Sometimes, you need to translate measurements from one unit to another. It’s just a normal part of science, engineering, cooking, and even day-to-day life. For example, if you’re following instructions written using the metric system and you only have measuring tools that use U.S. customary units, you’ll need to convert units.
In this article, we’ll focus on converting 50.5 centimeters to inches. We’ll show you the formula and the tools you can use to perform this calculation.
Understanding centimeters and inches
Before we get to the conversion, let’s take a look at what centimeters and inches are and when each unit of measure is most often used.
Centimeters defined
Centimeters (cm) are a unit of length in the metric system. The metric system is based on powers of 10, which makes conversions pretty simple.
We often use centimeters to measure smaller objects and distances. For example, you might measure the dimensions of a book or the length of a pencil in centimeters.
Inches defined
Inches (in) are a unit of length in the imperial and US customary systems. The imperial system is primarily used in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Inches are often used for measuring larger objects and distances, such as the screen size of a television or the height of a person.
The conversion formula and calculation
To convert a measurement from centimeters to inches, you’ll need to use a conversion formula. Here are the two most common:
- Inches = Centimeters x 0.393701
- Inches = Centimeters / 2.54
As you can see, dividing by 2.54 yields the same result as multiplying by 0.393701.
So, let’s apply the formula to our measurement, 50.5 cm:
Inches = 50.5 cm x 0.393701
50.5 cm = 19.8818805 inches
Depending on how exact you need the measurement to be, you can round that figure to 19.88 inches or even 19.9 inches.
Conversion Tools and Charts
If you need to convert centimeters to inches frequently, you might want to bookmark a handy conversion tool or chart.
Online Conversion Calculators
Dozens of online conversion calculators can instantly convert centimeters to inches. These tools are easy to use and accurate: Just enter the value in centimeters, and the calculator will display the equivalent in inches.
Conversion Charts
Conversion charts give you a quick reference for common centimeter measurements. Keep in mind that charts usually only cover a specific range of values.
Why convert centimeters to inches?
Converting between centimeters and inches has real-world applications in a variety of fields.
Real estate
In real estate, you might need to convert room dimensions from centimeters (as they appear on a floor plan) to inches or feet (the units a client is more familiar with). When conducting international real estate transactions, converting property sizes ensures both parties understand the dimensions.
Construction and manufacturing
Building materials and components are often manufactured using different measurement systems, so you might need to convert from one system to another to ensure compatibility. Accurate conversions are also essential in product design and manufacturing to ensure the product functions as designed.
Everyday life
You might need to convert your height from centimeters to inches when traveling or shopping for clothes online. DIY projects and home improvements also rely on accurate conversions for success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cm is 1 / 2 inch?
One inch is exactly 2.54 centimeters. Therefore, one-half of an inch (1/2 inch) is equal to 1.27 centimeters. It’s a pretty straightforward calculation once you know the base conversion factor.
Is 50cm 20 inches?
Not quite, but it’s close! 50 centimeters is approximately 19.685 inches. While it’s near 20 inches, it’s important to use the precise conversion factor (1 cm = 0.3937 inches) if you need an accurate measurement.
What size is 50 cm in inches?
50 centimeters converts to roughly 19.69 inches (rounding up). So, if you’re thinking about, say, the size of a suitcase or a TV screen, 50 cm would be just shy of 20 inches.
What height is 152 cm in feet?
152 centimeters is approximately equal to 4 feet and 11.85 inches. This is often rounded up to 5 feet. This calculation is useful for figuring out someone’s height if you know their height in centimeters.
To Conclude
Converting 50.5 centimeters to inches is straightforward. You can multiply 50.5 by 0.393701, or you can divide 50.5 by 2.54. Either way, you’ll quickly find that 50.5 cm equals 19.8819 inches.
Understanding unit conversions is essential for clear communication and accurate measurements in many different situations.