | 4.72 in |
| 13 cm | 5.12 in |
| 14 cm | 5.51 in |
| 15 cm | 5.91 in |
| 16 cm | 6.30 in |
| 17 cm | 6.69 in |
| 18 cm | 7.09 in |
| 20 cm | 7.87 in |
| 30 cm | 11.81 in |
| 40 cm | 15.75 in |
| 45 cm | 17.72 in |
| 50 cm | 19.69 in |
| 70 cm | 27.56 in |
| 80 cm | 31.50 in |
| 100 cm | 39.37 in |
Worked Examples: Common CM to Inches Conversions
Example: 40 cm to Inches
40 ÷ 2.54 = 15.75 inches
Example: 80 cm to Inches
80 ÷ 2.54 = 31.50 inches
Converting CM to Feet for Height
Height Examples: 150cm, 173cm, 183cm in Feet
Height measurements are commonly converted from cm directly into feet (or feet and inches combined) rather than a plain inches figure:
| Centimeters | Feet & Inches |
|---|---|
| 150 cm | 4'11" |
| 160 cm | 5'3" |
| 173 cm | 5'8" |
| 174 cm | 5'8.5" |
| 177 cm | 5'10" |
| 180 cm | 5'11" |
| 183 cm | 6'0" |
| 190 cm | 6'3" |
This works by first converting cm to total inches (dividing by 2.54), then breaking that inches figure into feet and remaining inches (dividing by 12). Compound height conversions are also available in the length converter.
Converting Multiple Dimensions (Length and Width)
Example: 12cm by 12cm in Inches
For a two-dimensional measurement like a 12cm × 12cm object, each side converts independently using the same factor: 12 ÷ 2.54 = 4.72 inches, so 12cm by 12cm equals approximately 4.72" × 4.72". This same approach applies to converting any multi-dimensional measurement (length, width, or length × width × height for a 3D object) — convert each dimension separately using the same cm-to-inches conversion factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many centimeters are in an inch?
1 inch equals exactly 2.54 centimeters.
How do I convert cm to inches?
Divide the centimeter value by 2.54. For example, 40 cm converts to 15.75 inches.
What is 80 cm in inches?
80 cm equals 31.50 inches.
What is 173 cm in feet?
173 cm converts to approximately 5 feet 8 inches.
What is 190 cm in feet?
190 cm converts to approximately 6 feet 3 inches.
How do I convert a two-dimensional measurement like 12cm by 12cm?
Convert each dimension separately using the same factor. 12cm by 12cm converts to approximately 4.72 inches by 4.72 inches.
Is this the same as converting inches to cm?
No, this is the reverse direction. For converting inches to cm instead, the inches to cm converter is built for that specifically.
Is this cm to inches converter free to use?
Yes. It is free, requires no sign-up, and converts instantly.