# Centimeters to Decimeters (cm to dm)

Source: https://www.unitconvertercalculator.com/length/centimeters-to-decimeters/

**1 cm = 0.1 dm**

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.

## Formula

Convert Centimeters to Decimeters

## Conversion Table

| Centimeters (cm) | Decimeters (dm) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| 1000 cm | 100 dm |

## Units

### Centimeter (cm)

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

### Decimeter (dm)

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

## Background

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).

## Good to Know

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.

## FAQ

### 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).

## Non-Frequently Asked Questions

### If nobody uses decimeters, why do they exist?

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.

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## See Also

- [Decimeters to Centimeters](https://www.unitconvertercalculator.com/length/decimeters-to-centimeters/)