cm to inches calculator
Convert cm to inches: In this tutorial, we shall give a small introduction to both the units: centimeters and inches; learn about the relation between these two units, create a formula to convert from centimeters to inches, and then use the formula to convert a given number of centimeters to inches with a couple of examples.
Introduction to Centimeters (cm)
Centimeters (cm) are a metric system unit of length commonly used in everyday measurements.
One centimeter is defined as 1/100 of a meters.
Important points to make note about centimeters:
- 1 centimeter is equal to 0.01 meters (1/100th of a meter).
- The symbol for centimeter is “cm.”
- 1 centimeter is equal to 10 millimeters.
- In the imperial system, 1 centimeter is approximately 0.3937 inches.
Introduction to Inches (“)
Inches are a unit of length commonly used in the imperial system. They are primarily used in the United States and a few other countries.
One inch is defined as 1/12 of a foot. It is also equivalent to 2.54 centimeters in the metric system.
Important points to make note about inches:
- 1 inch is equal to 1/12 of a foot.
- The symbol for inch is usually written as a double prime (“).
- 1 inch is exactly 2.54 centimeters in the metric system.
How to Convert from Centimeters to Inches
The relation between centimeters and inches is:
1 centimeter is equal to 0.3937 inches.
Formula for Conversion
We can put the above relation into a formula to convert centimeters (cm) to inches (in).
inches = cm × 0.3937
Examples
Let us go through some real life examples, where we are given a length in centimeters, and we need to convert that length from centimeters to inches.
Example 1: Convert 10 cm to inches
Consider that we are give a box whose length is 10 cm. We need to find this box length in inches.
Solution
Step 1: Write the formula for conversion from centimeters to inches.
inches = cm × 0.3937
Step 2: Substitute the value of cm with 10 in the formula.
inches = 10 × 0.3937
Step 3: Simplify the multiplication present on right-hand side of the equation.
inches = 3.937
Answer: Therefore, 10 cm = 3.937 inches.
Example 2: Convert 15 cm to inches
Consider that we are give a book whose length is 15 cm. We need to find this book length in inches.
Solution
Step 1: Write the formula for conversion from centimeters to inches.
inches = cm × 0.3937
Step 2: Substitute the value of cm with 15 in the above formula.
inches = 15 × 0.3937
Step 3: Simplify the multiplication present on right-hand side of the equation.
inches = 5.9055
Answer: Therefore, 15 cm = 5.9055 inches.
Table of Conversions from Centimeters to Inches
The following table takes lengths of some of the well known objects, and convert from centimeters to inches.
| Scenario | Length in cm | Length in inches |
|---|---|---|
| Height of a standard coffee mug | 10 cm | 3.94 inches |
| Width of a smartphone | 7 cm | 2.76 inches |
| Length of a pencil | 19 cm | 7.48 inches |
| Height of an A4 sheet | 29.7 cm | 11.69 inches |
| Width of a standard door | 80 cm | 31.5 inches |
| Height of a 12-inch laptop screen | 30.5 cm | 12 inches |
| Diameter of a CD | 12 cm | 4.72 inches |
| Height of a bottle of water | 24 cm | 9.45 inches |
| Height of an average light switch | 12 cm | 4.72 inches |
| Width of a credit card | 5.4 cm | 2.13 inches |
| Length of a ruler | 30 cm | 11.81 inches |
| Height of an apple | 8 cm | 3.15 inches |
| Width of a standard tablet | 17 cm | 6.69 inches |
| Height of the Eiffel Tower miniature souvenir | 15 cm | 5.91 inches |
| Width of a baseball | 7.4 cm | 2.91 inches |
| Length of a toothbrush | 19 cm | 7.48 inches |
| Length of a shoe | 25 cm | 9.84 inches |
| Diameter of a frisbee | 27 cm | 10.63 inches |
| Length of a USB cable | 100 cm | 39.37 inches |
| Width of a standard car tire | 20 cm | 7.87 inches |
Frequently Asked Questions about Centimeters to Inches Conversion
1. How do you convert centimeters to inches?
To convert centimeters to inches, you need to multiply the length in centimeters by 0.3937. The formula is:
inches = cm * 0.3937
2. What is the formula to convert inches to centimeters?
To convert inches to centimeters, you multiply the length in inches by 2.54. The formula is:
cm = inches * 2.54
3. How many inches are in 1 centimeter?
1 centimeter is equal to approximately 0.3937 inches.
4. How many centimeters are in 1 inch?
1 inch is equal to exactly 2.54 centimeters.
5. Why do we use the factor 0.3937 to convert cm to inches?
The factor 0.3937 comes from the relationship between centimeters and inches, as 1 centimeter is approximately 0.3937 inches.
6. Can I use a calculator to convert cm to inches?
Yes, you can use a calculator. Simply multiply the value in centimeters by 0.3937 to get the value in inches.
Common Mistakes When Converting Centimeters to Inches and How to Avoid Them
Converting centimeters to inches is a simple process, but there are common mistakes that people often make. We have given the top five most common mistakes that could happen and how to avoid them.
1. Incorrect Conversion Factor
Many a times we use the wrong conversion factor. The correct factor is 1 inch equals 2.54 centimeters. To convert centimeters to inches, you should divide the number of centimeters by 2.54.
How to Avoid: Always remember the correct conversion factor and double-check your calculations.
2. Confusing the Units
Sometimes we may mix up centimeters and inches when reading measurements, leading to incorrect conversions.
How to Avoid: Clearly label your measurements and ensure you understand which unit you are starting with before performing the conversion.
3. Rounding Errors
We tend to round the decimals too early in the calculation, and this can lead to significant inaccuracies. For example, rounding 2.54 to 2.5 before dividing can affect the final result.
How to Avoid: Do the full calculation before rounding to ensure accuracy of the result. Only round your final answer if necessary.
4. Using Approximate Values
People sometimes use approximate values, such as 2.5 or 2.54 cm/inch, which can lead to errors, especially in precise measurements.
How to Avoid: Always use the exact value of 2.54 for accurate conversions.
5. Forgetting to Account for Decimal Places
When dealing with larger values, it’s easy to overlook decimal places, which can result in significant mistakes. For example, if we are given a value of 100.95 centimeters, and if you convert 100 centimeters to inches and ignore the decimal 0.95, you might end up with an inaccurate measurement.
How to Avoid: To ensure accuracy, take a moment to carefully track your decimal points during the conversion process.
Always double-check your calculations, to save yourselves from potential errors and ensure that your results are precise.