1. Get a decimal
Turn fractions into decimals: divide the top number by the bottom. 5 3/8″ becomes 5 + 0.375 = 5.375 in.
1 inch = 2.54 cm exactly
InchesToCM Inches to CM Converter
100% Free, Instant & Accurate Inches to Centimeters Length Converter.
- ⇄ Two-way live conversion
- Fractional inches (1/16″–7/8″)
- 0–5 decimal precision
- 1–100 lookup table
- 100% private, in-browser
Two-way inches and centimeters converter
Mode:
Inches → Centimeters
From
in
Decimals or fractions: 5.375, 5 3/8, 3/4
To
cm
Type here to convert centimeters to inches.
Fractional inches quick input
Adds the fraction to the whole inches (e.g. 5 → 5 3/8″)
Result
2.54 cm
1 in = 2.54 cm
- Nearest fraction
- 1″
- Feet & inches
- 0′ 1″
- Millimeters
- 25.4 mm
- Meters
- 0.0254 m
100% private: every calculation runs locally in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.
Inches to Centimeters Formula
The inch is defined in terms of the metric system, so the conversion is exact.
Inches → CM
cm = in × 2.54
1 inch = 2.54 cm exactly
CM → Inches
in = cm ÷ 2.54
1 cm = 0.393700787 inches
Your calculation, step by step
Quick Conversion Lookup Table
Values follow the decimals setting above. Click any row to load it into the converter.
| Inches | Centimeters |
|---|
How to Convert Inches to CM
2. Multiply by 2.54
5.375 × 2.54 = 13.6525 cm. The result is exact, because 2.54 is an exact definition.
3. Round sensibly
For sewing or woodworking, 1 decimal (13.7 cm) is usually enough. Engineering work may need 2–3 decimals.
Where inches and centimeters meet
Inches are used for TV and monitor sizes, phone screens, tire and wheel sizes, lumber, pipes and clothing in the United States. Centimeters are the everyday unit almost everywhere else. Screen sizes are a common case: a 55-inch TV has a diagonal of 139.7 cm, and a 27-inch monitor measures 68.58 cm corner to corner. Tape measures often show inches in 1/16″ steps, which is why this converter accepts fractions and shows the nearest 1/16″ for any centimeter value.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert inches to centimeters?
Multiply the number of inches by 2.54. For example, 10 inches × 2.54 = 25.4 cm. To go the other way, divide centimeters by 2.54.
How many cm are in an inch?
There are exactly 2.54 centimeters in one inch. This value is exact by international definition, not a rounded approximation.
What is the exact conversion rate between inches and cm?
1 inch = 2.54 cm exactly, as fixed by the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement. The reverse rate is 1 cm = 0.3937007874 inches (rounded).
How do I convert fractional inches like 3/8 to cm?
Turn the fraction into a decimal and multiply by 2.54. 3/8 in = 0.375 in, and 0.375 × 2.54 = 0.9525 cm. A mixed number such as 5 3/8 in = 5.375 × 2.54 = 13.6525 cm. In this tool you can type “5 3/8” directly or use the fraction buttons.
How do I convert cm to inches?
Divide centimeters by 2.54, or multiply by about 0.3937. For example, 30 cm ÷ 2.54 = 11.811 inches. Type into the centimeters box above and the inches update instantly.
How many cm is 12 inches (1 foot)?
12 inches equals exactly 30.48 cm, which is one foot.
Is this inches to cm converter free and private?
Yes. InchesToCM is 100% free and runs entirely in your browser. No numbers are sent to a server and no sign-up is needed.