How to Convert CM to Inches on a Table

Some measuring tapes show both inches and centimeters.

The centimeter is one of several units of measurement in the metric system. The English system of units uses inches as one of its measurements. According to the University of North Carolina, the inch originally meant the width of a man's thumb until the Norman invasion in 1066 resulted in the inch being standardized as 1/12th of a foot. The centimeter equals 0.01 meters, with the meter now defined in relation to the speed of light in a vacuum. The conversion factors make it easy to convert from centimeters to inches.

Things You'll Need

• Calculator

Instructions

1. Use a metric conversion chart to look up the conversion factor between centimeters and inches.

2. Divide the number of centimeters by 2.54 to convert to inches. For example, if you wanted to convert 20 centimeters, you would divide 20 centimeters by 2.54 centimeters per inch to get about 7.87 inches.

3. Multiply the number of centimeters by 0.3937 centimeters per inch to check your conversion. Finishing the example, you multiply 20 centimeters by 0.3937 inches per centimeter to get 7.87 inches.

References

• University of North Carolina: Units: M
• University of North Carolina: Units: I

Resources

• Metric Conversion Charts: Printable Metric Conversion Chart and Table