Unit Converter

Instantly convert between meters, centimeters, inches, and feet. Enter a value and select your units to see the result.

From
To
Conversion Reference

Common length conversion factors:

  • 1 meter = 100 centimeters
  • 1 meter = 39.3701 inches
  • 1 meter = 3.28084 feet
  • 1 foot = 12 inches
  • 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters

Understanding Metric vs. Imperial

The world uses two major measurement systems. The metric system (meters, centimeters) is used by virtually every country except the United States, Myanmar, and Liberia. The imperial system (feet, inches) is the standard in the US for everyday measurements, construction, and manufacturing.

The metric system is based on powers of 10, making conversions between units straightforward: 1 kilometer = 1,000 meters = 100,000 centimeters. The imperial system evolved from historical body-based measurements — a "foot" was literally a foot length, and an "inch" was a thumb width. This history explains why imperial conversions (12 inches per foot, 3 feet per yard, 5,280 feet per mile) seem arbitrary compared to metric.

In international contexts — science, medicine, engineering, and global commerce — metric is the standard. However, many US industries including construction, real estate, and aviation use imperial units domestically. Knowing how to convert between the two systems is essential for international shopping, travel, DIY projects using plans from different countries, and understanding product specifications.

Common Conversion Scenarios

  • Height: A person who is 5'10" (5 feet 10 inches) is 177.8 cm or 1.778 meters. International medical forms and ID documents often require height in centimeters.
  • Room dimensions: A 12x10 foot room is approximately 3.66 x 3.05 meters. When shopping for furniture or rugs from international retailers, you'll need to convert their metric measurements to feet.
  • Screen sizes: TV and monitor screens are measured diagonally in inches worldwide. A 55-inch TV is about 139.7 cm diagonal.
  • Running and fitness: A 5K race is 3.11 miles. A marathon (42.195 km) is 26.2 miles. Treadmills in the US typically display miles, while international models use kilometers.
  • Construction and DIY: Lumber dimensions, pipe sizes, and screw gauges differ between metric and imperial standards. Using the wrong measurement system can result in parts that don't fit.

Related Questions