Measurement is a critical part of our everyday lives, but it can be confusing when different systems are used. The metric system (millimeters) and the imperial/US customary system (inches) are two common examples.
This article will give you a clear understanding of millimeters and inches and show you how to convert between them, including a handy chart for millimeters to inches. We’ll cover definitions, the relationship between the two units, the conversion formula, and a conversion chart for quick reference.
What are millimeters?
A millimeter (mm) is a metric unit for measuring length. In fact, a millimeter is equal to one-thousandth of a meter! Millimeters are part of the International System of Units (SI units).
Millimeters are the common unit of measurement for small objects or distances. You’ll see millimeters used in many countries and scientific applications.
What are inches?
An inch (in.) is a unit of length in both the imperial and U.S. customary measurement systems.
Inches are used extensively in the United States for all sorts of measurements. You’ll find inches used in construction, manufacturing, and in day-to-day life. For example, the screens for televisions, computers, and mobile devices are typically measured in inches.
Understanding the relationship between millimeters and inches
Millimeters and inches are both units of length measurement, but they’re used in different systems. Inches are part of the imperial system, commonly used in the United States, while millimeters are part of the metric system, used around the world.
Here’s the basic relationship:
- 1 inch = 25.4 millimeters
- 1 millimeter = 0.0393701 inches
If you work in a global industry or read blueprints that use different measurement systems, you’ll probably need to convert from one system to the other.
How to convert millimeters to inches
To convert from millimeters to inches, just multiply the number of millimeters by 0.0393701.
For example, to convert 50 millimeters to inches:
50 mm x 0.0393701 = 1.9685 inches
Millimeter to Inch Conversion Table
Here’s a quick reference for common millimeter-to-inch conversions. Just remember that these are approximate values.
For example:
- 1 mm = 0.0394 inches
- 10 mm = 0.3937 inches
- 25 mm = 0.9843 inches
- 50 mm = 1.9685 inches
You can find more extensive conversion tables online if you need them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is 50 mm in inches?
50 millimeters is equal to approximately 1.9685 inches. To get this, you divide the number of millimeters (50) by 25.4, which is the number of millimeters in one inch. So, 50 mm / 25.4 mm/inch = 1.9685 inches. It’s a little under 2 inches.
Is 20 mm the same as 1 inch?
No, 20 millimeters is not the same as 1 inch. One inch is equal to 25.4 millimeters. Therefore, 20 millimeters is smaller than 1 inch. To be precise, 20 millimeters is about 0.7874 inches.
How do you convert mm to inches chart?
A mm to inches conversion chart typically lists millimeter values in one column and their corresponding inch values in another. To use it, simply find the millimeter value you want to convert and read the adjacent inch value. You can easily create your own chart using the conversion factor of 25.4 mm per inch. For example, a chart might show: 1 mm = 0.03937 in, 2 mm = 0.07874 in, 3 mm = 0.11811 in, and so on. Or, you can just use our handy conversion tool!
Putting It All Together
Millimeters and inches measure length, but they aren’t the same. That’s why you sometimes have to convert from one to the other. You can use the formula or the conversion table to switch between millimeters and inches.