Use this CM to Inches Calculator to convert centimetres into inches instantly. This tool is particularly useful in the UK, where metric and imperial measurements are both in everyday use — from clothing labels and shoe sizes to furniture dimensions and NHS height charts.
CM to Inches Calculator
Convert centimeters to inches instantly using the exact conversion formula: 1 inch = 2.54 cm.
Common CM to Inches Conversions
| Centimeters | Inches |
|---|---|
| 1 cm | 0.39 inches |
| 5 cm | 1.97 inches |
| 10 cm | 3.94 inches |
| 20 cm | 7.87 inches |
| 30 cm | 11.81 inches |
| 50 cm | 19.69 inches |
| 100 cm | 39.37 inches |
| 150 cm | 59.06 inches |
| 180 cm | 70.87 inches |
CM to Inches Formula
The conversion formula is fixed and internationally standardised:
Inches = Centimetres ÷ 2.54
For example: 180 cm ÷ 2.54 = 70.87 inches (or 5 ft 10.87 in)
Why the UK Uses Both CM and Inches
The UK officially switched to metric measurements in the 1970s, but imperial units never fully disappeared. Today, the UK operates a dual system that can catch people out:
- Height — Most British people still describe their height in feet and inches (e.g. “I’m 5’10”). NHS records and medical forms, however, typically record height in centimetres.
- Clothing — UK clothing sizes use their own labelling system (UK 8, 10, 12…) but size guides from international brands — particularly European, Asian, and US retailers — give measurements in centimetres. Converting those measurements accurately is essential for buying the right size online.
- Screens and TVs — All TV and monitor screen sizes in the UK are advertised in inches, but the physical dimensions of the unit (height, width, depth) are given in centimetres on product pages.
- Paper — UK paper sizes (A4, A3, etc.) are defined in millimetres, but some printers and design tools default to inches.
- Furniture — UK furniture is typically measured in centimetres, but many American and some Scandinavian furniture retailers list dimensions in inches.
CM to Inches for UK Clothing Sizes
Online clothing shopping from international brands — ASOS, Zara, H&M, Shein, and Asian fashion retailers — often gives measurements in centimetres. Here’s how common body measurements convert to inches:
| Body Measurement (cm) | Inches | Typical UK Context |
|---|---|---|
| 76 cm | 29.9 in | Waist — approx UK trouser size 30 |
| 81 cm | 31.9 in | Waist — approx UK trouser size 32 |
| 86 cm | 33.9 in | Waist — approx UK trouser size 34 |
| 91 cm | 35.8 in | Waist — approx UK trouser size 36 |
| 86 cm | 33.9 in | Chest — approx UK shirt size S/M |
| 96 cm | 37.8 in | Chest — approx UK shirt size M/L |
| 106 cm | 41.7 in | Chest — approx UK shirt size XL |
| 81 cm | 31.9 in | Inside leg — approx 32 in (regular length) |
Always cross-reference with the specific retailer’s size guide, as sizing varies between brands.
CM to Inches for UK Height — NHS and Medical Use
NHS medical records, GP systems, and hospital documentation record height in centimetres. If you know your height in feet and inches but need to give it in cm — or vice versa — here are the most common conversions:
| Height (cm) | Inches | Feet & Inches |
|---|---|---|
| 150 cm | 59.06 in | 4 ft 11 in |
| 155 cm | 61.02 in | 5 ft 1 in |
| 160 cm | 62.99 in | 5 ft 3 in |
| 163 cm | 64.17 in | 5 ft 4 in |
| 165 cm | 64.96 in | 5 ft 5 in |
| 168 cm | 66.14 in | 5 ft 6 in |
| 170 cm | 66.93 in | 5 ft 7 in |
| 173 cm | 68.11 in | 5 ft 8 in |
| 175 cm | 68.90 in | 5 ft 9 in |
| 178 cm | 70.08 in | 5 ft 10 in |
| 180 cm | 70.87 in | 5 ft 11 in |
| 183 cm | 72.05 in | 6 ft 0 in |
| 185 cm | 72.83 in | 6 ft 1 in |
| 190 cm | 74.80 in | 6 ft 3 in |
To convert cm to feet and inches manually: divide by 2.54 to get total inches, then divide by 12 to get feet. The remainder is the inches.
UK Paper Sizes in CM and Inches
UK office and printing paper uses the ISO A-series standard, measured in millimetres (and therefore centimetres). US paper — used by many global software tools and printers — is measured in inches. Here are the key conversions:
| Paper Size | CM (W × H) | Inches (W × H) | Common UK Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| A6 | 10.5 × 14.8 cm | 4.13 × 5.83 in | Postcards, small flyers |
| A5 | 14.8 × 21.0 cm | 5.83 × 8.27 in | Notebooks, leaflets |
| A4 | 21.0 × 29.7 cm | 8.27 × 11.69 in | Standard office paper |
| A3 | 29.7 × 42.0 cm | 11.69 × 16.54 in | Posters, plans |
| A2 | 42.0 × 59.4 cm | 16.54 × 23.39 in | Large print, artwork |
CM to Inches for UK TV and Screen Sizes
All TV screen sizes in the UK are advertised in inches (measuring the diagonal of the screen). However, the physical dimensions of the TV — its width, height, and depth — are listed in centimetres on retailer pages such as Currys, John Lewis, and Argos. Use this table when checking whether a TV will fit a given space:
| TV Screen Size | Approx. Physical Width (cm) | Width in Inches |
|---|---|---|
| 32″ TV | ~73 cm | ~28.7 in |
| 43″ TV | ~97 cm | ~38.2 in |
| 50″ TV | ~112 cm | ~44.1 in |
| 55″ TV | ~123 cm | ~48.4 in |
| 65″ TV | ~146 cm | ~57.5 in |
| 75″ TV | ~168 cm | ~66.1 in |
Note: Physical width varies slightly between manufacturers and models. Always check the specific product dimensions.
CM to Inches Conversion Table
| Centimetres | Inches |
|---|---|
| 1 cm | 0.39 in |
| 2 cm | 0.79 in |
| 5 cm | 1.97 in |
| 10 cm | 3.94 in |
| 15 cm | 5.91 in |
| 20 cm | 7.87 in |
| 25 cm | 9.84 in |
| 30 cm | 11.81 in |
| 50 cm | 19.69 in |
| 60 cm | 23.62 in |
| 100 cm | 39.37 in |
| 150 cm | 59.06 in |
| 180 cm | 70.87 in |
| 200 cm | 78.74 in |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert cm to inches?
Divide the centimetre value by 2.54. For example, 50 cm ÷ 2.54 = 19.69 inches.
What is 180 cm in feet and inches?
180 cm = 70.87 inches = 5 feet 10.87 inches, commonly rounded to 5 ft 11 in.
What is the average UK female height in cm and inches?
The average height for a woman in the UK is approximately 164 cm (5 ft 4.6 in), according to the NHS Health Survey for England.
What is the average UK male height in cm and inches?
The average height for a man in the UK is approximately 175.3 cm (5 ft 9 in), according to the NHS Health Survey for England.
Does the UK use cm or inches for clothing?
UK clothing labels typically use UK-specific size numbers (8, 10, 12, 14, etc.) rather than measurements. However, size guides — especially from international brands — give chest, waist, and hip measurements in centimetres. Converting those to inches can help if you’re more familiar with imperial sizing.
What is A4 paper in inches?
A4 paper — the UK standard for office and printing — is 21.0 × 29.7 cm, which equals 8.27 × 11.69 inches. This is slightly narrower and taller than US Letter size (8.5 × 11 in).
Is cm smaller than an inch?
Yes. One centimetre is smaller than one inch. It takes 2.54 centimetres to equal one inch, so when you convert from cm to inches the number will always be smaller.
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