Feet to Inches Converter

How to Convert Feet to Inches

Converting feet to inches is one of the simplest unit conversions in the imperial system. Since both feet and inches are part of the same measurement system, the conversion factor is a clean, whole number that's easy to remember and use.

The Simple Rule: Multiply by 12

There are exactly 12 inches in 1 foot. This relationship has been standard since ancient times and remains unchanged today.

Formula: Inches = Feet × 12

For measurements given in feet and inches (like 5'6"), first convert the feet portion to inches, then add the remaining inches.

Step-by-Step Conversion

1. Simple feet: To convert 5 feet to inches: 5 × 12 = 60 inches
2. Feet and inches: To convert 5'6" to total inches: (5 × 12) + 6 = 60 + 6 = 66 inches
3. Decimal feet: To convert 5.5 feet to inches: 5.5 × 12 = 66 inches

Common Feet to Inches Conversions

• 1 foot = 12 inches
• 2 feet = 24 inches
• 3 feet = 36 inches (1 yard)
• 4 feet = 48 inches
• 5 feet = 60 inches
• 5 feet 6 inches = 66 inches
• 6 feet = 72 inches
• 6 feet 6 inches = 78 inches
• 7 feet = 84 inches
• 10 feet = 120 inches

Why Convert Feet to Inches?

There are many practical reasons to convert feet to inches:

• Woodworking: Many lumber dimensions are given in inches
• Sewing: Pattern measurements often use inches
• Height comparisons: Some contexts prefer total inches
• Mathematical calculations: Simpler to work with one unit
• Product specifications: Many items list dimensions in inches

Understanding the Imperial System

The foot and inch relationship is fundamental to the imperial measurement system. A foot was originally based on the length of a human foot. The inch was defined as the width of a thumb, and it takes 12 of these widths to equal a foot's length. This 12-based system allows for easy division into halves, thirds, quarters, and sixths.

Feet and Inches Notation

Height is commonly written using the prime symbols: 5'6" means 5 feet and 6 inches. The single prime (') represents feet, while the double prime (") represents inches. This notation is used on driver's licenses, medical records, and in everyday conversation.

Converting Inches Back to Feet

To reverse the conversion, divide inches by 12. For example, 72 inches ÷ 12 = 6 feet. If there's a remainder, those are the extra inches. For instance, 67 inches = 5 feet 7 inches (67 ÷ 12 = 5.58...).

Frequently Asked Questions

How many inches is 5 feet?
5 feet equals 60 inches (5 × 12 = 60).

How many inches is 6 feet?
6 feet equals 72 inches (6 × 12 = 72).

Is 60 inches 5 feet?
Yes, 60 inches equals exactly 5 feet.