Inches to Feet – Exact /12 Conversion Guide
Core idea: Feet are just grouped inches: 12 in = 1 ft. So every conversion is a clean division by 12; reversing multiplies by 12. No approximations, only exact ratios.
Formulas
ft = in ÷ 12in = ft × 12- Fractional inches:
(a/b) in ÷ 12 = (a / (12b)) ft
- Link to yards:
yd = in ÷ 36 (since 3 ft = 36 in)
Quick Values
| Inches | Feet | Yards |
|---|
| 6 | 0.5 | 0.16667 |
| 12 | 1 | 0.33333 |
| 18 | 1.5 | 0.5 |
| 24 | 2 | 0.66667 |
| 36 | 3 | 1 |
Worked Example
Example: 37 in → feet = 37 ÷ 12 = 3.08333 ft. Split: 3 ft + 1 in leftover (since 3 × 12 = 36).
Where Used
- Construction framing (inch measurements consolidated to feet for span totals).
- Interior design (fixture specs in inches vs. floor plans in feet).
- Sports equipment & ergonomic sizing conversions.
Accuracy & Tips
- Always reduce fractional inches before dividing (e.g., 5/8 in = 0.625 in).
- Feet to inches is exact—avoid rounding until the final display.
- Yards shortcut: divide inches by 36 directly when needed.
More Examples
| Inches | Feet | Inches Leftover | Feet (Decimal) |
|---|
| 14 | 1 | 2 | 1.16667 |
| 30 | 2 | 6 | 2.5 |
| 50 | 4 | 2 | 4.16667 |
FAQ
- Why 12 inches per foot? Historical duodecimal usage (base‑12) from Roman/medieval measures.
- Better to keep fraction or decimal? Use fraction for cutting, decimal for calculation.
- Fast mental check? Multiply feet result × 12 should return original inches.
Exact ratio 1:12 used; only display values rounded.