Math Dictionary / Centimeter

Centimeter

A centimeter is a metric unit of length equal to one hundredth of a meter.

MeasurementGrade 3Grade 4Grade 5Grade 6GED

What it means

Centimeters are useful for measuring small objects, such as pencils or notebooks.

Also called: cm

Examples

100 cm = 1 m
10 cm is one tenth of a meter
A paper clip may be a few centimeters long

Common mistake

A centimeter is shorter than a meter, not longer.

Try one

Question: How many centimeters are in 2 meters?

Show answer

200 centimeters.

Related terms

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