Knowledge Explorer lesson
Centimeters, Meters, and Kilometers
How many centimeters are in a meter?
Most countries, and scientists everywhere, use the metric system. It is based on tens, so changing units is easy.
A centimeter (cm) is about the width of your fingertip. 100 centimeters make 1 meter (m). A meter is a little longer than a yard.
1,000 meters make 1 kilometer (km). Walking 1 kilometer takes most people about 10 to 15 minutes.
Use centimeters for small things like a crayon, meters for a room or a swimming pool, and kilometers for long trips.
What you will learn
- Measure length with a centimeter ruler
- Know how centimeters, meters, and kilometers are related
- Choose a sensible metric unit
Key facts
- 10 millimeters = 1 centimeter.
- 100 centimeters = 1 meter.
- 1,000 meters = 1 kilometer.
- A meter is a little longer than a yard.