Centimeters to Inches Converter

Free CM to Inch calculator for accurate metric to imperial conversion in Canada

Conversion Tool
Enter a value to convert

100 cm = 39.37 inches

CM to Inches Formula
inches = cm × 0.393701

Multiply centimeters by 0.393701 to get inches

Inches to CM Formula
cm = inches × 2.54

Multiply inches by 2.54 to get centimeters

CM to Inches Conversion Table
Complete centimeter to inch reference chart
Centimeters (cm)Inches (in)Description
1 cm0.39 inches
2 cm0.79 inches
3 cm1.18 inches
4 cm1.57 inches
5 cm1.97 inches
10 cm3.94 inches
15 cm5.91 inches
20 cm7.87 inches
25 cm9.84 inches
30 cm11.81 inches≈1 foot
40 cm15.75 inches
50 cm19.69 inches
60 cm23.62 inches
70 cm27.56 inches
80 cm31.50 inches
90 cm35.43 inches
100 cm39.37 inches1 meter
150 cm59.06 inches
200 cm78.74 inches2 meters
250 cm98.43 inches
What Is A Centimeter?

According to the International System of Units (SI), a centimeter is a unit of length equal to one-hundredth (1/100) of a meter, hence the prefix "centi". Centimeters are widely used to measure height,width, distance, and small dimensions in countries that employ the metric system, including Canada. You'll commonly see them abbreviated to the symbol cm.

Metric rulers, such as the kind you'll see in Canadian schools and offices, are usually 30 cm long and will have 30 large tick marks to represent that figure. The metric system is the primary measurement system used in Canada for most official purposes, scientific work, and education.

What Is An Inch?

While it's used in Canada, an inch (abbreviated to in) is a unit of length that's part of theUS customary and imperial measurement systems. The term "inch" was derived from the Latin unit "uncia", which meant one-twelfth (1/12) of a Roman foot. You may also see inches denoted using the double-prime (ʺ) or double-quote (″) symbols.

As of 1959, one inch is equal to exactly 2.54 millimeters (mm) or 0.0254 meters (m). This standardization was agreed upon internationally to ensure consistent conversions between the metric andimperial systems. The inch is commonly used in Canada for certain applications like construction,personal height measurements, and screen sizes.

How To Convert Centimeters To Inches

The imperial and US customary systems state that 1 inch is equivalent to exactly2.54 centimeters. You could also switch the figures, in which case 1 centimeter is equal to0.3937 inches. Use either of these two conversion formulas to convert cm to inches:

CM to IN Conversion Formulas:

  • IN = CM ÷ 2.54 (Divide the length value by 2.54)
  • IN = CM × 0.3937 (Multiply by 0.3937)

Practical Example:

Let's say you're 175 centimeters tall (about 5 ft 9") and you want to know how much that is in inches:

  • 175 cm ÷ 2.54 = 68.9 inches
  • OR 175 cm × 0.3937 = 68.9 inches
How To Convert Inches To Centimeters

Converting inches into centimeters is relatively easy too, because all you have to do is reverse the figures using the followingconversion equations:

IN to CM Conversion Formulas:

  • CM = IN × 2.54 (Multiply the length value by 2.54)
  • CM = IN ÷ 0.3937 (Divide by 0.3937)

Practical Example:

You're trying to buy a piece of furniture that's 50 inches wide:

  • 50 in × 2.54 = 127 centimeters
  • OR 50 in ÷ 0.3937 = 127 centimeters
Does Canada Use Metric OR Imperial System?

Since Canada is a Commonwealth country but has several regions where French is the dominant language, you'll actually hear Canadians using a combination of different units from both the metric and imperial systems. Canada officially adopted the metric system in the 1970s, but imperial measurements remain common in everyday use.

Common Measurement Uses in Canada:

  • Building measurements and construction = Imperial (feet, inches)
  • Personal height and weight = Imperial (feet/inches, pounds)
  • Land area and property dimensions = Imperial (acres, square feet)
  • Vehicle speed and road distances = Metric (km/h, kilometers)
  • Temperature = Metric (Celsius)
  • Cooking and recipes = Mixed (cups, liters, grams)
  • Screen sizes = Imperial (inches)
  • Fabric and textiles = Mixed (meters, yards)

So, if you need to convert centimeters into inches (or vice versa), the system you should use really depends on what you're trying to measure. Our cm to inch converter makes it easy to switch between both measurement systems instantly.

Complete Guide to Centimeters and Inches Conversion in Canada

Understanding the Metric and Imperial Systems

The centimeter is part of the metric system (also called the International System of Units or SI), which is used by most countries worldwide for scientific measurements, education, and official documentation. The inch is part of the imperial system, primarily used in the United States and still commonly used in Canada for certain applications. Understanding how to convert between cm and inches is essential for international communication,online shopping, construction projects, and working with products from different countries.

Why You Need a Centimeters to Inches Converter

A cm to inch converter saves time and ensures accuracy when working with different measurement systems. Whether you'rebuying furniture online from international retailers, measuring for home improvement projects, followingwoodworking plans, converting your height in cm to inches for medical forms, calculating screen dimensionsfor electronics, or determining fabric lengths for sewing projects, having a reliable conversion calculator is invaluable. Our tool provides instant, accurate real-time results for both cm to inch and inch to cm conversions.

Real-World Applications of CM and Inch Conversions in Canada

Unit conversion between centimeters and inches is frequently needed in various Canadian situations:

  • Healthcare: Converting patient height measurements and body dimensions for medical records
  • Construction & Renovation: Working with building materials and architectural plans that use different measurement units
  • Online Shopping: Understanding product dimensions from international retailers and furniture stores
  • Electronics: Converting screen sizes for TVs, monitors, tablets, and smartphones
  • Clothing & Fashion: Determining garment measurements and size conversions for international brands
  • Education: Students learning both metric and imperial measurement systems
  • Sports & Fitness: Tracking body measurements, equipment sizing, and performance metrics
  • Travel: Understanding luggage dimensions and carry-on restrictions when traveling internationally

Common Height Conversions for Canadians

Many Canadians need to convert their height between centimeters and feet/inches for various forms and documents:

  • 150 cm = 59.06 inches (4 feet 11 inches)
  • 160 cm = 62.99 inches (5 feet 3 inches) - Average Canadian female height
  • 165 cm = 64.96 inches (5 feet 5 inches)
  • 170 cm = 66.93 inches (5 feet 7 inches)
  • 175 cm = 68.90 inches (5 feet 9 inches)
  • 180 cm = 70.87 inches (5 feet 11 inches) - Average Canadian male height
  • 185 cm = 72.83 inches (6 feet 1 inch)
  • 190 cm = 74.80 inches (6 feet 3 inches)

Tips for Accurate Measurement Conversions

  • Keep a conversion chart or bookmark this page for frequently used measurement conversions
  • Use our online converter tool for instant, accurate real-time results without manual calculations
  • Remember the key factor: 1 inch = 2.54 cm exactly (this is the internationally agreed standard since 1959)
  • For quick mental estimates, 1 inch ≈ 2.5 cm is easy to calculate
  • When precision matters for construction, engineering, or medical applications, always use the exact conversion factor
  • Double-check unit labels to avoid confusion between cm and inches on measuring tapes and rulers
  • Be aware that most Canadian measuring tapes show both metric and imperial measurements
  • For woodworking and carpentry, understand that imperial fractions (1/16", 1/8", etc.) don't convert to neat decimal centimeters

Understanding Metric System vs Imperial System in Canada

Canada officially adopted the metric system through the Metric Conversion Act in 1970, completing the transition in the late 1970s and early 1980s. However, due to Canada's close ties with the United States and the British Commonwealth, the imperial systemcontinues to be used in certain contexts. This dual-system approach means Canadians need to be comfortable with both measurement systems.

The metric system is based on powers of 10, making calculations and conversions within the system straightforward. The imperial system uses more arbitrary relationships (12 inches = 1 foot, 3 feet = 1 yard), which can makemental math more challenging. Understanding both systems and how to convert between them is a valuable skill for Canadians in both personal and professional contexts.

Centimeters to Inches - Frequently Asked Questions