How to Convert Centimeters to Centimeters Squared

A centimeter is a unit used to measure the length of an object. For example, a pencil is about 15 centimeters long. The abbreviation for centimeter is “cm.” A square centimeter is a unit used to measure the area of an object, which is the amount needed to cover the surface of an object. The abbreviation for square centimeters is “cm^2,” which is also called centimeters squared. For example, a dollar bill is about 100 square centimeters. Any object’s measurement in centimeters can be converted into its area measurement in centimeters squared.

Step 1

Determine the formula required to calculate the area of an object to convert the object’s measurement in centimeters to centimeters squared. For example, the formula to calculate the area of a rectangle is length times width. The area of a rectangle that is 1 1/3 centimeters in length and 1 1/2 centimeters in width equals 1 1/3 times 1 1/2.

Step 2

Convert 1 1/3 and 1 1/2 into improper fractions, which are fractions greater than 1 — 1 1/3 becomes 4/3 and 1 1/2 becomes 3/2.

Step 3

Multiply 4/3 by 3/2, which equals 12/6.

Step 4

Divide 12 by 6 to convert to a whole number. This equals 2 centimeters squared, which is the area of the rectangle.