What is an example of a centimeter?

What is an example of a centimeter? Are there any things that are 1 cm long? Do you maybe use these things in your everyday life? And what is an example of cm in math? If these issues are bothering you, you are in the right place. We are going to answer all the aforementioned questions.

What is an example of a centimeter? It is a commonly asked question by people who use inches instead of centimeters to measure the length in everyday life. And it is nothing surprising. An inch and a centimeter differ so much, so understanding how long the centimeter is can be problematic at the beginning.

That’s why we decided to gather a few examples of a centimeter. Thanks to them you will be able to imagine the length of a centimeter and understand the difference between cm and inch quicker.

A centimeter – the definition

Before we move on to the examples, let’s talk a little about a centimeter. A little bit of a theory will help you to better understand the topic.

You need to know that a centimeter is a quite surprising unit. Why? Because it doesn’t have its legal definition. You won’t find any established formula for a centimeter.

But does it mean that a centimeter can’t be defined? Of course not. Over the years people came up with their definition which currently is used the most frequently to define a centimeter.

This kind of definition is based on the SI, from where a centimeter comes from. The base unit of length in the SI is a meter. And on the base of this unit a centimeter is currently defined. The definition looks as follows:

But this equivalent of a centimeter still doesn’t illustrate how long the centimeter is in comparison to an inch. So let’s move on to the examples to explain this issue clearly.

What is an example of centimeter in math?

We will start with examples of a centimeter in math. This knowledge will be useful if you learn about cm to inches conversion in math classes.

To measure the length in math, especially if it is a quite small length, is used a ruler. Most rulers have 2 indications on them. One is for inches, and the second is for centimeters.

Firstly, we want to focus on a side with centimeters only. What is an example of centimeter in math then?

A centimeter can be defined as 10 millimeters. It means, when you look at a ruler, you see short lines. After 10 short lines, you will see one long line. It will be a centimeter exactly.

So what about a centimeter in comparison to an inch? To make this topic clear, you need to know how many inches in a centimeter. Have a look:

• 1 cm = 1/2.54 inches ≈ 0.393700787 inches.

As you can see, 1 cm is equal to 1/2.54 inches. It is not an easy to remember fraction. That’s why we want to show you another alternative version of this fraction. Of course, it is an approximation, but it will be sufficient to know an example of a centimeter in math on a ruler. Let’s see:

• 1 cm ≈ 2/5 inches =0.4 inches.

So if you look on a ruler and see 1 inch, divide the length into 5 parts. And 2 of them will be approximately 1 centimeter.

The math examples of a centimeter are behind us. Now let’s see if any things are 1 cm long. And if they are, what they are.

What is an example for centimeter from everyday life?

We are not going to keep you in suspense any longer – there are a few examples of things that are 1 cm long or wide.

We gathered for you 5 different examples. We hope they will help you imagine how long the centimeter is and how it differs from an inch.

So have a look. What is an example for centimeter? These things are approximately 1 cm:

1. centimeter is approximately the width of an adult's smallest fingernail;
2. centimeter is approximately the width of a diameter of a pencil;
3. centimeter is approximately the width of a diameter of earplugs;
4. centimeter is approximately the width of a diameter of AAA battery;
5. centimeter is approximately the width of a length of a thumbtack.

We are sure that these examples clarify the topic of how long the centimeter is. We showed you only examples of such things which you see or even use in life for sure.

What is an example of a centimeter – a few words at the end

And that’s the end of the article. You know now what is an example for centimeter – both in math and in everyday life. We are sure that this knowledge will help you with understanding a centimeter, its length, and the difference between a cm and an inch.

Do you want to know more about a centimeter? Check our compendium about this unit of length. Let a centimeter has no secrets from you.