# Decimeter to Meter Converter

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/conversion/decimeter-to-meter/
Last updated: 2026-10-25

> Convert decimetres (dm) to metres (m): 1 decimetre = 0.1 m, so multiply by 0.1 or divide by 10. Both fields are editable, so you can also type in metres and get decimetres back.

## Inputs

- Decimetres (dm)

## Results

- Metres

## Formula

```
1 dm = 0.1 m
1 m = 10 dm
m = dm × 0.1
```

## Explanation

Ten decimetres make a metre, so divide by 10. Decimetres show up in school maths, in some European technical drawings and in volume work, where 1 dm³ equals 1 litre.

### How to use the Decimeter to Meter Converter

- Type the number of decimetres into the **Decimetres** field. Decimals such as 5 are fine.
- Read the answer in **Metres** – it updates as you type, with no button to press.
- To convert the other way, type into **Metres** and the decimetres are recalculated.
- Press **Copy results** to copy both values with the page title, or **Copy link** to share this exact conversion.

This page converts only dm ⇄ m. Need a different unit? Use the general length converter, where you can choose any “from” and “to” unit.

### How it works

Both units measure length, so they are always in the same ratio: one decimetre equals 0.1 metres. The calculator multiplies the number of decimetres you type by 0.1 to give metres, and when you type into the metres field it divides by the same factor to give decimetres. Because the ratio never changes, doubling the decimetres always doubles the metres. Results are calculated at full precision and rounded only for display (up to eight decimal places, with very large or small values shown in scientific notation).

### How to convert decimetres to metres

- Write down the value in decimetres, for example **10 dm**.
- Multiply by the conversion factor 0.1 (because 1 decimetre = 0.1 m).
- 10 × 0.1 = **1 m**.
- To go back from metres to decimetres, divide by 0.1 – or multiply by 10.

### dm to m conversion table

DecimetresMetresMetresDecimetres1 dm0.1 m1 m10 dm2 dm0.2 m2 m20 dm5 dm0.5 m5 m50 dm10 dm1 m10 m100 dm15 dm1.5 m20 m200 dm20 dm2 m50 m500 dm50 dm5 m100 m1,000 dm100 dm10 m1,000 m10,000 dm

### What is a decimetre?

A decimetre is one tenth of a metre (10 cm). It is rarely used for length on its own, but one cubic decimetre is exactly one litre.

### What is a metre?

The metre is the SI base unit of length. Since 1983 it has been defined as the distance light travels in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 of a second, which ties it to a fundamental constant rather than a physical bar of metal.

### Common mistakes to avoid

Mixing the international foot (0.3048 m) with the old u.s. survey foot, confusing nautical and statute miles, and writing decimal feet such as 5.5 ft as “5 ft 5 in” (it is 5 ft 6 in).

## Worked example

Inputs — Decimetres: 10 dm.

Results — **Metres = 1 m**.

## FAQ

**How many decimetres in a metre?**
10.

**How many cm in a decimetre?**
10 cm.

**How do I convert decimetres to metres?**
Multiply the number of decimetres by 0.1. For example, 10 dm × 0.1 = 1 m.

**How do I convert metres back to decimetres?**
Divide by 0.1 (or multiply by 10), or simply type the value into the metres field above.

**What is 100 dm in metres?**
100 dm = 10 m.

**What is 5 dm in metres?**
5 dm = 0.5 m.

**Is this conversion exact?**
Yes. The factor comes from the official definitions of both units (NIST and the SI), so the only difference you may see is rounding in the last displayed digit.

**Can I convert to other units on this page?**
This page converts only between decimetres and metres. To pick any length unit, use the general length converter linked under Related calculators.

**What formula does the Decimeter to Meter Converter use?**
1 dm = 0.1 m.


## Sources

- [NIST Special Publication 811 – Guide for the Use of the International System of Units](https://www.nist.gov/pml/special-publication-811)
- [NIST Handbook 44 Appendix C – General tables of units of measurement](https://www.nist.gov/pml/owm/nist-handbook-44-current-edition)