What Does cm Mean in Medical Terms?

cm stands for centimeter. Unit of length, one hundredth of a meter.

centimeter

Unit of length, one hundredth of a meter.

Where you will see cm

You will most often see cm in medical charts and clinical notes.

Example

A chart note might use “cm” as shorthand for centimeter when documenting a patient's care.

Related abbreviations

Browse the full Medical Abbreviations guide — 5,715 entries, searchable A–Z and by specialty.

Educational reference only. This guide is for learning and quick reference. Abbreviations vary between hospitals, countries and specialties, and some are discouraged because they can be misread. Always write and interpret orders using your own institution’s approved abbreviation list, and check anything unclear with the prescriber or your local policy.