Inches to Meters – Exact 0.0254 Factor
Core idea: 1 inch is defined as exactly 0.0254 meters. Converting is just multiply inches by 0.0254; reverse divide meters by 0.0254 (or multiply by 39.3700787).
Formulas
m = in × 0.0254in = m ÷ 0.0254 ( = m × 39.37007874)- Via centimeters:
m = (in × 2.54) ÷ 100
- Chain to millimeters:
mm = in × 25.4
Quick Values
| Inches | Meters | Millimeters |
|---|
| 1 | 0.0254 | 25.4 |
| 12 | 0.3048 | 304.8 |
| 24 | 0.6096 | 609.6 |
| 36 | 0.9144 | 914.4 |
| 100 | 2.54 | 2540 |
Worked Example
Example: 58 in → m = 58 × 0.0254 = 1.4732 m. Cross-check via mm: 58 × 25.4 = 1473.2 mm → ÷ 1000 = 1.4732 m.
Where Used
- Engineering drawings (legacy inch specs adapted to metric manufacturing).
- Product dimension localization (US retail → international packaging).
- Human height / equipment sizing conversions.
Accuracy & Tips
- Never round 0.0254—it's exact; rounding early compounds error on large inch totals.
- For reverse conversion prefer dividing by 0.0254 rather than using a shortened 39.37 factor.
- Keep 4–5 decimals in meters if feeding into area/volume calcs.
More Examples
| Inches | Meters | Decimal Feet |
|---|
| 5 | 0.127 | 0.41667 ft |
| 30 | 0.762 | 2.5 ft |
| 72 | 1.8288 | 6 ft |
| 120 | 3.048 | 10 ft |
FAQ
- Why is 0.0254 exact? It was internationally agreed (1959) defining the yard as exactly 0.9144 m (→ 1 in = 1/36 yd).
- Better path: inches → meters or inches → cm → meters? Both are equivalent; cm route uses ×2.54 then ÷100.
- How many inches in 2 meters? 2 ÷ 0.0254 = 78.74015748 in.
Exact factor maintained; only displayed values rounded.