Mil/Thou to Centimeter Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool
Convert mils to centimeters with our free online length converter.
Mil/Thou to Centimeter Calculator
How to Use the Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Mil/Thou).
- The converted value in Centimeter 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 Mil/Thou to Centimeter
Converting Mil/Thou to Centimeter involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Mil/Thou = 0.00254 centimetersExample Calculation:
Convert 10 mils: 10 × 0.00254 = 0.0254 centimeters
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 Mil/Thou and a Centimeter?
A mil (also known as a thou) is a unit of length equal to one thousandth of an inch (0.001 inches or 25.4 micrometers).
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.
Note: The Mil/Thou is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Centimeter belongs to the metric (SI) system.
History of the Mil/Thou and Centimeter
The unit originates from precision engineering and manufacturing where small tolerances are critical.
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.
Common Uses for mils and centimeters
Explore the typical applications for both Mil/Thou (imperial/US) and Centimeter (metric) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for mils
- Measuring thickness of materials (e.g., paper, plastic film, coatings)
- Specifying manufacturing tolerances
- Electronics (e.g., PCB trace widths)
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Mil/Thou (mil)
Is a mil the same as a millimeter?
No, a mil (0.001 inches) is much smaller than a millimeter (0.001 meters). 1 millimeter is approximately 39.37 mils.
Is 'mil' short for millimeter?
No, 'mil' is short for the Latin 'mille', meaning thousandth (of an inch). It is not an abbreviation for millimeter (mm).
What does 'thou' mean in this context?
'Thou' is another common name for a mil, also meaning one thousandth (of an inch). It is frequently used in engineering and machining.
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.
Conversion Table: Mil/Thou to Centimeter
| Mil/Thou (mil) | Centimeter (cm) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.003 |
| 5 | 0.013 |
| 10 | 0.025 |
| 25 | 0.064 |
| 50 | 0.127 |
| 100 | 0.254 |
| 500 | 1.27 |
| 1,000 | 2.54 |