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Inches to centimeters converter

Turn inches into centimeters, exactly.

Type a value in inches to get the precise centimeter result, live as you type. The centimeter field works both ways, so you can go from cm back to inches too. One inch is exactly 2.54 cm.

Your measurement

in
cm

Edit either field. The other one updates instantly using 1 in = 2.54 cm.

Centimeters
0 cm
12 in x 2.54
30.48 cm

Related units

    What this means

      Common inch values in centimeters

      InchesCentimetersEveryday reference

      Inches and centimeters explained

      The Inch-to-Centimeter Conversion Factor

      One inch equals exactly 2.54 centimeters, a defined relationship since the international yard agreement of 1959. To convert inches to centimeters, multiply by 2.54. Quick math: 1 in = 2.54 cm, 12 in (1 ft) = 30.48 cm, 36 in (1 yard) = 91.44 cm.

      Why This Conversion Is So Common

      The United States uses inches for clothing, construction, screen sizes, and most everyday measurements. Most other countries use centimeters. Converting between the two is essential for international shopping, reading product specs, working with imported plans, and matching dimensions across catalogs.

      Reference Conversions

      1 in = 2.54 cm. 6 in = 15.24 cm (a standard ruler half). 12 in = 30.48 cm (one foot). 36 in = 91.44 cm (one yard). 100 in = 254 cm = 2.54 m. A typical phone screen at 6 inches diagonal is 15.24 cm.

      Fractional Inch Conversion

      For fractional inches (like 5 3/8 in), convert the fraction to decimal first: 3/8 = 0.375. So 5 3/8 in = 5.375 in × 2.54 = 13.65 cm. This calculator accepts decimal inches; convert fractions before entering.

      Common questions

      How many cm is 1 inch exactly?

      1 inch equals 2.54 centimeters exactly. This is a defined conversion, not measured.

      How do I convert feet to centimeters?

      Multiply feet by 12 to get inches, then multiply by 2.54. For example: 6 ft × 12 = 72 in × 2.54 = 182.88 cm.

      What's a quick estimate?

      Multiply inches by 2.5 for a rough cm value (accurate within 2%). For precise values use 2.54 or this calculator.

      Does the conversion vary by country?

      No, 1 inch = 2.54 cm is a global standard. The US 'survey inch' is 1 in = 2.5400050800101 cm but differs by only 2 parts per million and is being phased out.

      How big is a phone screen in cm?

      A 6-inch diagonal screen is 15.24 cm. A 6.7-inch screen (common large phone) is 17.02 cm.

      All conversion runs in your browser. Nothing is uploaded. 1 inch = 2.54 cm is an exact, defined value since the 1959 international yard agreement.