Convert Centimeter (cm) (cm) to Kilometer (km) (km)
Category: Length
1 cm = 1E-05 km
High-precision rounding: 6 decimals
How to convert centimeter (cm) to kilometer (km)
We convert by pivoting through the SI base unit for Length and applying exact factors where applicable.
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Examples
Linear unit conversions use standardized factors; many are exact by definition (e.g., 1 in = 25.4 mm, 1 ft = 0.3048 m).
Common mistakes
- Confusing international foot (0.3048 m) with legacy ‘US survey foot’ in old datasets.
- Rounding mid-calculation; keep precision to the end.
About Length
Length measures distance or size. In SI it derives from the meter, defined via the speed of light, which ensures exact, reproducible conversions. Typical applications include construction, mapping, manufacturing tolerances, and navigation; legacy units like inches and feet remain common in trade and building plans.
About Centimeter (cm)
Centimeter (cm)
Equals 1/100 of a meter. Ubiquitous in everyday measuring, crafts, medical records (height), and technical drawings. Offers a good balance between precision and readability.
History: Part of the decimal ladder of the metric system introduced after the French Revolution. Its popularity grew with mass education and standardized rulers.
About Kilometer (km)
Kilometer (km)
Equals 1,000 meters. Common for road distances, running events (5k/10k), and geographic scales. Convenient decimal multiple that keeps numbers human-readable.
History: Spread with metrication in the 19th–20th centuries. Adopted by most countries for signage and mapping, replacing miles in many contexts.