How many centimeters is 1 millimeter?

One millimeter equals exactly 0.1 centimeters (1/10 cm).

How do I convert mm to cm?

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

Why do engineers use mm instead of cm?

Because common part dimensions are whole numbers in mm (25 mm bolt, 6 mm screw, 200 mm bracket). In cm they become decimals (2.5, 0.6, 20). Whole numbers reduce errors on shop floors.

Millimeters to Centimeters (mm to cm) Converter

1 mm = 0.1 cm

1 Millimeter equals 0.1 Centimeters (1 mm = 0.1 cm). Convert Millimeters to Centimeters with formula, table, and examples.

One millimeter equals exactly 0.1 centimeters. This is the most basic metric step-up: multiply by 0.1 or divide by 10. Both units appear on every metric ruler. Millimeters are preferred in engineering; centimeters in everyday measurement.

How to Convert Millimeters to Centimeters

cm = mm ÷ 10

Divide the value in Millimeters by 10

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

Common Millimeters to Centimeters Conversions

Millimeters (mm)	Centimeters (cm)	Status
0.5 mm	0.05 cm
1 mm	0.1 cm
2 mm	0.2 cm
3 mm	0.3 cm
5 mm	0.5 cm
7 mm	0.7 cm
10 mm	1 cm
15 mm	1.5 cm
20 mm	2 cm
25 mm	2.5 cm
50 mm	5 cm
100 mm	10 cm
200 mm	20 cm
500 mm	50 cm
1,000 mm	100 cm

Good to Know About Millimeters to Centimeters Conversion

Every metric ruler has both mm and cm markings. The mm lines are small; the cm lines are tall. This visual hierarchy teaches a generation of children that centimeters are 'important' and millimeters are 'details.' Engineers grow up and reverse this hierarchy entirely.

Millimeters to Centimeters: What You Need to Know

10 mm = 1 cm. A credit card is about 0.76 mm (0.076 cm) thick. An M8 bolt is 8 mm (0.8 cm) in diameter. Engineering drawings use mm exclusively; rulers show both mm and cm markings. The transition from cm-thinking to mm-thinking marks technical training.

What is a Millimeter? mm

A metric unit of length equal to one thousandth of a meter. Used in engineering, manufacturing, and precise measurements.

Metric engineering manufacturing rainfall

Learn more about Millimeter →

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 →

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

Millimeters to Centimeters FAQ

One millimeter equals exactly 0.1 centimeters (1/10 cm).
Divide by 10 or move the decimal one place left. For example, 25 mm = 2.5 cm.
Because common part dimensions are whole numbers in mm (25 mm bolt, 6 mm screw, 200 mm bracket). In cm they become decimals (2.5, 0.6, 20). Whole numbers reduce errors on shop floors.

Non-Frequently Asked Questions About Millimeters to Centimeters

Questions nobody should ask - but someone did.

In a sense, yes. Schools teach centimeters. Workshops use millimeters. Tailors use centimeters. Machinists use millimeters. Doctors use both (tumor size in mm, height in cm). The mm-vs-cm debate is the metric system's internal cold war. Both sides have rulers.
Technically yes. Your height: 1,750 mm. Your waist: 860 mm. Your shoe: 270 mm. Your room: 4,000 x 3,500 mm. All valid. All slightly awkward. Millimeters work for everything but sound strange for body measurements. Nobody says 'I am 1,750 millimeters tall' on a date.
A centimeter (obviously). Also: the width of your pinky fingernail, the diameter of a AAA battery, the thickness of a standard pencil, the diameter of a pea. 10 mm = 1 cm is one of the most physically intuitive measurements. Everyone can picture it.