How to Calculate MM to CM

The metric system measures length in centimeters and millimeters.

The metric system uses a series of metric prefixes to denote changes in the size of units instead of completely different names like the imperial system. For example, instead of using inches and feet, the metric system uses millimeters (mm) and centimeters (cm). Knowing that the metric prefix "centi-" represents 1/100th and the metric prefix "milli-" represents 1/1,000th, you know that the two units differ by a factor of 10.

Instructions

1. Determine the number of millimeters you want to convert to centimeters.

2. Multiply the number of millimeters by 0.1 cm per millimeter to convert to centimeters. For example, if you had 100 mm, you would multiply 100 by 0.1 to get 10 cm.

3. Check your answer by dividing the number of millimeters by 10 mm per centimeter. Finishing the example, you would divide 100 mm by 10 mm per centimeter to get 10 cm.

References

• Colorado State University: Commonly used metric system units, symbols, and prefixes