How many cm in an inch?

There are exactly 2.54 centimeters in 1 inch.

Is a centimeter or an inch bigger?

An inch is bigger than a centimeter. One inch is equal to 2.54 cm.

Why does the US use inches?

The United States continues to use the imperial system due to historical reasons and the high cost and cultural challenge of switching to the metric system.

Guide to Converting cm to inches | Formula & Chart

Converting between centimeters and inches is one of the most common length conversions people need to make, whether for school, work, or personal projects. While our converter tool does it instantly, understanding the 'why' behind the numbers can be incredibly helpful. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

The Basic Formula

The relationship between centimeters and inches is defined by a single, simple number. There are exactly 2.54 centimeters in one inch. This gives us two primary formulas:

To convert inches to centimeters: cm = inches × 2.54
To convert centimeters to inches: inches = cm / 2.54

Conversion Example

Let's say you have a laptop screen that is 39.6 cm wide and you want to know its size in inches. Using the formula:

39.6 cm / 2.54 = 15.6 inches

So, a 39.6 cm screen is commonly marketed as a 15.6-inch screen.

When to Use Which Unit

In most of the world, the metric system (using meters, centimeters, etc.) is the standard. However, the United States, and to some extent the UK and Canada, still heavily use the imperial system (feet and inches). Knowing how to convert between them is essential for international trade, science, and even online shopping.