Difference Between Centimeters (cm) and Millimeters (mm)
Centimeter (cm) and Millimeter (mm) are both small units used to measure length or distance in the metric system. The main difference is that a centimeter is larger, while a millimeter is smaller and more precise. There are 10 millimeters in 1 centimeter. These units are commonly used for measuring short distances or small objects in everyday life.
Basis of Comparison
Centimeters (cm)
Millimeters (mm)
Meaning
A small unit of length used to measure short distances.
A very small unit of length used for precise measurements.
Measurement System
Metric system
Metric system
Symbol
cm
mm
Conversion Value
1 centimeter = 10 millimeters
1 millimeter = 0.1 centimeter
Size
Larger unit
Smaller unit
Used In
Measuring objects like pens, books, and small items.
Measuring tiny distances, thickness, and fine details.
Common Usage
Used for regular short measurements.
Used when very accurate measurements are required.
Example
10 cm = 100 mm
5 mm = 0.5 cm
Centimeters (cm) to Millimeters (mm) Conversion Table
Centimeter (cm)
Millimeters (mm)
1 cm
10.00 mm
2 cm
20.00 mm
3 cm
30.00 mm
4 cm
40.00 mm
5 cm
50.00 mm
10 cm
100.00 mm
15 cm
150.00 mm
20 cm
200.00 mm
25 cm
250.00 mm
50 cm
500.00 mm
100 cm
1000.00 mm
1000 cm
10000.00 mm
Centimeters (cm) to Millimeters (mm) – Most Frequently Asked Questions