Quick Answer: Feet to Inches
One feet equals 12 inches (1 ft = 12 in).
Conversely, 1 in = 0.0833333333 ft.
Formula: in = ft × 12
Worked examples
- 1 ft = 12 in
- 1.5 ft = 18 in
- 2 ft = 24 in
Method and limitations
To convert feet to inches, multiply the feet value by 12. There are exactly 12 inches in one foot. Calculations use full-precision constants; displayed values are rounded to at most 9 significant figures. Results are rounded for display only. Full precision is kept internally, so long chains of conversions do not accumulate rounding error. Where US customary and imperial units share a name (for example fluid ounces and gallons), this page uses the US customary definition and says so explicitly.
Each factor is exact by definition, derived from exact definitions, or a documented conventional value — see the methodology and sources.
Conversion Formula
To convert feet to inches, multiply the feet value by 12. There are exactly 12 inches in one foot.
Complete Guide to Feet to Inches Conversion
What is a Feet?
A foot (symbol: ft or ′) is a unit of length in the imperial and US customary measurement systems, equal to exactly 12 inches or 0.3048 meters. It is used primarily in the US for height, room dimensions, and construction.
What is a Inches?
An inch (symbol: in or ″) is a unit of length equal to 1/12 of a foot or exactly 25.4 millimeters. Inches provide finer granularity for detailed measurements within the imperial system.
How the Conversion Works
Multiplying feet by 12 converts to inches because there are exactly 12 inches in one foot — a ratio that has been standardized for centuries.
Why This Conversion Matters
Converting feet to inches is essential for precision tasks: cutting materials to exact lengths, entering accurate data in medical forms, or reading detailed blueprints where measurements are given in inches.
Step-by-Step Conversion Guide
Follow these steps to convert feet to inches manually:
Start with your value in feet
Example: You want to convert 2 ft
Apply the conversion formula
Use the formula: in = ft × 12
Calculate the result
2 ft = 24 in
Verify your answer
Use our calculator above to double-check your manual calculation.
Quick Mental Math Tip
To convert feet to inches, multiply the feet value by 12. There are exactly 12 inches in one foot.
Common Conversions
| Feet (ft) | Inches (in) | Inches → Feet |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ft | 12 | 1 in = 0.0833333 ft |
| 1.5 ft | 18 | 1.5 in = 0.125 ft |
| 2 ft | 24 | 2 in = 0.166667 ft |
| 3 ft | 36 | 3 in = 0.25 ft |
| 4 ft | 48 | 4 in = 0.333333 ft |
| 5 ft | 60 | 5 in = 0.416667 ft |
| 5.5 ft | 66 | 5.5 in = 0.458333 ft |
| 6 ft | 72 | 6 in = 0.5 ft |
| 6.5 ft | 78 | 6.5 in = 0.541667 ft |
| 7 ft | 84 | 7 in = 0.583333 ft |
| 8 ft | 96 | 8 in = 0.666667 ft |
| 10 ft | 120 | 10 in = 0.833333 ft |
| 12 ft | 144 | 12 in = 1 ft |
| 15 ft | 180 | 15 in = 1.25 ft |
| 20 ft | 240 | 20 in = 1.66667 ft |
Did You Know?
The feet and inches are among the most commonly converted units worldwide, with millions of daily searches.
This converter is used by thousands of people daily for quick reference. Bookmark it for instant access.
Popular Feet to Inches Conversions
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When You'll Need This Conversion
Construction & Carpentry
Convert room measurements, lumber lengths, and building plans from feet to inches for precise cutting and ordering.
Medical & Sports Records
Convert height from feet to total inches for medical intake forms, BMI calculations, and athletic databases.
Furniture & Interior Design
Convert ceiling heights and room dimensions from feet to inches when working with detailed measurement tools.
Math & Science
Convert measurements for geometry problems, physics experiments, and academic assignments.
Pro Tips for Accurate Conversions
Multiply by 12
The rule is simple: feet × 12 = inches. For mixed units (e.g., 5'10"), convert feet first: (5 × 12) + 10 = 70 inches.
Memorize multiples of 12
12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96 — these are 1ft through 8ft in inches. Useful for quick mental reference.
Decimal feet trick
For decimal feet (e.g., 5.75 ft), multiply the decimal by 12 to get inches: 0.75 × 12 = 9 inches, so 5.75 ft = 5'9".
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Multiplying by 10 instead of 12
This is a common metric system habit. Always multiply by 12 for the feet-to-inches conversion.
6 feet × 12 = 72 inches, not 6 × 10 = 60 inches.
Forgetting to add the inch portion
When you have 5'10", multiply only the feet part by 12, then add the inches: (5 × 12) + 10 = 70 inches.
5'10" = (5 × 12) + 10 = 70 inches.
History & Background
The relationship between feet and inches dates to ancient times. The foot was one of the earliest standardized units of measurement, with 12 inches per foot established by medieval English law.
Key Milestones
Anglo-Saxon England used the "pes" (foot) as a standard unit of measurement.
King Edward II decreed that an inch equals three barleycorns, establishing the 12-inch foot.
The British Weights and Measures Act standardized the imperial system, including the foot and inch.
The international foot was defined as exactly 0.3048 meters, fixing the inch at 25.4 mm.
Global Usage Today
Feet and inches are primarily used in the United States for everyday measurements. The UK uses them for height and some road distances. Globally, the metric system dominates scientific and international contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Conversion factors on this page are either exact by definition, derived from exact definitions, or conventional values in documented use. Each is listed with its source in our conversion methodology and sources, which cites the BIPM SI Brochure, NIST Special Publication 811 and the relevant IEC or national standards. Results are rounded for display only; calculations use full precision.