Converting Millimeters to Centimeters

This example problem demonstrates how to convert millimeters to centimeters.

Problem:

Express 312 millimeters in centimeters.

Solution:

1 centimeter = 10 millimeters

Set up the conversion so the desired unit will be cancelled out. In this case, we want cm to be the remaining unit.

distance in cm = (distance in mm) x (1 cm/10 cm)
distance in cm = (312/10) cm
distance in cm = 3.12 cm

Answer:

312 millimeters is 3.12 centimeters.