Centimeters to Meters Converter

Enter the length in centimeters below to convert it to meters.

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Result in Meters:

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1 cm = 0.01 m

Do you want to convert meters to centimeters?

How to Convert Centimeters to Meters

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Joe is the creator of Inch Calculator and has over 20 years of experience in engineering and construction. He holds several degrees and certifications.

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To convert a measurement in centimeters to a measurement in meters, divide the length by the following conversion ratio: 100 centimeters/meter.

Since one meter is equal to 100 centimeters, you can use this simple formula to convert:

meters = centimeters ÷ 100

The length in meters is equal to the length in centimeters divided by 100.

For example, here's how to convert 500 centimeters to meters using the formula above.
meters = (500 cm ÷ 100) = 5 m
conversion scale showing centimeters and equivalent meters length values

Our inch fraction calculator can add centimeters and meters together, and it also 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 of measure.

What Is a Centimeter?

One centimeter is equal to one-hundredth (1/100) of a meter, which is defined as the distance light travels in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 of a second. One centimeter is equal to 0.393701 inches.

The centimeter, or centimetre, is a multiple of the meter, which is the SI base unit for length. In the metric system, "centi" is the prefix for hundredths, or 10-2. Centimeters can be abbreviated as cm; for example, 1 centimeter can be written as 1 cm.

Metric rulers typically have 30 cm, which are represented by 30 large tick marks. To get a rough idea of the actual length of a centimeter, a standard number 2 pencil is just about 1 cm thick.

Learn more about centimeters.

What Is a Meter?

According to the most recent 2019 definition, the meter is defined as the distance traveled by light in vacuum during a time interval with a duration of 1/299,792,458 of a second.[1] One meter is equal to 100 centimeters, 3.28084 feet, or 39.37 inches.

The meter, or metre, is the SI base unit for length in the metric system. Meters can be abbreviated as m; for example, 1 meter can be written as 1 m.

Learn more about meters.

We recommend using a ruler or tape measure for measuring length, which can be found at a local retailer or home center. Rulers are available in imperial, metric, or a combination of both values, so make sure you get the correct type for your needs.

Need a ruler? Try our free downloadable and printable rulers, which include both imperial and metric measurements.

Centimeter to Meter Conversion Table

Table showing various centimeter measurements converted to meters.
Centimeters Meters
1 cm 0.01 m
2 cm 0.02 m
3 cm 0.03 m
4 cm 0.04 m
5 cm 0.05 m
6 cm 0.06 m
7 cm 0.07 m
8 cm 0.08 m
9 cm 0.09 m
10 cm 0.1 m
20 cm 0.2 m
30 cm 0.3 m
40 cm 0.4 m
50 cm 0.5 m
60 cm 0.6 m
70 cm 0.7 m
80 cm 0.8 m
90 cm 0.9 m
100 cm 1 m

References

  1. International Bureau of Weights and Measures, The International System of Units, 9th Edition, 2019, https://www.bipm.org/documents/20126/41483022/SI-Brochure-9-EN.pdf

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