Length Converter
Convert between metric and imperial length in one place. Enter a value, pick the unit you are starting from, and the full table updates as you type — no need to run the same search twice for "cm to inches" and "inches to cm".
Last updated — conversions use exact unit definitions, so results stay accurate.
| Unit | Value |
|---|
How it works
Every conversion here runs through one base unit: the meter. Each unit has a fixed factor — an inch is exactly 0.0254 m, a foot is exactly 0.3048 m, and a mile is exactly 1,609.344 m. To convert, we multiply your number by the factor of the unit you typed, then divide by the factor of the unit you want. That two-step route means any unit can reach any other unit without a separate formula for each pair.
The imperial factors above are exact because they are defined in terms of metric units, not measured. The inch was redefined as exactly 25.4 mm in 1959, which is why the conversion never drifts. Centimeters to inches is therefore a clean division: inches = cm ÷ 2.54. Going the other way, cm = inches × 2.54.
Precision is capped at eight significant digits, which is more than any tape measure or laser distance meter can deliver. If you are converting a manufacturing tolerance, note that the tool cannot tell you how precise your original measurement was — a value quoted to two decimal places will not become more accurate by being converted.
A note on the nautical mile: it is 1,852 m exactly and is used in aviation and maritime navigation because it maps to one minute of latitude. It is not interchangeable with the statute mile used on roads, which is about 15% shorter.
Common length conversions
| From | To |
|---|---|
| 1 cm | 0.3937 in |
| 1 inch | 2.54 cm |
| 1 foot | 30.48 cm |
| 1 meter | 3.2808 ft |
| 1 meter | 39.370 in |
| 1 yard | 0.9144 m |
| 1 kilometer | 0.6214 mi |
| 1 mile | 1.6093 km |
| 1 nautical mile | 1.852 km |
Frequently asked questions
How many inches is 1 cm?
One centimeter is 0.3937 inches, because an inch is defined as exactly 2.54 cm. To convert any value, divide centimeters by 2.54. For example, 30 cm ÷ 2.54 = 11.81 inches.
How do I convert cm to feet and inches?
Divide the centimeters by 2.54 to get total inches, then divide by 12: the whole number is feet and the remainder is inches. 180 cm is 70.87 inches, which is 5 feet and 10.87 inches. Our height converter does this split automatically.
Is a meter longer than a yard?
Yes, but only slightly. A meter is 39.37 inches while a yard is 36 inches, so a meter is about 8.6% longer. For rough mental math, treat 1 meter as 1.1 yards.
What is the difference between a mile and a nautical mile?
A statute mile (used on roads) is 1,609.344 m; a nautical mile is 1,852 m. The nautical mile is based on the Earth's geometry and is used for sea and air navigation. Using the wrong one introduces a 15% error.
Why does my conversion show so many decimal places?
The tool keeps eight significant digits so small units stay meaningful — 1 mm in miles is a very small number. Nothing is rounded behind the scenes; the precision of your answer still depends on how precisely you measured the original value.