Centimeters to Inches

Every now and then, taking accurate measurements is necessary. For instance, when filling out a doctor’s form, they may ask for your height, which is sometimes in centimeters and sometimes in inches. Or, if you’re measuring furniture, like a table, you might have the measurements in inches but the website you’re buying it from only shows its dimensions in centimeters.

So, just in case you ever find yourself without a proper measuring tape, it’s good to know how you can convert centimeters to inches.

What Is A Centimeter? 

According to the International System of Units (SI), a centimeter is a unit of length equal to one-hundredth (1/100) of a meter, thus the prefix “centi”. Centimeters are often used to measure height, as well as small denominations in countries that employ the metric system, including Canada. You’ll commonly see them abbreviated to the symbol cm.

Metric rulers, such as the kind you’ll see in Canadian schools, are usually 30 cm long and will have 30 large tick marks to represent that figure.   

What Is An Inch?

While it’s used in Canada, an inch (abbreviated to in) is a unit of length that’s part of the US customary and imperial measurement systems. The term “inch” was derived from the Latin unit “uncia”, which meant one-twelfth (1/12) of a Roman foot. You may also see inches denoted using the double-prime (ʺ) or double-quote (″) symbols.  

As of 1959, one inch is equal to 2.54 millimeters (mm) or 0.0254 meters (m).

How To Convert A Centimeter To An Inch

The imperial and US customary systems state that 1 inch is equivalent to exactly 2.54 centimeters. You could also switch the figures, in which case 1 centimeter is equal to 0.3937 inches. Then, just use either of these two formulas to convert cm to in:

• CM to IN = Divide the length value by 2.54 (IN = CM ÷ 2.54)
• IN = CM x 0.3937 

Here’s a basic example:

• Let’s say you’re 175 centimeters tall (about 5 ft 9”) and you want to know how much that is in inches. 
• 175 cm ÷ 2.54 = 68.9 in OR 175 cm x 0.3937 = 68.9 in

CM to IN Conversion Table

How To Convert An Inch To A Centimeter

Converting inches into centimeters is relatively easy too, because all you have to do is reverse the figures above using the following equations: 

• Multiply the length value by 2.54 (CM = IN × 2.54)
• CM = IN ÷ 0.3937

Here’s another example: 

• You’re trying to buy a piece of furniture that’s 50 inches wide 
• 50 in x 2.54 = 127 cm  

IN to CM Conversion Table

Is a Centimeter Part of the Metric OR Imperial System?

As mentioned, a cm is a unit of measurement from the International System of Units; the current version of the metric system. It’s a multiple of the meter, which is the SI base unit for length (the liter/L and the gram/gm are the base units for capacity and mass).    

Is An Inch Part Of The Metric OR Imperial System?     

The imperial system of units is the official measurement system used in the United Kingdom and other countries that are part of the British Commonwealth. The United States has a similar version called the U.S. customary system, which includes base units like the ounce (oz.) for volume, the pound (lb) for mass and the inch for length. 

Does Canada Use The Metric OR Imperial System? 

Since Canada is a Commonwealth country but has several regions where French is the dominant language, you’ll actually hear Canadians using a combination of different units from both the metric and imperial systems. 

So, if you need to convert centimeters into inches (or vice versa) the system you should use really depends on what you’re trying to measure. For example, here’s how the metric and imperial measurement systems are normally used in Canada:  

• Measurements for a building or structure = imperial 
• Size of a building/structure = imperial or metric
• Area and length of land = imperial   
• Size of a person = imperial
• Speed and distance of most vehicles = metric
• Size of an apartment building = imperial

Centimeters to Inches - FAQs

Bottom Line

Whether you’re measuring a person, structure or piece of property, doing it with complete accuracy is often important, which is why it’s good to know how you can convert centimeters to inches. Luckily, all units and systems of measurement are easy enough to learn if you do research or check out the Loans Canada website.