LibreOffice Writer allows you to measure your margins, tabs, etc. in several different sets of units, such as inches, centimeters, and points. If you use something other than the default of inches it’s easy to change the unit of measurement in Writer.

To change the unit of measurement in LibreOffice Writer, go to Tools > Options.

01_selecting_tools_options

In the tree structure on the left side of the Options dialog box, expand the LibreOffice Writer section by clicking the plus sign to the left of the “LibreOffice Writer” heading and then select “General”. Under Settings on the right, select an option, such as Centimeter, from the “Measurement unit” drop-down list.

02_selecting_measurement_unit

Click “OK” to save the change and close the Options dialog box.

03_clicking_ok

Related: How to Show and Hide the Rulers in LibreOffice Writer

The ruler now measures in centimeters (or whichever unit of measure you selected). If you don’t see the ruler, it’s hidden, but you can show it.

The values of any tabs you already had on the ruler are adjusted to the newly selected unit so they remain in the same place on the ruler.

04_centimeter_unit_of_measurement

The unit of measurement change affects all documents that are open and ones you open or create after the change.