Convert Centimeter to Decimeter
Convert centimeters to decimeters instantly. 1 centimeter = 0.1 decimeter — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Decimeter to Centimeter converter for the reverse conversion.
Units explained
Centimeter
A centimeter is a metric unit of length equal to one hundredth of a meter (1/100 m). It is one of the most commonly used SI sub-units in daily life, especially for measuring small objects, body dimensions, paper sizes, and short distances.
The centimeter emerged from the French metric system established by the French Academy of Sciences in 1793. The metric system introduced decimal-based prefixes (milli-, centi-, deci-, deca-, hecto-, kilo-) to create proportional sub-units of the meter.
Centimeters are the standard unit for everyday measurement in nearly every country outside the United States. They are used for body height, clothing sizes, rainfall, paper formats (A4 is 21 × 29.7 cm), screen dimensions, and most consumer product specifications.
Developed in France during the late 18th century as part of the metric system designed by the French Academy of Sciences. Formally adopted in France in 1795 and ratified internationally through the Metre Convention signed in Paris in 1875.
Decimeter
A decimeter is a metric unit of length equal to one tenth of a meter (1/10 m). Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, it remains a standard SI unit and is used in some scientific and educational contexts.
Like the centimeter and millimeter, the decimeter was defined when France adopted the metric system in 1795, using the SI prefix deci- (from Latin decimus, "tenth").
Decimeters are rarely used in everyday measurement in English-speaking countries but appear in some European technical specifications and in volume conversions (1 cubic decimeter = 1 liter).
Defined in 1795 as part of the original French metric system; remains a recognized SI unit though uncommonly used in commerce.
Centimeter to Decimeter conversion formula
The relationship between centimeters and decimeters:
To convert centimeters to decimeters, multiply the value in centimeters by 0.1. To reverse, multiply decimeters by 10.
How to use this converter
Type a value into the calculator. The result in decimeters updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Decimeter to Centimeter converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert centimeters to decimeters
- Write down the value in centimeters (cm).
- Multiply that value by the factor 0.1.
- The product is the equivalent value in decimeters (dm).
- To reverse, multiply the decimeter value by 10.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 cm to dm:
1 × 0.1 = 0.1 dm
Example 2 — Convert 100 cm to dm:
100 × 0.1 = 10 dm
Real-world example — Body height conversion
You enter your height as 180 centimeters into an international job or visa application. The form then asks for the same value in decimeters — converting between these adjacent units is one of the most-used length conversions globally.
180 cm × 0.1 = 18 dm
Real-world example — Furniture and large objects
A 72-centimeter piece of furniture converts to a value in decimeters that's easier to mentally compare with room dimensions. This is the typical workflow when shopping internationally and product specs use a different unit than your room measurements.
72 cm × 0.1 = 7.2 dm
Real-world example — Children's height milestones
A 150-centimeter-tall child measures a value in decimeters that's commonly used for theme-park ride height requirements when travelling between countries that use different measurement units.
150 cm × 0.1 = 15 dm
Centimeter to Decimeter conversion table
Standard reference values for converting centimeters to decimeters:
| Centimeter [cm] | Decimeter [dm] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 0.001 |
| 0.1 | 0.01 |
| 1 | 0.1 |
| 2 | 0.2 |
| 3 | 0.3 |
| 4 | 0.4 |
| 5 | 0.5 |
| 10 | 1 |
| 20 | 2 |
| 30 | 3 |
| 40 | 4 |
| 50 | 5 |
| 100 | 10 |
| 500 | 50 |
| 1000 | 100 |
Frequently asked questions
How many decimeters is 1 centimeter?
How do I convert centimeters to decimeters?
How do I convert decimeters back to centimeters?
How many decimeters is 100 centimeters?
Popular length unit conversions
Convert Centimeter to other length units
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Metric / SI (17 units)
Imperial / US Customary (27 units)
Nautical (1 units)
Astronomical (9 units)
Atomic / Physics (6 units)
Typographic (3 units)
Sources & references
Conversion factor (1 cm = 0.1 dm) verified against the following authoritative sources:
- BIPM — The International System of Units (SI Brochure 9th ed.)
Official BIPM publication defining the seven SI base units (including the meter) and the rules for their use. The global authority on units of measurement.
- NIST — Guide to the SI
US National Institute of Standards and Technology reference covering the SI base and derived units with definitions and usage rules for US technical practice.
- NIST Special Publication 811 — Guide for the Use of the International System of Units
Detailed NIST guide covering exact conversion factors between SI and US customary units along with formatting and rounding conventions.
- NIST — Refinement of values for the yard and pound (Federal Register 1959)
The treaty (signed by US
- International Astronomical Union — System of Astronomical Constants
The IAU defines astronomical units including the AU (149597870700 m exactly) light-year and parsec used in astronomy and astrophysics.