Use a unit converter: swap and quick reference

The short answer

Open the converter, enter your value and read the answer. Press the swap (⇄) button to reverse the direction, and use the quick-reference table on the page for common values.

Convert a value

1. 1Open Search with Ctrl K (⌘ K on a Mac) or the Search button in the header.
2. 2Type what you want, such as cm to inch, and choose a result.
3. 3Enter your value in the field. The answer appears straight away.
4. 4Read the answer, which is labelled and shown with its unit.

Reverse the direction

Most converters have a swap (⇄) button. Press it to turn inches to cm into cm to inches without starting again.

Quick-reference table

Most unit converters have a quick-reference table on the page, handy when you need several common values without entering each one.

The time-zone converter has its own short guide on the page.

Units covered include length, weight, volume, area, speed, temperature and data, among others.

Good to know

• Each field shows its unit beside it, so you always know which way the conversion runs.
• Other calculators work the same way. They show the unit beside each field and expect your number in that unit.
• If you cannot find the unit you need, try Search with different words or browse the Categories page.