Inches to Centimeters (in to cm)
One inch is exactly 2.54 cm, so multiply inches by 2.54. A standard 48 × 40 in pallet is 121.92 × 101.6 cm. Convert each side on its own, the way a forwarder measures, and then work out the volume.
1 in = 2.54 cm
centimeters (cm)
Quick reference
How to convert inches to centimeters
To convert inches to centimeters, multiply by the conversion factor:
Multiply inches by 2.54 to get centimeters. The inch is defined as exactly 2.54 cm, so the result carries no rounding of its own. Convert each side of a box or pallet separately, the same way a forwarder will re-measure it.
| Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|
| 12 | 30.48 |
| 24 | 60.96 |
| 36 | 91.44 |
| 40 (pallet width) | 101.60 |
| 48 (pallet length) | 121.92 |
| 60 | 152.40 |
| 72 | 182.88 |
| 96 | 243.84 |
| 102 | 259.08 |
2.54, exactly
Since 1959 the inch has been defined as exactly 2.54 cm, so this conversion adds no rounding of its own: 48 in is 121.92 cm, full stop. You can convert a size to centimeters and back again and get the same number.
Convert each side separately, then work out the volume. That is how a forwarder re-measures your freight, so your numbers will match theirs.
Freight sizes in both units
A standard 48 × 40 in pallet is 121.92 × 101.6 cm. Stacked to 65 in (165.1 cm) tall, it takes up 1.2192 × 1.016 × 1.651 = 2.045 m³. An air forwarder divides that by 6,000 cm³ per kg, which bills the pallet as at least 341 kg.
Bigger freight converts the same way. The inside of a 53 ft trailer is about 630 to 636 in long (1,600 to 1,615 cm), and a Euro pallet is 144 mm (5.67 in) tall. Keep the unit your carrier uses on the booking, and write the other one in brackets if the paperwork crosses a border.
Measure the way the carrier will
Carriers measure each piece at its greatest length, width and height, including anything that sticks out: a pallet overhang, a strap buckle, a bulging top carton. TForce's tariff, for example, says the greatest dimensions including all projections and packaging. Measure the same way before you convert, or the carrier's number will be bigger than yours.
Write the result to the same precision the carrier bills on. Many carriers round to whole inches or whole centimeters, so a size you give to two decimals will be rounded on their side anyway.
Frequently asked questions
Is 1 inch exactly 2.54 cm?
Yes, by international definition since 1959. So 48 in = 121.92 cm and 40 in = 101.6 cm exactly.
What is a 48 × 40 pallet in cm?
121.92 × 101.6 cm, usually written as 1,219 × 1,016 mm. The ISO lists it as one of its six standard pallet sizes.
What is a Euro pallet in inches?
1,200 × 800 mm is 47.24 × 31.50 in, a little shorter and narrower than the 48 × 40 in US standard pallet.