Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
centimetre
Table of Contents
Introduction References & Edit History
Related Questions
Read Next
Blackboard inscribed with scientific formulas and calculations in physics and mathematics
The World Science Festival’s Pioneers in Science
Laboratory glassware (beakers)
5 Quizzes That Will Tell You Whether You Should Have Been a Scientist
Abstract vector hi speed internet technology background
History of Technology Timeline
Binary Computer Code, Binary Code, Internet, Technology, Password, Data
How Does Wi-Fi Work?
Centimetres vs inches, metal rulers on a white background with clipping path.
15 Questions About Units of Measurement Answered
Discover
Marriage. A couple getting married during a church wedding ceremony. (religion, ceremony, bride, groom)
The Seven Sacraments of the Roman Catholic church
Rural Irish landscape, Sligo, Ireland.
Why Is Ireland Two Countries?
illustration of the walking titanosaurus, Patagotitan mayorum
Titanosaurs: 8 of the World's Biggest Dinosaurs
Fish. Lionfish. Lion-fish. Turkey fish. Fire-fish. Red lionfish. Pterois volitans. Venomous fin spines. Coral reefs. Underwater. Ocean. Red lionfish swims by seaweed.
10 of the World’s Most Dangerous Fish
Illustration for Demystified "How Dangerous is Quicksand"
How Deadly Is Quicksand?
Ahura Mazda - relief of the Zoroastrian god Ahura Mazda at the ancient ruins of Persepolis in Iran. Also known as Ormazd Zoroastrianism,
Which Religion Is the Oldest?
July, 2006, Launch of Space Shuttle Discovery STS-121. See attached for full caption information.
Will Light-Speed Space Travel Ever Be Possible?

centimetre

unit of measurement
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Share
Share to social media
URL
https://www.britannica.com/science/centimetre
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites
Also known as: centimeter, cm
Written and fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Last Updated: • Article History
Also spelled:
centimeter
Related Topics:
International System of Units
unit
length

News •

In Amritsar, plaque put up over national anthem; ‘blunder’ corrected, says DEO • Apr. 13, 2025, 3:58 AM ET (The Indian Express)
CPI to provide political support to CM in case against his daughter • Apr. 12, 2025, 4:23 AM ET (The Hindu)
CM N. Chandrababu Naidu’s projection of GSDP growth as robust is nothing but ‘political trickery’: YSRCP leader Botcha • Apr. 7, 2025, 5:16 AM ET (The Hindu)

centimetre (cm), unit of length equal to 0.01 metre in the metric system and the equivalent of 0.3937 inch.