Centimeters to Meters Converter
Enter the length in centimeters below to convert it to meters.
Convert Centimeters to Meters
Enter a value in centimeters (cm) to convert to meters (m).
Centimeters to Meters 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 (m) | Fraction — Nearest 1/64 (Reduced) | Nearest 1/16 (Tape) |
|---|---|---|---|
1 cm★ Common | 0.01 m | 1/64 m | 0 m |
2 cm★ Common | 0.02 m | 1/64 m | 0 m |
3 cm★ Common | 0.03 m | 1/32 m | 0 m |
4 cm | 0.04 m | 3/64 m | 1/16 m |
5 cm★ Common | 0.05 m | 3/64 m | 1/16 m |
6 cm★ Common | 0.06 m | 1/16 m | 1/16 m |
7 cm | 0.07 m | 1/16 m | 1/16 m |
8 cm★ Common | 0.08 m | 5/64 m | 1/16 m |
9 cm | 0.09 m | 3/32 m | 1/16 m |
10 cm★ Common | 0.1 m | 3/32 m | 1/8 m |
11 cm | 0.11 m | 7/64 m | 1/8 m |
12 cm★ Common | 0.12 m | 1/8 m | 1/8 m |
How to Convert Centimeters to Meters
To convert centimeters to meters, multiply the length by the following conversion ratio: 0.01 meters/centimeter.
Since one centimeter is equal to 0.01 meters, you can use this simple formula to convert:
The length in meters is equal to the length in centimeters multiplied by 0.01.
For example, here's how to convert 150 centimeters to meters using the formula above.
How Many Meters Are in a Centimeter?
There are 0.01 meters in a centimeter, which is why we use this value in the formula above.
Our centimeter fraction and decimal calculator can convert centimeters and meters, and it automatically converts the results to US customary, imperial, and SI metric values.
Centimeters and meters 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 59.055118 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 150 centimeters (cm) into fractional inches:
- Find the decimal inches result: Convert 150 cm to inches to get 59.055118 in.
- Separate the whole inches from the decimal part: Keep the whole number 59 aside, leaving the decimal remainder 0.055118.
- Multiply the decimal part by your desired fraction denominator (16, 32, or 64) and round half up: Multiply 0.055118 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 Meter?
The meter (or metre) is the fundamental base unit of length in the International System of Units (SI), officially defined by the BIPM as the length of the path traveled by light in a vacuum during a time interval of 1/299,792,458 of a second. [2]
All metric units of length—from nanometers and millimeters to kilometers—are derived as decimal powers of the meter. Meters can be abbreviated as m; for example, 1 meter can be written as 1 m.
One meter is equal to 100 centimeters, 1,000 millimeters, or approximately 39.3700787 inches (3.28084 feet or 1.09361 yards).
Meters are measured using meter sticks, retractable steel tape measures, laser distance finders, and total station surveying instruments in construction, athletics, physics, and civil engineering.
When converting length between centimeters (cm) and meters (m), keep full floating-point precision (1 cm = 0.01 m; 1 m = 100 cm) during intermediate calculations and round only the final meter figure to match your instrument tolerance.
More Centimeter & Meter Conversions
Need to calculate in the opposite direction? Use our meters to centimeters converter (m to cm) to switch your starting unit immediately. You can also explore related tools such as converting feet to meters, converting yards to meters, 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 Meters (m)
- [2]BIPM SpecificationBIPM (SI Base Unit: Metre (m))·Unit Specifications: Centimeter (cm) & Meter (m)
- [3]NIST HB 133 ReferenceNIST HB 133 (NIST Handbook 133 (2019 Ed.))·Conversion Factors & Mathematical Basis (cm to m)