Length
Inches to centimeters
One inch is exactly 2.54 centimetres — one of the few conversions with no rounding at all.
Quick answer
Multiply inches by 2.54 to get centimetres. To reverse it, multiply centimetres by 0.393701.
The formula
centimeters = inches × 2.54
inches = centimeters × 0.393701
Because the inch is defined as 2.54 cm, this conversion is exact — there’s no approximation to worry about.
Worked examples
- 10 in → cm: 10 × 2.54 = 25.4 cm.
- Height 5 ft 9 in: 69 in × 2.54 = 175.3 cm.
- A4 paper width (8.27 in): ≈ 21.0 cm.
| Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2.54 |
| 5 | 12.70 |
| 10 | 25.40 |
| 12 (1 foot) | 30.48 |
| 24 | 60.96 |
| 36 (1 yard) | 91.44 |
Where it comes up
Screen sizes, paper, body height, and craft or DIY measurements often switch between inches and centimetres.
Frequently asked questions
How many centimetres are in an inch?
Exactly 2.54 cm. The inch has been defined as 2.54 cm since 1959, so the conversion is exact.
What is 5 ft 9 in in centimetres?
That’s 69 inches × 2.54 = 175.3 cm.
How do I go from cm back to inches?
Multiply centimetres by 0.393701 (or divide by 2.54).
How big is a 32-inch TV?
Its diagonal is 32 × 2.54 = 81.3 cm.