Centimeters to Kilometers Converter
Enter the length in centimeters below to convert it to kilometers.
Convert Centimeters to Kilometers
Enter a value in centimeters (cm) to convert to kilometers (km).
Centimeters to Kilometers Conversion Chart (1–40 Continuous)
Continuous 1 to 40 centimeters lookup table with exact decimals and reduced nearest 1/64 fractions. Highlighted rows mark common shop and ruler values.
| Centimeters (cm) | Decimal (km) | Fraction — Nearest 1/64 (Reduced) | Nearest 1/16 (Tape) |
|---|---|---|---|
1 cm★ Common | 0.00001 km | 0 km | 0 km |
2 cm★ Common | 0.00002 km | 0 km | 0 km |
3 cm★ Common | 0.00003 km | 0 km | 0 km |
4 cm | 0.00004 km | 0 km | 0 km |
5 cm★ Common | 0.00005 km | 0 km | 0 km |
6 cm★ Common | 0.00006 km | 0 km | 0 km |
7 cm | 0.00007 km | 0 km | 0 km |
8 cm★ Common | 0.00008 km | 0 km | 0 km |
9 cm | 0.00009 km | 0 km | 0 km |
10 cm★ Common | 0.0001 km | 0 km | 0 km |
11 cm | 0.00011 km | 0 km | 0 km |
12 cm★ Common | 0.00012 km | 0 km | 0 km |
How to Convert Centimeters to Kilometers
To convert centimeters to kilometers, multiply the length by the following conversion ratio: 0.00001 kilometers/centimeter.
Since one centimeter is equal to 0.00001 kilometers, you can use this simple formula to convert:
The length in kilometers is equal to the length in centimeters multiplied by 0.00001.
For example, here's how to convert 5 centimeters to kilometers using the formula above.
How Many Kilometers Are in a Centimeter?
There are 0.00001 kilometers in a centimeter, which is why we use this value in the formula above.
Our centimeter fraction and decimal calculator can convert centimeters and kilometers, and it automatically converts the results to US customary, imperial, and SI metric values.
Centimeters and kilometers are both units used to measure length. Keep reading to learn more about each unit.
How to Convert Centimeters to Fractional Inches (1/16″, 1/32″ & 1/64″)
Plain-language method for turning decimal inches into a standard tape-measure or machinist ruler fraction
Calculators give you a decimal number (such as 1.968504 in), but tape measures and woodworking rulers are marked in binary fractions of an inch—most commonly 1/16″ on carpenter tapes, 1/32″ on fine woodworking rules, and 1/64″ on machinist scales.
Here is the step-by-step worked example for converting 5 centimeters (cm) into fractional inches:
- Find the decimal inches result: Convert 5 cm to inches to get 1.968504 in.
- Separate the whole inches from the decimal part: Keep the whole number 1 aside, leaving the decimal remainder 0.968504.
- Multiply the decimal part by your desired fraction denominator (16, 32, or 64) and round half up: Multiply 0.968504 by 16, 32, or 64, then round to the nearest whole number (values ending in .5 round up).
- Reduce the fraction to lowest terms: If the rounded top number (numerator) is even, divide both top and bottom by 2 (or their Greatest Common Divisor) until the top number is odd, then combine with your whole inches.
What Is a Centimeter?
A centimeter is a metric unit of length equal to one-hundredth (1/100) of a meter, which is the International System of Units (SI) base unit of length. One centimeter is also equal to 10 millimeters or approximately 0.39370079 inches. [1]
The centimeter, or centimetre, is part of the SI metric system used worldwide for everyday, scientific, and clinical measurements. Centimeters can be abbreviated as cm; for example, 1 centimeter can be written as 1 cm.
In the metric system, "centi" is the Latin-derived prefix for hundredths, or 10⁻². Because 1 international inch is legally defined as 2.54 centimeters, converting between centimeters and inches is anchored by an exact mathematical constant.
Centimeters are measured using metric rulers, tailor's measuring tapes, stadiometers (for human height), and vernier calipers across carpentry, apparel sizing, school science, and medical charts.
What Is a Kilometer?
A kilometer is a unit of length equal to 1,000 meters (m), the base unit for length. Metric unit equal to 1,000 meters. [2]
The kilometer is classified as an International System of Units (SI) unit of length. Kilometers can be abbreviated as km; for example, 1 kilometer can be written as 1 km.
In the metric system, "kilo" is the standard SI prefix for thousands, or 10³. This makes the kilometer (km) a convenient decimal multiple of the meter (m).
In practice, kilometers (km) are widely used across large-scale industrial, bulk, and macro-level length specifications within International System of Units (SI) workflows, engineering documentation, and technical data sheets.
When converting length between centimeters (cm) and kilometers (km), keep full floating-point precision (1 cm = 0.00001 km; 1 km = 100,000 cm) during intermediate calculations and round only the final kilometer figure to match your instrument tolerance.
More Centimeter & Kilometer Conversions
Need to calculate in the opposite direction? Use our kilometers to centimeters calculator to switch your starting unit immediately. You can also explore related tools such as converting kilometers to centimeters, converting miles to kilometers, or converting nautical miles to kilometers.
Convert from Centimeters
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- [1]NIST OWM StandardNIST OWM (SI Units — Length)·Length Metrology Standard — Centimeters (cm) to Kilometers (km)
- [2]BIPM SpecificationBIPM (SI Base Unit: Metre (m))·Unit Specifications: Centimeter (cm) & Kilometer (km)
- [3]NIST HB 133 ReferenceNIST HB 133 (NIST Handbook 133 (2019 Ed.))·Conversion Factors & Mathematical Basis (cm to km)