How to convert feet to inches
To convert a measurement in feet to inches, multiply the value by 12. The conversion factor comes from the relationship between both units and the meter (the SI base unit of length).
For example, to convert 5 ft to inches: 5 × 12 = 60 in.
What is a foot?
A foot is an imperial unit of length equal to 12 inches or exactly 0.3048 meters. One of the oldest units of measurement, based on the human foot. Used in ancient civilizations from Egypt to Rome. The international foot was defined as exactly 0.3048 meters in 1959.
Common uses of feet include: Human height in the US and UK (e.g. 5'10"); Room dimensions and ceiling height; Aviation altitude measurement worldwide; Construction and building codes in imperial countries.
What is a inch?
An inch is an imperial unit of length equal to 1/12 of a foot or exactly 25.4 millimeters. Originally defined as the width of a man's thumb, later standardized as three barleycorns laid end to end. Since 1959, defined internationally as exactly 25.4 mm.
Common uses of inches include: Screen and display sizes (TV, phone, monitor diagonals); Screw, bolt, and pipe sizing; Tire rim diameter specifications; Woodworking and carpentry precision.
When you need to convert feet to inches
Human height is commonly expressed as feet and inches combined (e.g. 5'10"), requiring conversion when filling forms that ask for total inches or vice versa.
Feet to inches worked examples
Here are some common values converted:
1 ft = 12 in 5 ft = 60 in 10 ft = 120 in 50 ft = 600 in 100 ft = 1,200 in
Frequently asked questions
How many inches are in one foot?
One foot (ft) equals 12 inches (in). Multiply any value in feet by 12 to convert to inches.
How do I convert feet to inches?
Multiply the value in feet by 12. For example, 5 ft × 12 = 60 in.
How do I convert inches to feet?
Multiply the value in inches by 0.0833333333, or divide by 12. Use the swap button on the converter above to reverse the direction.
Is the foot to inch conversion exact?
Yes, imperial-to-imperial length conversions are exact. Since 1959, one inch is defined as exactly 25.4 millimeters, making all imperial length units exact multiples of each other.
What is the formula for feet to inches?
The formula is: in = ft × 12. This is derived from the definition of both units relative to the meter (the SI base unit of length).