Convert Inches to Centimeters
1 inch (in) equals 2.54 centimeters (cm).
1 in = 2.54 cm
Type in either box. Scientific notation works: 1.5e-3.
Converting a list? Use the bulk inch to centimeter converter to paste a column from Excel.
How to Convert Inch to Centimeter
- 1 in = 2.54 cm
- 1 cm = 0.3937007874 in
- Example: convert 15 in to cm: 15 in = 15 × 2.54 cm = 38.1 cm
Reference conditions. in: The international yard and pound agreement (1959) fixed 1 yard = 0.9144 m exactly, so the inch, foot and mile are exact.
Formula
cm = in × 2.54
Derivation from SI units:
- 1 in = 2.54 cm = 0.0254 m (exact)
- 1 cm = 10⁻² m
- 1 in = 0.0254 m ÷ 0.01 m per cm = 2.54 cm
Both units are defined exactly, so the factor is exact. Inch definition: inch; Centimeter definition: centimeter.
Worked examples
- A TV with a 55 in diagonal measures 139.7 cm.
55 in × 2.54 = 139.7 cm - A 12 in subwoofer is 30.48 cm across.
12 in × 2.54 = 30.48 cm
Inch to Centimeter conversion table
| Inches (in) | Centimeters (cm) |
|---|---|
| 0.125 in | 0.3175 cm |
| 0.25 in | 0.635 cm |
| 0.5 in | 1.27 cm |
| 0.75 in | 1.905 cm |
| 1 in | 2.54 cm |
| 1.5 in | 3.81 cm |
| 2 in | 5.08 cm |
| 3 in | 7.62 cm |
| 4 in | 10.16 cm |
| 5 in | 12.7 cm |
| 6 in | 15.24 cm |
| 8 in | 20.32 cm |
| 10 in | 25.4 cm |
| 12 in | 30.48 cm |
| 15 in | 38.1 cm |
| 20 in | 50.8 cm |
| 24 in | 60.96 cm |
| 27 in | 68.58 cm |
| 32 in | 81.28 cm |
| 36 in | 91.44 cm |
| 48 in | 121.92 cm |
| 55 in | 139.7 cm |
| 65 in | 165.1 cm |
| 72 in | 182.88 cm |
Where it's used
Screen sizes, tools, pipe fittings and US product dimensions in inches are converted to centimetres for metric catalogues and drawings. Multiply by exactly 2.54.
Inch to other length units
| Conversion | 1 in equals |
|---|---|
| inch to meter | 0.0254 m |
| inch to kilometer | 0.0000254 km |
| inch to centimeter | 2.54 cm |
| inch to millimeter | 25.4 mm |
| inch to micrometer | 25400 µm |
| inch to nanometer | 25400000 nm |
| inch to angstrom | 254000000 Å |
| inch to mile | 0.00001578282828 mi |
| inch to yard | 0.02777777778 yd |
| inch to foot | 0.08333333333 ft |
| inch to mil | 1000 mil |
| inch to nautical mile | 0.00001371490281 nmi |
Frequently asked questions
Is an inch exactly 2.54 cm?
Yes. Since 1959 the inch is defined as exactly 2.54 cm (25.4 mm).
How many centimeters are in 1 inch?
1 in = 2.54 cm.
How do I convert inches to centimeters?
Multiply the value in in by 2.54. For example, 15 in × 2.54 = 38.1 cm.
Is the in to cm conversion exact?
Yes. Both units are defined exactly, and 1 in is exactly 2.54 cm.
Sources
- Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI), NIST Special Publication 811, 2008 Edition, National Institute of Standards and Technology , Appendix B.8, "inch (in)".
- The International System of Units (SI), 9th edition (SI Brochure), Bureau International des Poids et Mesures , Table 7, SI prefixes.
Last reviewed: . Factors are stored exactly and computed with 50-digit decimal arithmetic. See how we verify conversion factors.
Cite this page
APA
Scientific Converters. (2026, October 15). Convert Inches to Centimeters. Retrieved October 17, 2026, from https://scientificconverters.com/length/inches-to-centimeters/
IEEE
Scientific Converters, "Convert Inches to Centimeters," scientificconverters.com. Accessed: Oct. 17, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://scientificconverters.com/length/inches-to-centimeters/