Centimeters and inches are both units of length, but they come from different measurement systems. Centimeters are part of the metric system, while inches belong to the imperial/US customary system.
Knowing how to convert between them is helpful in a lot of situations, from DIY projects to sewing, and even navigating international trade.
So, how many inches is 4.5 cm? This article will guide you through the conversion process, but just to give you a sneak peek, 4.5 cm is approximately 1.77 inches.
Centimeters and Inches: What’s the Difference?
To understand how to convert centimeters to inches, it can be helpful to learn a little more about each unit of measurement.
What’s a centimeter?
The centimeter (cm) is a unit of length in the metric system. There are 100 centimeters in a meter. You’ll find centimeters used in science, in everyday measurements, and as the standard unit of measurement in many places around the world.
What’s an inch?
The inch (in) is a unit of length in the imperial and U.S. customary systems of measurement. Today, an inch is defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters. Inches have historical roots that go back centuries, and they’re still widely used in the United States and a few other countries.
How to convert 4.5 cm to inches
The basic formula for converting centimeters to inches is:
inches = centimeters ÷ 2.54
That means that to convert centimeters into inches, you simply divide the number of centimeters by 2.54. So, for 4.5 cm, the equation is:
4. 5 cm ÷ 2.54 = 1.77165 inches
For most situations, you’ll want to round that number. If you need a high degree of precision, 1.772 inches is probably sufficient. But if you just want a quick estimate, 1.77 inches is fine.
When is it helpful to convert centimeters to inches?
Converting from metric to imperial units comes in handy in all sorts of situations.
- Sewing and tailoring. When you’re measuring fabric, patterns, and garment dimensions, you may need to convert between the metric and imperial systems.
- Framing and home decor. Figuring out the size of frames, artwork, and other decorative items often involves inches.
- DIY projects. A lot of do-it-yourself plans and instructions use inches.
- International communication. Converting helps bridge the measurement gap when you’re working with people in other countries.
What size is 4.5 cm, really?
Four and a half centimeters is approximately the width of a credit card or the diameter of the cap on a small water bottle.
How to convert 4.5 cm into fractional inches
Inches are often expressed as fractions, like 1/2″, 1/4″, 1/8″, or 1/16″. These are common in construction, woodworking, and general DIY projects.
To convert our decimal inches (1.77165) to a fraction, we need to focus on the decimal part (.77165). Multiply that by the denominator you want (like 16, if you want to use 1/16ths of an inch).
So, .77165 16 = 12.35. Round that to 12. That means 1.77165 inches is about 1 and 12/16 inches. You can simplify that to 1 and 3/4 inches.
Keep in mind that you might need a ruler or tape measure to get the exact fractional inch measurement.
Tools and resources for conversion
Need to convert units quickly? You have several options:
- Use an online conversion calculator. They’re fast and easy to use.
- Download a smartphone app for conversions on the go.
- Print a conversion chart for quick reference.
In Summary
We’ve shown you how to convert centimeters to inches using the formula: inches = centimeters / 2.54. So, 4.5 cm is approximately 1.77 inches.
Whether you’re working on a DIY project or deciphering international specs, knowing how to move between these units of measurement is a useful skill.
Now, go forth and measure!