Length Converter
Precision conversion for every project. Switch between metric and imperial units like centimeters, inches, and feet in seconds.
Headline conversion
1
Centimeter (cm)
0.39
Inch (in)
All supported units
Compare every available unit at a glance; values refresh when you adjust the input or swap units.
Unit
Micrometer (µm)
Value
10,000
Unit
Millimeter (mm)
Value
10
Unit
Centimeter (cm)
Value
1
Unit
Meter (m)
Value
0.01
Unit
Inch (in)
Value
0.39
Unit
Foot (ft)
Value
0.03
Unit
Yard (yd)
Value
0.01
Locale preference: en-US. Use the swap button to reverse the conversions instantly.
Tool Overview
The Length Conversion Calculator helps you navigate the two worlds of measurement: The US Customary System (Inches, Feet, Yards) and the Metric System (Millimeters, Centimeters, Meters).
In the US, we use inches and feet for everything from our height to the size of our living rooms. However, scientific diagrams, foreign car parts, and global manufacturing specs are all in metric.
This tool is perfect for:
Home Improvement: Converting cabinet dimensions.
School Projects: Physics and Chemistry homework.
Online Shopping: checking size charts for clothing or phone cases.
It features a Comparison Grid that instantly translates one value into every other unit, complete with decimal precision.
How to Use This Calculator
Simplifying length conversion.
- 1
Select From Unit
Choose the unit you have (e.g., 'Inches').
- 2
Enter Length
Type the value (e.g., '55').
- 3
Select To Unit
Choose the unit you want (e.g., 'Centimeters').
- 4
View Result
See the result instantly. 55 inches = 139.7 cm.
Key Terms & Definitions
The Math Behind the Conversion
We use the official conversion set by the International Yard and Pound Agreement (1959):
1 inch = exactly 2.54 cm
1 foot = 12 inches
1 yard = 36 inches
From these constants, all other Metric vs Imperial conversions are derived.
Real-World Scenarios
Buying TV Screens
TVs are sold by diagonal inches (e.g., 65"). To see if it fits in your car, you might need to convert the width/height (often listed in cm or mm on the box) to inches.
Clothing Sizes
Imported clothes often list measurements in 'cm'. Knowing that a 60cm waist is ~23.5 inches allows you to pick the right size.
Lumber & Construction
A '2x4' is nominally 2 inches by 4 inches. If you are fitting a metric bracket onto a US wooden post, you need precise conversions (50.8 mm x 101.6 mm).
Common Mistakes
Measuring Height
5 feet 10 inches is NOT 5.10 feet. It is ~5.83 feet. If you enter 5.10, you are calculating 5 feet and 1.2 inches. Be careful with decimals vs inches.
Assumptions
Calculations assume standard US Customs definitions.
Results are accurate to 4 decimal places.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
There are exactly 2.54 centimeters in one inch.
Yes. A meter is about 3.37 inches longer than a yard. Think of a meter stick as a yard stick plus a bit more.
Divide the inches by 12. 6 / 12 = 0.5. So 5 feet 6 inches is 5.5 feet.
A micron (or micrometer) is one-millionth of a meter. It is used to measure very small things like bacteria or the thickness of plastic sheets.