Units of measurement for distances are mostly done in the metric system, which is universally followed as the global standard. This system was first introduced by the French in 1791 and later went on to become the global standard. However, even today, some countries like the US also measure distances in feet and inches like the weights measured in pounds or ounces or gallons rather than litres. Since the population wanted to use both the system while measuring a relationship had to be found and some formulae had to be devised to quickly convert from one format to the other and vice-versa. In order to elucidate the formula let us take an example: converting 17 cm in inches is done as follows: 1 inch equals to 2.54 centimeters. Hence to find out the inches we need to divide the total centimeters by 2.54 i.e. 17 divided by 2.54 equals to 6.69 inches (adjusted to two decimals).

Although converting 17 cm in inches may seem an easy task, things do get complicated when the sizes increase or while converting from one system to the other using decimals. This is mainly because all the relations and hierarchy needs to be kept in mind and not confused. This is especially true for measuring and converting liquids. That is the reason special charts are prepared to explain in detail the relationships with each forms. The metric system has been further simplified by the use of symbols e.g. cm, mm, ml, mg etc. The non-metric system used currently by US is an example to the point that creates confusion as any one US will not be familiar with the metric system usage and may not be able to comprehend the distances correctly leading to wrong decisions.

Hence, converting 17 cm in inches may seem simple but is an important lesson to learn and keep in mind when one encounters these conversions in their daily life. Any miscalculation may lead to disaster e.g. in case of medicine dosage or the distance from destination or while calculating weight capacity planning etc. There are innumerable websites available which provides this service of conversion at free of cost. It is therefore advised to check and use these services instead of guessing just like the saying “it's better safe than sorry”.