Convert cm to inches

Centimeter

Definition
A centimeter (symbol: cm) is an SI unit of length equal to one-hundredth of a meter. It’s part of the metric system’s decimal structure, making it easy to scale between units.

Origins
Derived from the prefix centi- (Latin centum, “hundred”), one centimeter is exactly 0.01 meters. The metric system’s prefixes—from kilo- (10³) down to nano- (10⁻⁹)—allow seamless transitions across vast size ranges.

Modern Use
Centimeters are used globally wherever a finer division of the meter is needed: measuring height, small objects, school rulers, and many scientific contexts outside the United States.

Inch

Definition
An inch (symbol: in) is a length unit in the Imperial and U.S. customary systems. Since 1959, one inch equals exactly 25.4 mm. Twelve inches make a foot; thirty-six make a yard.

Origins
The word “inch” comes from the Latin uncia (“one-twelfth”). Early definitions tied an inch to three barleycorns laid end-to-end or to the average width of three thumbs. Later, it was standardized via the international yard.

Modern Use
Inches remain standard in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. for construction, screen sizes, and other everyday measurements. They also appear in electronics globally, such as TV and smartphone display diagonals.

Centimeter → Inch Conversion Table

How to Convert

• 1 cm = 0.39370079 in

• 1 in = 2.54 cm

Example

To convert 15 cm to inches:

15 cm × 0.39370079 in/cm = 5.90551185 in