Centimeters to Micrometers Converter
Enter the length in centimeters below to convert it to micrometers.
Convert Centimeters to Micrometers
Enter a value in centimeters (cm) to convert to micrometers (µm).
Centimeters to Micrometers 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 (µm) | Fraction — Nearest 1/64 (Reduced) | Nearest 1/16 (Tape) |
|---|---|---|---|
1 cm★ Common | 10,000 µm | 10000 µm | 10000 µm |
2 cm★ Common | 20,000 µm | 20000 µm | 20000 µm |
3 cm★ Common | 30,000 µm | 30000 µm | 30000 µm |
4 cm | 40,000 µm | 40000 µm | 40000 µm |
5 cm★ Common | 50,000 µm | 50000 µm | 50000 µm |
6 cm★ Common | 60,000 µm | 60000 µm | 60000 µm |
7 cm | 70,000 µm | 70000 µm | 70000 µm |
8 cm★ Common | 80,000 µm | 80000 µm | 80000 µm |
9 cm | 90,000 µm | 90000 µm | 90000 µm |
10 cm★ Common | 100,000 µm | 100000 µm | 100000 µm |
11 cm | 110,000 µm | 110000 µm | 110000 µm |
12 cm★ Common | 120,000 µm | 120000 µm | 120000 µm |
How to Convert Centimeters to Micrometers
To convert centimeters to micrometers, multiply the length by the following conversion ratio: 10,000 micrometers/centimeter.
Since one centimeter is equal to 10,000 micrometers, you can use this simple formula to convert:
The length in micrometers is equal to the length in centimeters multiplied by 10,000.
For example, here's how to convert 5 centimeters to micrometers using the formula above.
How Many Micrometers Are in a Centimeter?
There are 10,000 micrometers in a centimeter, which is why we use this value in the formula above.
Our centimeter fraction and decimal calculator can convert centimeters and micrometers, and it automatically converts the results to US customary, imperial, and SI metric values.
Centimeters and micrometers 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 Micrometer?
A micrometer is a unit of length equal to 1/1,000,000 of a meter (0.000001 m). One millionth of a meter (10⁻⁶ m), also known as a micron. [2]
The micrometer is classified as a metric and SI-compatible unit of length. Micrometers can be abbreviated as µm; for example, 1 micrometer can be written as 1 µm.
In the metric system, "micro" is the standard SI prefix for millionths, or 10⁻⁶. This makes the micrometer (µm) a convenient decimal multiple of the meter (m).
In practice, micrometers (µm) are widely used across fine-tolerance laboratory, analytical, and micro-scale length measurements within SI metric workflows, engineering documentation, and technical data sheets.
When converting length between centimeters (cm) and micrometers (µm), keep full floating-point precision (1 cm = 10,000 µm; 1 µm = 0.0001 cm) during intermediate calculations and round only the final micrometer figure to match your instrument tolerance.
More Centimeter & Micrometer Conversions
Need to calculate in the opposite direction? Use our micrometers to centimeters calculator to switch your starting unit immediately. You can also explore related tools such as converting micrometers to centimeters, converting inches to micrometers, or converting centimeters to inches.
Convert from Centimeters
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- [1]NIST OWM StandardNIST OWM (SI Units — Length)·Length Metrology Standard — Centimeters (cm) to Micrometers (µm)
- [2]BIPM SpecificationBIPM (SI Base Unit: Metre (m))·Unit Specifications: Centimeter (cm) & Micrometer (Micron) (µm)
- [3]NIST HB 133 ReferenceNIST HB 133 (NIST Handbook 133 (2019 Ed.))·Conversion Factors & Mathematical Basis (cm to µm)