How to Convert Centimeters to Millimeters

Converting centimeters to millimeters is very simple. Both centimeters and millimeters are units of length in the metric system. To convert a measurement in centimeters to millimeters, you multiply by 10.

This is because one centimeter is equal to 10 millimeters. So, if you have a length that you know in centimeters and you want to know how many millimeters it is, just multiply the number of centimeters by 10.

Start with Your Number in Centimeters

Think of a number of centimeters you want to convert.

1 cm =10 mm
1 mm = 0.1 cm

Example: 1 cm × 10 =10 mm

1 mm ×(1/10) = 0.1 cm

How to Convert Millimeters to Centimeters

Converting millimeters to centimeters is a simple process. Both millimeters and centimeters are units of length in the metric system. To convert millimeters to centimeters, you need to know that one centimeter is equal to ten millimeters. Therefore, to make the conversion, you simply divide the number of millimeters by 10.

Suppose , if you have 50 millimeters and want to know how many centimeters that is, you divide 50 by 10, which equals 5 centimeters. Thus, 50 millimeters is equal to 5 centimeters.

Start with Your Number in Inches

1 mm = 0.1 cm
1 cm = 10 mm

Example: 1 mm / 10 =0.1 cm

1 cm × 10 =10 mm

Centimeters to Millimeters Conversion Table

Centimeters (cm) Millimeters (mm)
1 cm 10 mm
2 cm 20 mm
3 cm 30 mm
4 cm 40 mm
5 cm 50 mm
6 cm 60 mm
7 cm 70 mm
8 cm 80 mm
9 cm 90 mm
10 cm 100 mm
15 cm 150 mm
20 cm 200 mm
25 cm 250 mm
30 cm 300 mm
35 cm 350 mm
40 cm 400 mm
45 cm 450 mm
50 cm 500 mm

Millimeters to Centimeters Convertion Table

Centimeters (cm) Millimeters (mm)
0.01 cm 0.1 mm
0.1 cm 1 mm
1 cm 10 mm
2 cm 20 mm
3 cm 30 mm
4 cm 40 mm
5 cm 50 mm
6 cm 60 mm
7 cm 70 mm
8 cm 80 mm
9 cm 90 mm
10 cm 100 mm
20 cm 200 mm
30 cm 300 mm
40 cm 400 mm
50 cm 500 mm
60 cm 600 mm
70 cm 700 mm
80 cm 800 mm
90 cm 900 mm
100 cm 1000 mm

Differences Between Centimeters and Millimeters

Feature Centimeter (cm) Millimeter (mm)
Definition A centimeter is a unit of length in the metric system. A millimeter is also a unit of length in the metric system, but it is smaller than a centimeter.
Size One centimeter is equal to one hundredth of a meter. One millimeter is equal to one thousandth of a meter.
Conversion 1 centimeter equals 10 millimeters. 1 millimeter equals 0.1 centimeters.
Usage Commonly used to measure everyday objects like a book’s thickness or a person’s height. Often used in industries that require precise measurements, like engineering and manufacturing.
Symbol The symbol for centimeter is “cm”. The symbol for millimeter is “mm”.

Solved Examples on Centimeters to Millimeters and Millimeters to Centimeters Conversion

Convert Centimeters to Millimeters

Example 1 : Convert 5 centimeters to millimeters.

To convert 5 centimeters into millimeters:
5 cm×10 mm/cm=50 mm

5 centimeters is equal to 50 millimeters.

Example 2 : Convert 10 centimeters to millimeters.

To convert 10 centimeters into millimeters:
10 cm×10 mm/cm=100 mm

10 centimeters is equal to 100 millimeters.

Example 3 : Convert 12.5 centimeters to millimeters.

1 centimeter equals 10 millimeters.
So, to convert 12.5 centimeters into millimeters:
12.5 cm×10 mm/cm=125 mm

12.5 centimeters is equal to 125 millimeters.

Convert Millimeters to Centimeters

Example 1 :  Convert 30 millimeters to centimeters.

To convert 30 millimeters into centimeters:
30 mm×0.1 cm/mm=3 cm

30 millimeters is equal to 3 centimeters.

Example 2 :. Convert 85 millimeters to centimeters.

To convert 85 millimeters into centimeters:
85 mm×0.1 cm/mm=8.5 cm

85 millimeters is equal to 8.5 centimeters.

1. What is the conversion factor between centimeters and millimeters?

The conversion factor is 10. This means 1 centimeter equals 10 millimeters, and 1 millimeter equals 0.1 centimeters.

2. Why might I need to convert centimeters to millimeters?

Converting to millimeters might be necessary in situations requiring precise measurements, such as technical drawings, medical procedures, or crafting, where small increments are crucial.

3. Is there an easy way to remember how to convert between centimeters and millimeters?

Yes, you can remember that since there are 10 millimeters in a centimeter, just add a zero to the end of the centimeters to get millimeters, or remove the last digit (zero) from millimeters to get centimeters.

4. How do conversions between cm and mm relate to other metric units?

Centimeters and millimeters are part of the metric system, which is based on powers of ten. This system also includes meters and kilometers, which are used for larger distances, and each step up or down involves multiplying or dividing by ten.

5. Can I convert millimeters to centimeters using a calculator?

Yes, most basic calculators will allow you to divide by ten easily, which is all you need to convert millimeters to centimeters.

6. How accurate are manual conversions between cm and mm?

Manual conversions are straightforward and will be as accurate as the initial measurements, provided the correct conversion factor (10) is used.

7. What is the most common mistake people make when converting between cm and mm?

A common mistake is forgetting to move the decimal point when converting between these units. For instance, not multiplying or dividing by ten when required can result in a tenfold error in measurement.