Centimeter to Meter Converter

A centimeter (cm) is a unit of length in the metric system equal to one-hundredth of a meter (0.01 m). It is widely used for measuring small to medium-sized objects and dimensions.

The centimeter was derived from the meter as part of the metric system's decimal structure, established in 1795. The prefix 'centi-' comes from the Latin word 'centum' meaning 'hundred'. It became popular due to its practical size for everyday measurements.

Centimeters are extensively used worldwide for measuring body dimensions (height, waist size), clothing sizes, small objects, and in medical applications. They're standard in tailoring, carpentry for precise measurements, and in many consumer products specifications.

A meter (m) is the base unit of length in the International System of Units (SI). Originally defined as one ten-millionth of the distance from the Earth's equator to the North Pole, it is now defined by the speed of light in vacuum.

The meter was first defined in 1793 during the French Revolution as part of the metric system. Initially based on Earth's dimensions, it was later redefined using a platinum-iridium bar (1889), then by wavelengths of light (1960), and finally in 1983 by the distance light travels in vacuum in 1/299,792,458 of a second.

The meter is universally used in science, engineering, and most countries for everyday measurements. It's the standard for construction, manufacturing, sports (track and field), and scientific research. Most countries use meters for height, room dimensions, and short to medium distances.