Inches to Centimeters (in to cm)

How to convert inches to centimeters

Multiply the inches by 2.54:

centimeters = inches × 2.54

12 in × 2.54 = 30.48 cm. The factor is exact by definition, so the answer only needs rounding if the inches do. To go back, divide centimeters by 2.54 — the centimeters to inches converter also shows the nearest 1/16 inch.

The result lists millimeters, meters and feet as well. For workshop measurements in millimeters, see inches to millimeters.

Inches to centimeters chart

For a page of measurements — a sewing pattern, a furniture listing — open Convert a list of values and paste the inches one per line.

Clothing sizes in centimeters

U.S. pants and jeans give the waist and inseam in inches; European sizes use centimeters.

Size labels are nominal: measure the garment or yourself and compare the centimeters with the brand’s size chart.

TV and monitor sizes

Screen sizes are the diagonal in inches, corner to corner — not the width.

For a 16:9 screen the width is 0.872 of the diagonal and the height 0.49. Check the width against the space on a wall or stand before buying; the frame adds a few centimeters.

Inches, feet and meters

Twelve inches make a foot, and a foot is 30.48 cm. Past a foot or two, it is often easier to think in feet and meters:

• 36 in = 3 ft = 91.44 cm, just under a meter (a meter is 39.37 in);
• 72 in = 6 ft = 182.88 cm, and a standard U.S. interior door is 80 in (203.2 cm) tall;
• 100 cm = 39.37 in = 3 ft 3 3/8 in.

For heights and room sizes in feet and inches, use feet to meters; for the other way, meters to feet.

Quick ways to estimate

Multiplying by 2.5 is close (1.6% low): 10 in ≈ 25 cm, exact 25.4. For anything you will cut, sew or order, use 2.54.