Feet and Inches Calculator
A utility to convert between feet, fractional inches, and decimal values.
Woodworking and construction projects often require switching between different measurement formats. While tape measures use feet and fractional inches, many calculations, especially in CAD software or for complex formulas, require decimal values. The Feet and Inches Calculator is a simple utility designed to bridge this gap seamlessly.
This tool helps you quickly convert standard measurements into decimal formats for easier calculation and back again for layout on a workpiece. It eliminates the mental math and potential for errors when converting fractions, ensuring accuracy in your projects from planning to execution.
The conversion is based on simple arithmetic:
- Input Standard Measurement: Enter the number of whole feet and the number of inches. The inches can be a decimal (e.g., 6.5) or a fraction (which you must first convert to a decimal, e.g., 5/8 = 0.625).
- Calculate Total Inches: The calculator first converts the feet to inches by multiplying by 12, then adds the inch value.
Total Inches = (Feet × 12) + Inches - Calculate Decimal Feet: The total inches are then divided by 12 to get the equivalent measurement in decimal feet.
- Fractional Inches: The standard way measurements are read on an imperial tape measure (e.g., 1/2", 3/8", 15/16").
- Decimal Inches: Inches expressed as a decimal value (e.g., 0.5", 0.375", 0.9375"). This format is easier for calculations.
- Decimal Feet: Feet expressed as a decimal value (e.g., 1.5 ft, 2.75 ft).
- Incorrect Fraction Conversion: A common mistake is incorrectly converting a fraction to a decimal (e.g., confusing 5/8 with 0.58). Always divide the top number by the bottom number (5 ÷ 8 = 0.625).
- Mixing up Tenths and Sixteenths: Confusing a decimal like 0.6 feet with 6 inches. 0.6 feet is actually 7.2 inches (0.6 * 12).
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Always double-check your measurements before cutting.
Account for the kerf (the width of the saw blade) in your calculations.
Consider wood movement (expansion and contraction) in your final dimensions.
Buy 10-15% extra material to account for mistakes and waste.