A centimetre (cm) is a unit of length in the metric system, equal to one-hundredth of a metre. It is commonly used to measure shorter distances and dimensions, such as the height of a person or the size of an object. The metric system is widely adopted around the world, making centimetres a standard unit in many countries. Centimetres are often used in various fields, including science, engineering, and everyday life. For example, a standard ruler typically measures in centimetres, allowing people to easily gauge lengths. The conversion between centimetres and other units, like metres or inches, is straightforward, facilitating measurements across different systems.