Convert centimeters to meters
Converting centimeters to meters is a common length task, whether you are checking a recipe, a spec sheet, a travel distance or a homework problem. Since 1 cm equals 0.01 m, the math is a single multiplication — and this page does it for you instantly, with the formula, a table of common values and answers to the questions people ask most.
Exact factor
How to convert centimeters to meters
To convert centimeters to meters, multiply the number of centimeters by 0.01. For example, 10 cm × 0.01 = 0.1 m.
m = cm × 0.01
- Write down the value in centimeters you want to convert.
- Multiply it by 0.01 (the exact cm→m factor).
- The result is your value in meters. Check it below with the converter or the table.
Conversion table
Common values of centimeters and their equivalents in meters:
| cm | m |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.01 |
| 2 | 0.02 |
| 3 | 0.03 |
| 4 | 0.04 |
| 5 | 0.05 |
| 10 | 0.1 |
| 20 | 0.2 |
| 25 | 0.25 |
| 50 | 0.5 |
| 100 | 1 |
| 250 | 2.5 |
| 500 | 5 |
About these units
Centimeter (cm). A centimeter is one hundredth of a meter, roughly the width of a fingernail. It is the everyday unit for body measurements, clothing sizes and small objects in metric countries.
Meter (m). The meter is the SI base unit of length, defined since 1983 as the distance light travels in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 of a second. It is the foundation of the metric system worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert centimeters to meters?
To convert centimeters to meters, multiply the number of centimeters by 0.01. For example, 10 cm × 0.01 = 0.1 m. Or skip the math: type the value into the converter at the top of this page and the result updates instantly.
How many meters are in 1 centimeter?
1 cm = 0.01 m. That is the fixed relationship used by this converter and by international standards.
How many centimeters are in 1 meter?
1 m = 100 cm. If you are converting in the opposite direction, use our Meter to Centimeter converter for the dedicated table and FAQ.
Is the centimeters to meters conversion exact?
Yes. Both units are defined by international agreement, so the factor of 0.01 is exact. Displayed results are rounded to 6 significant digits only for readability.
What is centimeter used for?
A centimeter is one hundredth of a meter, roughly the width of a fingernail. It is the everyday unit for body measurements, clothing sizes and small objects in metric countries.