How many cm are in 1 metre?

There are exactly 100 centimetres in 1 metre. The prefix "centi" means one hundredth, so a centimetre is literally one hundredth of a metre. To convert cm to metres, divide by 100. To convert metres to cm, multiply by 100.

How do I convert height from cm to metres?

Simply divide the centimetre value by 100. For example, a height of 178 cm is 1.78 metres. Medical forms, European IDs, and international documents typically express height in metres and centimetres (e.g., 1.78 m or 178 cm).

When should I use cm versus metres?

Centimetres are typically used for body measurements, clothing sizes, and smaller dimensions. Metres are used for room dimensions, building plans, athletics, and any measurement where centimetres would produce unwieldy large numbers (a room is easier to describe as 4.5 m rather than 450 cm).

Centimetres to Metres Converter

Convert centimetres to metres and metres to centimetres

Published by UltraCalculatorsLast reviewed: 1 Apr 2026v1.0Report an issue

Converting between centimetres and metres is one of the simplest metric conversions, yet it comes up constantly. Height on a medical form might need to be in metres (1.78 m) rather than centimetres (178 cm). Room dimensions on a floor plan might be in metres while your tape measure reads in centimetres. Product listings might show a height of 2.4 m and you need to know if that is 240 cm or something else. The relationship is straightforward: one metre equals exactly 100 centimetres. The prefix "centi" literally means one hundredth, so a centimetre is by definition one hundredth of a metre. To convert cm to metres, divide by 100. To go the other way, multiply by 100. No complex factors to remember, no rounding to worry about. This converter handles both directions and also shows the measurement in millimetres and feet and inches, making it a one-stop tool for translating between metric sub-units and imperial measures. It is particularly useful for height conversions, room measurements, and construction dimensions.

How to Use This Calculator

To use the centimetres to metres converter: 1. Select the conversion direction. Choose "Centimetres to Metres" or "Metres to Centimetres" as needed. 2. For cm to m: Enter the centimetre value. The converter shows metres, millimetres, and the feet-and-inches equivalent. 3. For m to cm: Enter the metre value. The converter shows centimetres, millimetres, and feet and inches. 4. Results update instantly as you type.

How It Works

The conversion is based on the metric system definition: 1 metre = 100 centimetres. Centimetres to Metres: Metres = cm / 100 Millimetres = cm x 10 Example: 183 cm = 183 / 100 = 1.83 m = 1,830 mm = 6 ft 0 in Metres to Centimetres: cm = metres x 100 Millimetres = cm x 10 Example: 2.5 m = 2.5 x 100 = 250 cm = 2,500 mm = 8 ft 2.4 in To also convert to feet and inches: divide centimetres by 2.54 to get total inches, then divide by 12 for feet.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Expressing height in metres for a passport application

Inputs: Centimetres: 172. Direction: cm to m.

Metres = 172 / 100 = 1.72 m.
Millimetres = 172 x 10 = 1,720 mm.
Inches = 172 / 2.54 = 67.72 in = 5 ft 7.7 in.

Result: 172 cm is 1.72 metres or 5 feet 8 inches.

Example 2: Checking if furniture fits a room

Inputs: Metres: 3.6. Direction: m to cm.

Centimetres = 3.6 x 100 = 360 cm.
Millimetres = 360 x 10 = 3,600 mm.
Feet and inches: 360 / 2.54 = 141.73 in = 11 ft 9.7 in.

Result: 3.6 metres is 360 cm or about 11 feet 10 inches. A standard sofa (210-250 cm) would fit comfortably.

Example 3: Reading a building plan dimension

Inputs: Metres: 2.4. Direction: m to cm.

Centimetres = 2.4 x 100 = 240 cm.
Feet and inches: 240 / 2.54 = 94.49 in = 7 ft 10.5 in.

Result: 2.4 metres is 240 cm. This is a standard UK ceiling height (approximately 8 feet).

Standard UK dimensions in cm and m: ceiling height 240 cm (2.4 m), internal door height 198 cm (1.98 m), single bed 190 x 90 cm (1.9 x 0.9 m), double bed 190 x 135 cm (1.9 x 1.35 m), king bed 200 x 150 cm (2.0 x 1.5 m). A parking space is typically 480 x 240 cm (4.8 x 2.4 m).