The centimeter (cm) is a metric unit of length commonly used worldwide for everyday measurements such as height, object size, and distances on a small scale.
A centimeter (symbol: cm) is a unit of length in the metric system. It is defined as one hundredth of a meter.
Because of its convenient size, centimeters are widely used for measuring everyday objects, human height, clothing sizes, and small distances in science and engineering.
The centimeter originates from the metric system, which was developed in France during the late 18th century. The goal was to create a universal, decimal-based measurement system that could be easily understood and reproduced.
Today, the centimeter is officially used in most countries around the world, except for a few nations that primarily rely on imperial units such as inches and feet.
Centimeters are used whenever measurements need to be precise but not extremely small. Some common areas include:
Here are practical, real-world references to help visualize the size of one centimeter:
| Unit | Equivalent in Centimeters |
|---|---|
| Millimeter | 0.1 cm |
| Meter | 100 cm |
| Inch | 2.54 cm |
| Foot | 30.48 cm |
| Kilometer | 100,000 cm |
Centimeters are deeply embedded in daily routines. When people say they are 170 cm tall, measure a TV screen size, or check fabric length, they are using centimeters for clarity and accuracy.
In education, centimeters are often the first length unit taught, making them a foundational part of mathematical and scientific understanding.