A foot is exactly 0.3048 meters.
Feet to Inches Converter — ft to in
Convert Foot (ft) to Inch (in) using the exact conversion factor (1 foot = 12 inch). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, unit comparison, history, and common uses.
Feet to Inches converter
Converter
Length Converter
Convert SI, imperial, US customary, astronomical, scientific, and historical length units.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
An inch is exactly 0.0254 meters.
Result = input x 0.3048 / 0.0254.
Length uses the meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Feet to Inches
Foot and Inch both measure length. Foot is typically associated with united States (height, construction, aviation altitude), while Inch is typically associated with united States and United Kingdom (small measurements, screen sizes, hardware).
Formula
inches = feet × 12
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 foot equals 0.3048 base units, and 1 inch equals 0.0254 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct foot-to-inch factor of 12.
Simple example
1 ft × 12 = 12 in
1 foot = 12 inches.
Real-world example
10 ft × 12 = 120 in
10 feet = 120 inches.
Conversion table
| Foot (ft) | Inch (in) |
|---|---|
| 1 ft | 12 in |
| 5 ft | 60 in |
| 10 ft | 120 in |
| 21.0975 ft | 253.17 in |
| 42.195 ft | 506.34 in |
| 100 ft | 1,200 in |
Reverse conversion: Inch to Foot
12 in × 0.08333333333 = 1 ft
12 inches = 1 feet.
feet = inches × 0.0833333333333
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Inch to Foot.
Foot vs. Inch
| Aspect | Foot | Inch |
|---|---|---|
| Family | US/imperial customary unit | US/imperial customary unit |
| Typical use | Height measurement in the US and UK | Screen and display size measurement worldwide (even in metric countries) |
| Where it's used | United States (height, construction, aviation altitude) | United States and United Kingdom (small measurements, screen sizes, hardware) |
Understanding the Foot
Foot (ft) measures distance. The international foot is defined as exactly 0.3048 meters. It is classified as a US/imperial customary unit.
Where it's used: United States (height, construction, aviation altitude) United Kingdom (height, some construction contexts)
Uses of the Foot today
- Height measurement in the US and UK
- US construction and real estate (square footage)
- Aviation altitude worldwide (feet remain standard even in metric countries)
History of the Foot
The foot has ancient roots (Roman 'pes', various regional English feet), standardized into the modern English foot over centuries. The international foot (exactly 0.3048 m) was fixed by the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement, resolving small historical differences between US and UK measurements.
Historical origin. Foot was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Understanding the Inch
Inch (in) measures distance. The international inch is defined as exactly 25.4 millimeters. It is classified as a US/imperial customary unit.
Where it's used: United States and United Kingdom (small measurements, screen sizes, hardware)
Uses of the Inch today
- Screen and display size measurement worldwide (even in metric countries)
- US/UK small-object and body measurement
- Hardware, tools, and pipe fittings (US)
History of the Inch
The inch traces to medieval England, traditionally defined as the length of three barleycorns, later standardized as 1/12 of a foot. The international inch (exactly 25.4 mm) was fixed by the same 1959 agreement that standardized the foot and yard.
Historical origin. Inch was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Foot — sources
- NIST — International yard and pound (1959) — Fixes the modern foot at exactly 0.3048 meters.
Inch — sources
- NIST — International yard and pound (1959) — Fixes the modern inch at exactly 25.4 millimeters.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many inches are in 1 foot?
1 foot equals 12 inches, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert foot to inch?
Multiply the foot value by 12. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert inch back to foot?
Use the reverse factor: 1 inch equals 0.0833333333 feet. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a foot?
Foot (ft) measures distance. The international foot is defined as exactly 0.3048 meters. It is classified as a US/imperial customary unit.
What is a inch?
Inch (in) measures distance. The international inch is defined as exactly 25.4 millimeters. It is classified as a US/imperial customary unit.
Is the foot to inch conversion exact?
Yes. The international inch is defined as exactly 25.4 millimeters. That fixed definition is what the converter above uses, so any rounding you see is a display choice, not a limitation of the math.
Where is the foot still used today?
United States (height, construction, aviation altitude) United Kingdom (height, some construction contexts)