Feet to Inches — Understanding Imperial Length
One foot equals exactly 12 inches, and one inch is defined as exactly 2.54 centimetres. These exact definitions mean that converting feet to inches, centimetres, or metres is perfectly precise. The foot (ft) and inch (in) are part of the imperial system used predominantly in the United States.
Feet-to-inches conversion comes up regularly in home improvement and construction — for example, when a ceiling is described as 8 ft but materials are sold by the inch, or when comparing US and European furniture dimensions. This calculator also supports decimal feet (e.g. 5.5 ft = 66 in).
Common references: 1 ft = 12 in; 2 ft = 24 in; 3 ft = 36 in (1 yard); 5 ft = 60 in; 6 ft = 72 in; 10 ft = 120 in.
Formula
To convert feet to inches: inches = feet × 12. For centimetres: cm = feet × 30.48. For metres: m = feet × 0.3048.
Common Feet to Inches Conversions
- 1 foot = 12 inches
- 2 feet = 24 inches
- 3 feet (1 yard) = 36 inches
- 4 feet = 48 inches
- 5 feet = 60 inches
- 6 feet = 72 inches
- 8 feet = 96 inches
- 10 feet = 120 inches
Practical Uses
- Construction — ceiling heights (8 ft = 96 in), door heights (6 ft 8 in = 80 in), and window openings are often specified in total inches for cutting or ordering materials
- Interior design — room dimensions in feet, but fabric and trim sold by the inch
- Athletics — high jump and pole vault heights are recorded in feet and inches in US broadcasts
- Aviation — runway and altitude measurements in feet
Feet and the Imperial System
The foot is one of the oldest units of measurement, historically based on the length of a human foot. It was standardised at exactly 0.3048 metres in 1959 as part of the International Yard and Pound Agreement. While most countries have adopted the metric system, the foot remains in daily use in the US.
Related Calculators
- Inches to Feet — Convert inches to feet and inches.
- Feet & Inches to Metres — Convert feet and inches to metres.
- Centimetres to Inches — Convert cm to inches and feet.