How many decimeters is 1 centimeter?

One centimeter equals exactly 0.1 decimeters (1/10 dm). Ten centimeters make one decimeter.

How do I convert centimeters to decimeters?

Divide by 10 or move the decimal point one place left. For example, 25 cm = 2.5 dm.

Why are centimeters more common than decimeters?

Centimeters offer better resolution for everyday measurements. The decimeter is too coarse for body measurements but too fine for room dimensions. Its main value is defining the liter (1 dm3 = 1 L).

Centimeters to Decimeters (cm to dm) Converter

1 cm = 0.1 dm

1 Centimeter equals 0.1 Decimeters (1 cm = 0.1 dm). Convert Centimeters to Decimeters with formula, table, and examples.

One centimeter equals exactly 0.1 decimeters. This is the simplest metric conversion, moving one step up the prefix ladder. Ten centimeters make one decimeter. Both units measure everyday objects, though centimeters are far more commonly used.

How to Convert Centimeters to Decimeters

dm = cm ÷ 10

Divide the value in Centimeters by 10

Take your value in Centimeters
Divide by 10
Read the result in Decimeters

Common Centimeters to Decimeters Conversions

Centimeters (cm)	Decimeters (dm)	Status
0.5 cm	0.05 dm
1 cm	0.1 dm
2 cm	0.2 dm
5 cm	0.5 dm
10 cm	1 dm
15 cm	1.5 dm
20 cm	2 dm
25 cm	2.5 dm
30 cm	3 dm
50 cm	5 dm
100 cm	10 dm
150 cm	15 dm
200 cm	20 dm
500 cm	50 dm
1,000 cm	100 dm

Good to Know About Centimeters to Decimeters Conversion

In French schools, the decimeter is actually taught and used. French students use 'double-decimeter' rulers (2 dm = 20 cm) instead of 30 cm rulers. The decimeter is less invisible in France than anywhere else.

Centimeters to Decimeters: What You Need to Know

A 30 cm ruler is 3 dm. An A4 sheet is 21 cm (2.1 dm) wide. A smartphone screen at 15 cm diagonal is 1.5 dm. The centimeter-to-decimeter conversion is trivially simple: divide by 10. The decimeter is mainly relevant through its cube, the liter (1 dm³).

What is a Centimeter? cm

A metric unit of length equal to one hundredth of a meter. Commonly used for body height, clothing sizes, and everyday measurements.

Metric body height clothing furniture

Learn more about Centimeter →

What is a Decimeter? dm

One tenth of a meter, or 10 centimeters. Used in some European countries for everyday measurements and in education.

Metric European education everyday measurement

Learn more about Decimeter →

Going the other way? Use our Decimeters to Centimeters converter.

Centimeters to Decimeters FAQ

One centimeter equals exactly 0.1 decimeters (1/10 dm). Ten centimeters make one decimeter.
Divide by 10 or move the decimal point one place left. For example, 25 cm = 2.5 dm.
Centimeters offer better resolution for everyday measurements. The decimeter is too coarse for body measurements but too fine for room dimensions. Its main value is defining the liter (1 dm³ = 1 L).

Non-Frequently Asked Questions About Centimeters to Decimeters

Questions nobody should ask - but someone did.

For the same reason the letter Q exists: completeness. The metric system has a prefix for every power of ten. The decimeter fills the gap between centimeter and meter. Its real job is being the cube root of the liter.