Feet to Inches Converter
Convert feet (ft) to inches (in) instantly. Fast, accurate, and mobile-friendly length converter.
Common in US for height/distance
12 inches = 1 foot
Quick Conversion Formulas
Common Length Reference Points
Credit Card Width
3.375 inches / 8.57 cm
Average Human Height
5.5-6 feet / 167-183 cm
Football Field
100 yards / 300 feet / 91.4 m
Marathon Distance
26.2 miles / 42.195 km
Conversion History
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Feet to Inches Formula
inches = feet × 12
How to convert feet to inches:
- Take the number of feet you want to convert
- Multiply by 12 (since there are 12 inches in 1 foot)
- The result is the length in inches
Example:
Convert 5 feet to inches:
inches = 5 × 12 = 60 inches
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This tool provides estimates for informational purposes only. Results should not be relied upon for important decisions. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
Feet to Inches Conversion Table
| Feet (ft) | Inches (in) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ft | 12 in | Standard ruler |
| 2 ft | 24 in | Yardstick section |
| 3 ft | 36 in | 1 yard |
| 4 ft | 48 in | Small child height |
| 5 ft | 60 in | Average height |
| 5.5 ft | 66 in | Average female height (US) |
| 6 ft | 72 in | Average male height (US) |
| 7 ft | 84 in | Basketball player height |
| 8 ft | 96 in | Standard ceiling height |
| 10 ft | 120 in | Basketball hoop height |
| 12 ft | 144 in | Room width |
| 15 ft | 180 in | Large room dimension |
| 20 ft | 240 in | Parking space length |
Understanding Feet and Inches
The Foot Unit
The foot is an imperial unit of length commonly used in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It's one of the most familiar units for measuring height, room dimensions, and everyday distances.
Historically, the foot was based on the length of a human foot, though it has been standardized over time. The international foot is defined as exactly 0.3048 meters (or 30.48 centimeters).
Common uses for feet:
- Human height (e.g., 6 feet tall)
- Room dimensions (e.g., 12 feet wide)
- Building heights (e.g., 50-foot building)
- Athletic measurements (e.g., long jump distance)
The Inch Unit
The inch is a smaller imperial unit, with 12 inches making up 1 foot. It's perfect for more precise measurements where feet would be too large a unit.
The inch is defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters. It's widely used in the US for measurements requiring more precision than feet, such as screen sizes, fabric measurements, and small object dimensions.
Common uses for inches:
- Screen sizes (e.g., 27-inch monitor)
- Pipe diameters (e.g., 2-inch pipe)
- Rainfall measurements (e.g., 3 inches of rain)
- Small object dimensions (e.g., 8-inch plate)
When to Use Feet vs. Inches
Use feet for:
- Overall heights and lengths
- Room and building dimensions
- Distances in construction
Use inches for:
- Precise measurements
- Small object dimensions
- Technical specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
How many inches are in 1 foot?
There are exactly 12 inches in 1 foot. This is a fixed conversion ratio in the imperial measurement system. To convert any number of feet to inches, simply multiply by 12.
How do I convert 5.5 feet to inches?
Multiply 5.5 by 12: 5.5 × 12 = 66 inches. This is useful for height conversions, as many people's heights fall between whole feet (e.g., 5 feet 6 inches = 5.5 feet = 66 inches).
Why are there 12 inches in a foot?
The number 12 has historical roots in ancient civilizations, particularly the Romans, who used a base-12 counting system. Twelve is highly divisible (by 2, 3, 4, and 6), making it practical for fractions and subdivisions in everyday measurements.
What is 6 feet in inches?
6 feet equals 72 inches (6 × 12 = 72). This is a common height conversion, as 6 feet is close to the average height for adult males in the United States.
How do I convert feet and inches (like 5'6") to total inches?
First convert the feet to inches (multiply by 12), then add the remaining inches. For example, 5'6" = (5 × 12) + 6 = 60 + 6 = 66 inches total.