Converting Centimeters to Meters (cm to m)

Centimeters (cm) and meters (m) are both common units of length or distance. This example problem demonstrates how to convert centimeters to meters using a conversion factor.

Converting Centimeters to Meters Problem

Express 3,124 centimeters in meters.

Start with the conversion factor:
1 meter = 100 centimeters

Set up the conversion so the undesired unit will be canceled out. In this case, we want "m" to be the remaining unit.

distance in m = (distance in cm) x (1 m / 100 cm)
distance in m = 3,124 cm x 1 m / 100 cm
distance in m = 31.24 m

Another conversion factor could be used, too:
1 cm = 0.01 m

With this conversion factor, we can replace the symbol "cm" with simply "0.01 m." For example:

3,124 cm = 3,124 x 0.01 m = 3,124 x 1 / 100 m = 31.24 m

Answer: 3,124 centimeters is 31.24 meters.

Converting Meters to Centimeters Example

The conversion factor may also be used to convert meters to centimeters (m to cm). It doesn't matter which conversion factor you use as long as the unwanted unit cancels out, leaving the one you want.

How many centimeters long is a 0.52 meter block?

cm = m x 100 cm / 1 m so that the meter unit cancels out

cm = 0.52 m x 100 cm / 1 m

cm = 52

OR

if m = 100 cm, then:

0.52 m = 0.52 x 100 cm = 52 cm

Answer: The 0.52 m block is 52 cm in length.