Convert Twip to Centimeter
Convert twips to centimeters instantly. 1 twip = 0.0017638889 centimeter — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Centimeter to Twip converter for the reverse conversion.
Units explained
Twip
A twip is a typographic unit equal to 1/1440 of an inch (about 17.64 µm). It is used in legacy Microsoft Windows graphics APIs and PostScript typography.
The name twip is a contraction of 'twentieth of a point' (point being 1/72 inch). Adopted in Microsoft's GDI and OLE specifications for screen-resolution-independent measurement.
Twips appear in Visual Basic, legacy Windows API code, and some PostScript-derived typesetting systems. They allow whole-number arithmetic at sub-pixel precision for typographic layout.
Adopted by Microsoft in the 1980s for screen-typography APIs; remains in use in legacy Windows GDI and Visual Basic code.
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.
Twip to Centimeter conversion formula
The relationship between twips and centimeters:
To convert twips to centimeters, multiply the value in twips by 0.0017638889. To reverse, multiply centimeters by 566.9291338583.
How to use this converter
Type a value into the calculator. The result in centimeters updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Centimeter to Twip converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert twips to centimeters
- Write down the value in twips (twip).
- Multiply that value by the factor 0.0017638889.
- The product is the equivalent value in centimeters (cm).
- To reverse, multiply the centimeter value by 566.9291338583.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 twip to cm:
1 × 0.0017638889 = 0.0017638889 cm
Example 2 — Convert 100 twip to cm:
100 × 0.0017638889 = 0.1763888889 cm
Real-world example — Packaging gauge
A 4-twip plastic bag thickness is a common spec for grocery and freezer bags. Converting from twips to centimeters is what packaging buyers do whenever they bridge US and metric supplier quotes.
4 twip × 0.0017638889 = 0.0070555556 cm
Real-world example — Plastic film and laminate thickness
A 500-twip sheet is a typical spec for ID-card laminates and film overlays. Converting to centimeters aligns the value with the unit most CAD systems and material datasheets prefer.
500 twip × 0.0017638889 = 0.8819444444 cm
Twip to Centimeter conversion table
Standard reference values for converting twips to centimeters:
| Twip [twip] | Centimeter [cm] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 1.763889e-5 |
| 0.1 | 0.0001763889 |
| 1 | 0.0017638889 |
| 2 | 0.0035277778 |
| 3 | 0.0052916667 |
| 4 | 0.0070555556 |
| 5 | 0.0088194444 |
| 10 | 0.0176388889 |
| 20 | 0.0352777778 |
| 30 | 0.0529166667 |
| 40 | 0.0705555556 |
| 50 | 0.0881944444 |
| 100 | 0.1763888889 |
| 500 | 0.8819444444 |
| 1000 | 1.7638888889 |
Frequently asked questions
How many centimeters is 1 twip?
How do I convert twips to centimeters?
How do I convert centimeters back to twips?
How many centimeters is 100 twips?
Popular length unit conversions
Convert Twip to other length units
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Metric / SI (4 units)
Imperial / US Customary (4 units)
Typographic (2 units)
Sources & references
Conversion factor (1 twip = 0.0017638889 cm) 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.