How to Convert Centimeters to Inches

The Steps

This lesson talks about converting centimeters to inches. Both centimeters and inches are measurement units. Inches are used in the U.S. while centimeters is part of the metric system, used in most other parts of the world. There are 100 centimeters in 1 meter and 12 inches in 1 foot. If you live in the U.S., then you are probably more familiar with inches. But if you live in Europe, then centimeters is what you are probably more used to. The conversion from centimeters to inches is an easy one and only requires one step.

Step 1: Multiply By the Conversion Factor

This is the only step you need to take. The conversion factor for converting centimeters to inches is 0.3937. This conversion comes from dividing 1 by 2.54, the conversion number for converting inches to centimeters. There are 2.54 centimeters in 1 inch. Using the conversion number of 0.3937, the conversion formula for converting x centimeters to inches is this:

• x centimeters * 0.3937 = inches

All you have to do is to multiply your centimeters by 0.3937 and you will have your inches. If you can remember the number 0.3937, then you will be able to convert your centimeters to inches that much quicker.

The Conversion

We now know that we can convert x centimeters into inches by multiplying the number with the conversion factor 0.3937. Let’s take a look at using the above step to convert a measurement in centimeters to inches.

Say you are trying to convert 34 centimeters into inches. You remember your one and only step. What is it? That’s right! You multiply your centimeters by 0.3937. You go ahead and do this:

• 34 cm * 0.3937 = 13.39 inches

So, 34 centimeters is equivalent to 13.39 inches.