The metric system is a decimal system of measurement based on multiples of 10, making conversions relatively simple.
This article explains the conversion between centimeters (cm) and millimeters (mm), both common units for measuring length.
Knowing how to convert from 2cm to mm (and vice versa) is useful in many fields, from construction and engineering to scientific research and everyday tasks. Whether you’re reading a European recipe or building a model airplane, these conversions come in handy.
Understanding centimeters and millimeters
Centimeters and millimeters are both units of length in the metric system.
What’s a centimeter (cm)?
Centimeters are often used to measure shorter lengths and distances. There are 100 centimeters in a meter.
What’s a millimeter (mm)?
Millimeters are smaller than centimeters, and they’re also part of the metric system. There are 1,000 millimeters in a meter.
Centimeters and millimeters: What’s the connection?
Here’s the key to converting from one unit to the other: There are 10 millimeters in 1 centimeter. So, if you wanted to know how many centimeters are in a millimeter, you’d divide 1 by 10. One millimeter equals 0.1 centimeters.
How to convert 2 cm to mm
Converting centimeters (cm) to millimeters (mm) is easy. You just need to remember one thing: there are 10 millimeters in every centimeter. So, to convert any measurement from centimeters to millimeters, you simply multiply by 10.
Let’s apply that to 2 cm:
2 cm 10 mm/cm = 20 mm
That means 2 centimeters is equal to 20 millimeters.
Here’s the formula you can use going forward:
mm = cm 10
Practical examples and applications
Converting from centimeters to millimeters is a handy skill to have. Here are some ways you might use it in daily life and in more technical settings.
Everyday examples
- Measuring the width of a small object. Say you want to replace a button on your favorite shirt. If you measure the button and find it’s about 2 cm wide, you’ll know you need a button that’s 20 mm wide.
- Describing the thickness of a phone. If someone asks how thick your phone is, you might say it’s about 0.8 cm thick, but it’s easier to imagine if you say it’s 8 mm thick.
Examples in technical fields
- Specifying dimensions in engineering drawings. When creating technical drawings, an engineer might specify that a component is 20 mm wide rather than 2 cm.
- Describing small distances in scientific experiments. A scientist might measure a distance of 0.5 cm, but would more likely record it as 5 mm in their lab notes.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Converting between centimeters and millimeters is pretty straightforward, but here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Forgetting to multiply by 10: Remember, each centimeter has 10 millimeters, so you always have to multiply by 10 when going from cm to mm.
- Getting the direction wrong: Make sure you know when to multiply and when to divide!
- Leaving off the units: Always write “cm” or “mm” so you don’t get mixed up.
- Not double-checking: It never hurts to run the numbers twice to be sure!
Key Takeaways
So, remember that 2 centimeters is the same as 20 millimeters. That simple conversion is helpful in all kinds of situations, from everyday projects around the house to professional work in science, engineering, or medicine.
While converting from cm to mm is easy, practicing it a few times can help you remember it better and apply it more quickly. The more you do it, the more natural it will become.