Centimeter vs. Millimeter: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 16, 2024
A centimeter is a metric unit of length equal to one hundredth of a meter, while a millimeter is a metric unit equal to one thousandth of a meter.
Key Differences
A centimeter (cm) is a unit of length in the metric system, equal to one hundredth of a meter. A millimeter (mm), on the other hand, is one thousandth of a meter, making a centimeter equal to ten millimeters.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
Centimeters are commonly used to measure shorter distances or lengths, like the height of a person. Millimeters are used for even finer measurements, such as the thickness of a card.
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Feb 16, 2024
Measurements in centimeters are less precise than millimeters due to their larger size. Millimeters allow for more precision, especially in engineering and scientific contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
The symbol for centimeter is 'cm', which is widely recognized in various fields. The symbol for millimeter is 'mm', and it’s commonly used in technical and detailed measurements.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
Centimeters are often used in everyday situations, like measuring fabric or body measurements. Millimeters are preferred in fields requiring greater precision, like mechanical engineering.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Spelling Variations
“Centimeter” in American English, “centimetre” in British English.
“Millimeter” in American English, “millimetre” in British English.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
Origin of Word
From Latin “centum,” meaning hundred.
From Latin “mille,” meaning thousand.
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Feb 16, 2024
Use in Compound Words
Less common in compound words.
Frequently used in terms like “millimeter-wave.”
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Feb 16, 2024
Pronunciation
Pronounced as /ˈsɛntəˌmiːtər/ in American English.
Pronounced as /ˈmɪləˌmiːtər/ in American English.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
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Centimeter and Millimeter Definitions
Centimeter
A unit commonly used in everyday measurements.
He is 180 centimeters tall.
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Jan 16, 2024
Millimeter
A metric unit of length equal to one thousandth of a meter.
The thickness of the sheet is 2 millimeters.
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Jan 16, 2024
Centimeter
A standard unit for measuring height or length.
The depth of the pool is 150 centimeters.
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Jan 16, 2024
Millimeter
Used in technical and scientific contexts for accuracy.
The microscope slide was 1 millimeter thick.
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Jan 16, 2024
Centimeter
A unit of measure for short distances.
The gap was just a few centimeters wide.
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Jan 16, 2024
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Millimeter
A unit used for precise measurements.
The engineer measured the part to the nearest millimeter.
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Jan 16, 2024
Centimeter
A metric unit of length equal to one hundredth of a meter.
The board measured 100 centimeters in length.
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Jan 16, 2024
Millimeter
A small unit of length in the metric system.
Rainfall was recorded at 10 millimeters.
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Jan 16, 2024
Centimeter
A length measurement used in the metric system.
Cut the fabric into 50 centimeter lengths.
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Jan 16, 2024
Millimeter
A unit for detailed and small-scale measurements.
Adjust the dial by a millimeter to align it properly.
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Jan 16, 2024
Centimeter
A unit of length equal to one hundredth (10-2) of a meter. See Table at measurement.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
Millimeter
A unit of length equal to one thousandth (10-3) of a meter, or 0.0394 inch. See Table at measurement.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
Centimeter
The hundredth part of a meter; a measure of length equal to rather more than thirty-nine hundredths (0.3937) of an inch. See Meter.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
Millimeter
A lineal measure in the metric system, containing the thousandth part of a meter; equal to .03937 of an inch. See 3d Meter.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What are common uses for centimeters?
Measuring height, clothing, and short distances.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
What is a centimeter?
A unit of length in the metric system, 1/100th of a meter.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
How many millimeters are in a centimeter?
There are 10 millimeters in a centimeter.
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Feb 16, 2024
Where are millimeters most used?
In engineering, science, and fine measurements.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
What are millimeters used to measure?
Small objects, thickness, and technical details.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
Can I convert centimeters to millimeters?
Yes, multiply the centimeters by 10 to get millimeters.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
Are centimeters suitable for measuring depth?
Yes, for moderate depths like pool height.
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Feb 16, 2024
Is centimeter bigger than millimeter?
Yes, a centimeter is larger than a millimeter.
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Feb 16, 2024
How do I convert millimeters to inches?
Divide the millimeters by 25.4 to get inches.
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Feb 16, 2024
Can I convert inches to centimeters?
Yes, one inch is approximately 2.54 centimeters.
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Feb 16, 2024
What’s easier to read, centimeters or millimeters?
Centimeters are easier for larger measurements.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
Are centimeters used in the imperial system?
No, centimeters are part of the metric system.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
Is the centimeter widely used globally?
Yes, except in countries using the imperial system.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
Do engineers use millimeters?
Yes, for precision in design and construction.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
Are millimeters important in medical measurements?
Yes, for precision in medical procedures and diagnostics.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
Is a ruler marked in centimeters and millimeters?
Yes, most metric rulers have both units.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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