Centimeters and Meters
Learn
Many countries around the world use centimeters and meters to measure length. These are called metric units. Scientists use them too!
What Is a Centimeter?
A centimeter is a small unit of length. It is about the width of your pinky fingernail.
We use the symbol cm for centimeters. Example: 5 cm
What Is a Meter?
A meter is a bigger unit of length. It is about the width of a door, or one big step.
We use the symbol m for meters. Example: 2 m
The Big Rule: 100 Centimeters = 1 Meter
This is very important to remember:
100 centimeters = 1 meter
A meter stick is 100 cm long!
When to Use Each Unit
- Use centimeters for small things: pencils, erasers, your finger
- Use meters for bigger things: rooms, playgrounds, buildings
Comparing to Inches and Feet
Here is how they compare:
- 1 inch is about 2.5 centimeters
- 1 meter is a little longer than 3 feet
Centimeters are smaller than inches!
Worked Examples
Example 1: Measuring with Centimeters
Problem: A crayon is 8 centimeters long. Is that more or less than 1 meter?
Step 1: Remember: 1 meter = 100 centimeters
Step 2: Compare: 8 cm and 100 cm
Step 3: 8 is much less than 100
Answer: 8 cm is much less than 1 meter
Example 2: Converting Meters to Centimeters
Problem: How many centimeters are in 2 meters?
Step 1: 1 meter = 100 centimeters
Step 2: 2 meters = 100 + 100 = 200 centimeters
Answer: 2 meters = 200 centimeters
Example 3: Choosing the Right Unit
Problem: Would you measure a swimming pool in centimeters or meters?
Step 1: Think about the size - a pool is big!
Step 2: Meters are better for big things
Answer: Measure a swimming pool in meters
Example 4: Adding Lengths
Problem: One piece of tape is 45 cm. Another is 55 cm. How long together?
Step 1: Add: 45 + 55 = 100 cm
Step 2: 100 cm = 1 meter
Answer: 100 cm or 1 meter
Example 5: Real World Measurement
Problem: A table is 3 meters long. How many centimeters is that?
Step 1: 1 meter = 100 centimeters
Step 2: 3 meters = 100 + 100 + 100 = 300 cm
Answer: 3 meters = 300 centimeters
Practice Problems
Try these problems on your own. Click "Show Answer" to check your work!
Problem 1: How many centimeters are in 1 meter?
Show Answer
100 centimeters
Problem 2: Is 150 cm more or less than 1 meter?
Show Answer
More (150 is greater than 100)
Problem 3: How many centimeters are in 4 meters?
Show Answer
400 centimeters (4 x 100 = 400)
Problem 4: Would you measure a paper clip in cm or meters?
Show Answer
Centimeters - A paper clip is small.
Problem 5: A book is 25 cm tall. How much more to make 1 meter?
Show Answer
75 cm (100 - 25 = 75)
Problem 6: Which is longer: 2 meters or 180 cm?
Show Answer
2 meters (2 m = 200 cm, which is more than 180 cm)
Problem 7: A jump rope is 5 meters long. How many cm is that?
Show Answer
500 centimeters (5 x 100 = 500)
Problem 8: Would you measure your classroom in cm or meters?
Show Answer
Meters - A classroom is big.
Problem 9: A rope is 300 cm. How many meters is that?
Show Answer
3 meters (300 / 100 = 3)
Problem 10: Which is longer: 1 meter or 90 cm?
Show Answer
1 meter (1 meter = 100 cm, which is more than 90)
Check Your Understanding
Question 1: What is the relationship between centimeters and meters?
Show Answer
100 centimeters = 1 meter. Centimeters are smaller units, and meters are bigger units.
Question 2: When should you use meters instead of centimeters?
Show Answer
Use meters for big things like rooms, fields, and distances. Use centimeters for small things like pencils and books.
Question 3: How many centimeters are in 5 meters?
Show Answer
500 centimeters (5 x 100 = 500)
Question 4: Which is smaller: a centimeter or an inch?
Show Answer
A centimeter is smaller. 1 inch is about 2.5 centimeters.
Next Steps
- Practice: Find a ruler with centimeters and measure objects
- Compare: Measure the same object in inches and centimeters
- Challenge: How many centimeters tall are you?
- Real Life: Look for metric measurements on packages and signs