Updated May 10, 2026

Feet to Inches Converter

One foot equals exactly 12 inches. Multiply feet by 12 to convert. For feet and inches combined, multiply the feet by 12 and add the inches. For example, 5 ft 9 in = (5 x 12) + 9 = 69 inches.

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Common Conversions

Key Takeaways

  • 1 foot = exactly 12 inches. Multiply feet by 12 to get inches.
  • Mixed: 5'9" = (5 x 12) + 9 = 69 inches.
  • 1 inch = 2.54 cm, so 1 foot = 30.48 cm.
  • Common heights: 5'0" = 60 in, 5'6" = 66 in, 6'0" = 72 in.
  • Construction: lumber is sold in feet, hardware in inches — convert freely.

How Do You Convert Feet to Inches?

Multiply the number of feet by 12 to get inches. The formula is: Inches = Feet x 12. For mixed measurements like 5 feet 10 inches, multiply the feet by 12 and add the remaining inches: (5 x 12) + 10 = 70 inches.

Dana Kowalski measures spaces for kitchen renovations in Pinewood Falls homes. A countertop opening is 3.5 feet wide. Converting: 3.5 x 12 = 42 inches. She orders a 42-inch countertop section from the supplier, who lists materials in inches. The conversion between feet and inches is constant in construction work.

Height Conversion Reference

Height (ft/in) Total Inches Centimeters
4'10"58 in147.3 cm
5'0"60 in152.4 cm
5'2"62 in157.5 cm
5'4"64 in162.6 cm
5'6"66 in167.6 cm
5'8"68 in172.7 cm
5'10"70 in177.8 cm
6'0"72 in182.9 cm
6'2"74 in188.0 cm
6'4"76 in193.0 cm
6'6"78 in198.1 cm

Construction and Home Improvement

Lumber and Materials

Lumber is sold in foot lengths (8-foot, 10-foot, 12-foot boards), but cutting measurements are typically in inches. A 10-foot 2x4 is 120 inches long. Dana needs four 28-inch pieces from one board: 4 x 28 = 112 inches, plus saw kerf allowance — it fits in a 120-inch board with room to spare.

Room Dimensions

A standard room might be 12 feet x 14 feet. In inches, that is 144 x 168 inches. When ordering carpet or flooring by the square foot, the conversion is straightforward — but when cutting trim molding, Dana works in inches to get precise fits around corners and door frames.

TV and Monitor Sizes

Screen sizes are measured diagonally in inches. A 65-inch TV is 5.42 feet across the diagonal. The actual width is about 56.7 inches (4.72 feet) for a 16:9 aspect ratio. Sam Okafor helps clients plan media wall dimensions: a 65-inch TV needs at least 60 inches (5 feet) of wall width plus mounting space.


Related Calculators

Frequently Asked Questions

How many inches are in a foot?

One foot equals exactly 12 inches. This has been the standard since the 14th century in England. The plural is "feet" and the abbreviation is "ft" or the prime symbol (′). Twelve inches make one foot, and three feet make one yard.

How do I convert feet and inches to total inches?

Multiply the feet by 12 and add the remaining inches. For example, 5 feet 9 inches = (5 x 12) + 9 = 69 inches. This is useful for height calculations, BMI, and ordering materials.

How tall is 6 feet in inches?

6 feet = 72 inches (6 x 12). Common heights: 5'0" = 60 inches, 5'6" = 66 inches, 5'9" = 69 inches, 6'0" = 72 inches, 6'2" = 74 inches.

What is 5 foot 7 in inches?

5 feet 7 inches = (5 x 12) + 7 = 67 inches. This is a common height (170.2 cm). To convert to centimeters, multiply total inches by 2.54: 67 x 2.54 = 170.18 cm.

Why are there 12 inches in a foot?

The 12-inch foot dates to ancient Rome, where the "pes" was divided into 12 "unciae." Twelve was preferred because it is easily divisible by 2, 3, 4, and 6, making fractions like halves, thirds, and quarters simple — a practical advantage for builders and merchants.