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The Ratio Between Inches and Feet
Visualising the relationship between inches and feet makes it easier to convert between the two. Inches are used to establish the baseline ruler and the feet ruler is sized in relation to that baseline.
How to convert inches to feet (in to ft)
The formula for converting inches to feet is: ft = in ÷ 12. To calculate the inch value in feet first substitute the inch value into the preceding formula, and then perform the calculation. If we wanted to calculate 1 inch in feet we follow these steps:
ft = in ÷ 12
ft = 1 ÷ 12
ft = 0.0833333333333333333333333333333
In other words, 1 inch is equal to 0.0833333333333333333333333333333 feet.
Example Conversion
Let's take a look at an example. The step-by-step process to convert 7 inches to feet is:
- Understand the conversion formula: ft = in ÷ 12
- Substitute the required value. In this case we substitute 7 for in so the formula becomes: ft = 7 ÷ 12
- Calculate the result using the provided values. In our example the result is: 7 ÷ 12 = 0.583333333333333333333333333333 ft
In summary, 7 inches is equal to 0.583333333333333333333333333333 feet.
Converting feet to inches
In order to convert the other way around i.e. feet to inches, you would use the following formula: in = ft × 12. To convert feet to inches first substitute the foot value into the above formula, and then execute the calculation. If we wanted to calculate 1 foot in inches we follow these steps:
in = ft × 12
in = 1 × 12
in = 12
Or in other words, 1 foot is equal to 12 inches.
Conversion Unit Definitions
What is a Inch?
Here are some additional details about the inch:
Origin: The inch has its roots in the ancient Roman measurement system. The word "inch" is derived from the Latin word "uncia," which means one-twelfth part.
Imperial and US Customary Systems: The inch is a fundamental unit in both the Imperial system and the United States Customary system. These systems of measurement are primarily used in the United States and other countries that have historical ties to the British Empire.
Length Conversion: As mentioned earlier, one inch is equal to exactly 1/12th of a foot. In the metric system, it is approximately equal to 2.54 centimeters. Conversely, one foot is equal to 12 inches.
Subdivisions: The inch can be further divided into smaller units to measure even finer lengths. Common subdivisions include:
- Half-inch (1/2 inch): Equal to 0.5 inches or approximately 1.27 centimeters.
- Quarter-inch (1/4 inch): Equal to 0.25 inches or approximately 0.635 centimeters.
- Eighth-inch (1/8 inch): Equal to 0.125 inches or approximately 0.318 centimeters.
- Sixteenth-inch (1/16 inch): Equal to 0.0625 inches or approximately 0.159 centimeters.
- Thirty-second inch (1/32 inch): Equal to 0.03125 inches or approximately 0.079 centimeters.
Common Uses: The inch is commonly used to measure various objects, particularly in fields like construction, engineering, manufacturing, and carpentry. It is often used to measure dimensions of building materials, tools, furniture, and other everyday items.
Symbol: The symbol for inch is a double prime ("). For example, a measurement of 5 inches would be written as 5".
International Usage: While the metric system (based on the meter) is widely adopted worldwide, the inch is still used in certain countries, such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. However, it is worth noting that many industries and scientific disciplines have transitioned to using metric measurements for international consistency.
What is a Foot?
Historical Context: The foot has been used as a unit of measurement for thousands of years and has roots in various ancient civilizations. It was originally based on the length of a human foot, but over time, standardized units were developed to ensure consistency.
Imperial and US Customary Systems: The foot is a fundamental unit in both the Imperial system and the United States Customary system. These systems of measurement are closely related and share many common units. The foot is divided into 12 inches and is further subdivided into smaller units such as the inch, half-inch, quarter-inch, etc.
Length Conversion: As mentioned earlier, one foot is equal to 12 inches or approximately 30.48 centimeters. Conversely, one inch is equal to 1/12th of a foot.
Symbol: The symbol for foot is a single prime ('). For example, a measurement of 5 feet would be written as 5'.
Usage: The foot is commonly used in various applications, including construction, architecture, interior design, surveying, and sports. It is often used to measure heights, distances, room dimensions, and other similar quantities.
Subdivisions: The foot can be divided into smaller units to measure finer lengths. Apart from the inch, mentioned earlier, there are also other subdivisions used in specific contexts. For example, in surveying, a foot can be divided into tenths or hundredths for precise measurements.
International Usage: While the metric system (based on the meter) is the predominant system of measurement used worldwide, the foot is still used in certain countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, especially in everyday contexts. However, it's worth noting that in scientific, technical, and international contexts, the meter is typically used for consistency and compatibility.
Inches To Feet Conversion Table
Below is a lookup table showing common inches to feet conversion values.
Inch (") | Foot (ft) |
---|---|
1 in | 0.0833333333333333333333333333333 ft |
2 in | 0.166666666666666666666666666667 ft |
3 in | 0.25 ft |
4 in | 0.333333333333333333333333333333 ft |
5 in | 0.416666666666666666666666666667 ft |
6 in | 0.5 ft |
7 in | 0.583333333333333333333333333333 ft |
8 in | 0.666666666666666666666666666667 ft |
9 in | 0.75 ft |
10 in | 0.833333333333333333333333333333 ft |
11 in | 0.916666666666666666666666666667 ft |
12 in | 1 ft |
13 in | 1.08333333333333333333333333333 ft |
Other Common Inch Conversions
Below is a table of common conversions from inches to other length units.
Conversion | Result |
---|---|
1 inch in miles | 0.0000157828282828282828282828282828 mi |
1 inch in millimeters | 25.4 mm |
1 inch in centimeters | 2.54 cm |
1 inch in kilometers | 0.0000253999862840074066360004165598 km |