Inches to centimeters
One inch is exactly 2.54 centimeters. Since 1959 the inch has been defined that way, so the conversion has no rounding error at all. Type any length below, or use the chart and shortcuts on this page.
The formula
centimeters = inches × 2.54
Multiply the number of inches by 2.54. The result is in centimeters.
Inches to centimeters chart
| Inches | Centimeters | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 2.54 cm | |
| 2 in | 5.08 cm | |
| 3 in | 7.62 cm | |
| 6 in | 15.24 cm | |
| 12 in | 30.48 cm | One foot |
| 24 in | 60.96 cm | |
| 36 in | 91.44 cm | One yard |
| 48 in | 121.92 cm | |
| 60 in | 152.4 cm | Five feet |
| 72 in | 182.88 cm | Six feet |
Quick mental math
Multiply by 2.5 for a quick estimate. It runs about 1.6% low: 10 inches gives 25 cm against an exact 25.4 cm. For heights in feet and inches, turn everything into inches first. 5 ft 10 in is 70 inches, which is 177.8 cm.
Going the other way
To convert centimeters back to inches, multiply by 0.393701 or divide by 2.54.
Common questions
How many centimeters are in an inch?
Exactly 2.54.
How do I convert feet and inches to centimeters?
Multiply the feet by 12, add the leftover inches, then multiply by 2.54. For 6 ft 1 in: 6 × 12 + 1 = 73 inches, and 73 × 2.54 = 185.42 cm.
How do I convert centimeters to inches?
Divide by 2.54, or multiply by 0.393701. For example, 30 cm is about 11.81 inches.