Dimensions converter

The centimetre is a unit of length in the metric system, equal to one-hundredth of a metre. Format Decimal Fractions. Accuracy Select resolution 1 significant figure 2 significant figures 3 significant figures 4 significant figures 5 significant figures 6 significant figures 7 significant figures 8 significant figures. Click save settings to reload page with unique web page address for bookmarking and sharing the current tool settings.

This tool will calculate the area of a rectangle from the dimensions of length and width. The Chinese also developed a means to ensure accuracy through the use of a special size of bowl used for measurements that also made a specific sound when struck — if the sound was off pitch, the measurement was not accurate. In , John Wilkins proposed a decimal system in which length, area, volume, and mass were linked to each other based on a pendulum that had a beat of one second as a base unit of length.

In , Gabriel Mouton proposed a decimal system that was instead based on the circumference of the earth, an idea supported by other prominent scientists of the time such as Jean Picard and Christiaan Huygens, but that did not take hold for approximately another years. By the mid-eighteenth century, it was clear to nations who traded and exchanged scientific ideas that standardization of weights and measures was necessary.

In , Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord, the Prince of Talleyrand, approached the British represented by John Riggs-Miller and the Americans represented by Thomas Jefferson with proposals to define a common standard of length based on the length of a pendulum. In that same year, Thomas Jefferson, presented the "Plan for Establishing Uniformity in the Coinage, Weights, and Measures of the United States," which advocated for a decimal system in which units were related to each other by powers of ten.

A committee that was formed in France comprised of some of the most prominent scientists of the day came to a similar conclusion, and also proposed a decimal system for all weights and measures. Although Congress considered Jefferson's report, it was not adopted. As such, the measurement system was only implemented in France, and in , the metric system was formally defined in French law.

It was not until , however, that the metric system was officially adopted in France, though it was still not universally observed across the country. The spread of the metric system did not occur quickly, and areas that were annexed by France during Napoleon's reign were the first to adopt the metric system.

The Dimensions. Guide Conversion Calculator currently converts length, area, weight, and temperature. Upgrade to Dimensions Pro and access additional features and perks throughout the library including:. X Dimensions. Browse Tags Convert About. Humans Animals Plants Objects. Furniture Fixtures Layouts Buildings. Transport Sports Digital Pop Culture. Conversion Calculator Use our Conversion Calculator to convert between commonly used units.