Centimeter to Millimeter Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool
Convert centimeters to millimeters with our free online length converter.
Centimeter to Millimeter Calculator
How to Use the Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Centimeter).
- The converted value in Millimeter will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Length category.
- Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Centimeter to Millimeter
Converting Centimeter to Millimeter involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Centimeter = 10 millimetersExample Calculation:
Convert 10 centimeters: 10 × 10 = 100 millimeters
Disclaimer: For Reference Only
These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.
Not for professional use. Results should be verified before use in any critical application. View our Terms of Service for more information.
What is a Centimeter and a Millimeter?
The centimeter is a unit of length in the metric system equal to one-hundredth of a meter (1/100 m). It is commonly used for smaller everyday measurements.
The millimeter is a unit of length in the metric system equal to one-thousandth of a meter (1/1000 m) or one-tenth of a centimeter (1/10 cm). It is used for very precise measurements.
Note: The Centimeter is part of the metric (SI) system, primarily used globally in science and trade. The Millimeter belongs to the metric (SI) system.
History of the Centimeter and Millimeter
As part of the original French metric system, the centimeter was defined based on the meter. Its convenience for measuring smaller objects made it a widely adopted subunit.
Defined as a subunit of the meter within the original metric system, the millimeter provides a standard unit for fine measurements required in science, engineering, and manufacturing.
Common Uses for centimeters and millimeters
Explore the typical applications for both Centimeter (metric) and Millimeter (metric) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for centimeters
- Anthropometry: Measuring human height in many metric countries.
- Everyday Objects: Everyday measurements of small objects (e.g., length of a pencil, width of a book).
- Tools: Rulers and measuring tapes often show centimeters.
- Apparel: Clothing sizes and tailoring measurements.
- Design & Crafts: Technical drawings and crafts.
Common Uses for millimeters
- Engineering & Machining: Precise engineering and machining measurements.
- Technical Design: Technical drawings and specifications.
- Electronics: Measuring small electronic components or wire gauges.
- Meteorology: Measuring rainfall amounts.
- Science: Scientific measurements requiring high precision (e.g., microscopy).
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Centimeter (cm)
How many centimeters are in a meter?
There are 100 centimeters (cm) in 1 meter (m).
What does 'centi' mean in centimeter?
The prefix 'centi' denotes one-hundredth (1/100).
How many centimeters are in an inch?
There are exactly 2.54 centimeters in 1 inch.
About Millimeter (mm)
How many millimeters are in a centimeter?
There are 10 millimeters (mm) in 1 centimeter (cm).
How many millimeters are in a meter?
There are 1,000 millimeters (mm) in 1 meter (m).
What does 'milli' mean in millimeter?
The prefix 'milli' denotes one-thousandth (1/1000).
Conversion Table: Centimeter to Millimeter
| Centimeter (cm) | Millimeter (mm) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 10 |
| 5 | 50 |
| 10 | 100 |
| 25 | 250 |
| 50 | 500 |
| 100 | 1,000 |
| 500 | 5,000 |
| 1,000 | 10,000 |
All Length Conversions
Metric Prefix Guide
Understanding Metric Prefixes
The metric system uses standard prefixes to indicate multiples or fractions of base units. For example, converting from centimeter to millimeter involves a multiplication factor of 0.001.
| Prefix | Symbol | Power | Multiplier | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| deca | da | 10¹ | 10 | decagram (dag) |
| (base) | 10⁰ | 1 | meter (m) | |
| deci | d | 10⁻¹ | 0.1 | decigram (dg) |
| centi | c | 10⁻² | 0.01 | centigram (cg) |
| milli | m | 10⁻³ | 0.001 | milligram (mg) |
| micro | μ | 10⁻⁶ | 0.000001 | microgram (μg) |
| nano | n | 10⁻⁹ | 0.000000001 | nanogram (ng) |
| pico | p | 10⁻¹² | 0.000000000001 | picogram (pg) |
Note: To convert between prefixed units, multiply or divide by powers of 10. For conversions betweencentimeter and millimeter, multiply by 0.001.