To convert feet to inches, multiply by 12. So 1 ft = 12 in, 5 ft = 60 in, and 6 ft = 72 in. There are exactly 12 inches in one foot - this is the definition of the foot within the imperial system.
- Exact factor: 1 ft = 12 in (imperial definition).
- 5 ft = 60 in. 5.5 ft = 66 in. 6 ft = 72 in.
- To handle mixed "5 ft 9 in" format: total inches = (feet × 12) + extra inches.
- To convert to metric, use the feet to cm converter or the inches to mm converter.
How to Use This Converter
Type any feet value in the ft field and the inches result appears instantly. You can also type in the in field to convert back to feet - it works in both directions without pressing a button. For decimal feet (e.g. 5.75 for 5'9"), the converter handles them directly.
How Do You Convert Feet to Inches?
Multiply feet by 12. There are exactly 12 inches in one foot - this is the foundational imperial definition. The calculation is always exact for integer foot values.
$$\text{in} = \text{ft} \times 12$$
Worked examples: 1 ft = 12 in. 5 ft = 60 in. 5.5 ft = 66 in. 6 ft = 72 in. 6.5 ft = 78 in.
For mixed feet and inches (e.g. "5 ft 9 in"), the total in inches is: (5 × 12) + 9 = 69 in.
How Do You Convert Inches to Feet?
Divide inches by 12. For a dedicated page, see the inches to feet converter. For inches to metric, see the inches to centimeters converter or inches to millimeters converter.
$$\text{ft} = \text{in} \div 12$$
Worked examples: 60 in ÷ 12 = 5 ft. 66 in ÷ 12 = 5.5 ft. 72 in ÷ 12 = 6 ft.
Feet to Inches Reference Table
Common height and distance values converted at the exact factor of 12:
| Feet | Inches | Common context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ft | 12 in | Standard ruler length |
| 2 ft | 24 in | Counter-height stool seat |
| 3 ft | 36 in | 1 yard exactly |
| 4 ft | 48 in | Standard door width (~36 in) |
| 4.917 ft | 59 in | 4 ft 11 in |
| 5 ft | 60 in | Average short adult height |
| 5.417 ft | 65 in | 5 ft 5 in - average female (US) |
| 5.75 ft | 69 in | 5 ft 9 in - average male (US) |
| 5.833 ft | 70 in | 5 ft 10 in |
| 6 ft | 72 in | Tall adult height benchmark |
| 6.5 ft | 78 in | 6 ft 6 in - NBA average height |
| 7 ft | 84 in | NBA center height threshold |
When Do You Need to Convert Feet to Inches?
Feet-to-inches conversions arise whenever you need a single consistent unit within the imperial system:
- Height comparison - it is easier to compare heights as total inches (69 in vs 72 in) than as mixed feet and inches.
- Construction and carpentry - measurements on plans often use feet; cutting instructions use inches.
- Fabric and upholstery - fabric widths are sold by the yard or in inches; pattern measurements are in inches.
- Sports - American football field dimensions use both yards and feet; the hash marks and yard lines relate to 36-inch yards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many inches is 6 feet?
6 feet equals exactly 72 inches. Multiply 6 × 12 = 72. This is a common benchmark height - "6 foot" is 72 inches whether you're measuring for a door, a bed, or a person.
How do you convert feet to inches?
Multiply by 12. The calculation is always exact: 1 ft = 12 in exactly, so 5 ft = 60 in, 10 ft = 120 in. For mixed units (feet + inches), multiply the feet by 12 then add the extra inches: 5'9" = (5×12)+9 = 69 in.
How many inches is 5 feet?
5 feet equals exactly 60 inches. This corresponds to approximately 152.4 cm - use the feet to cm converter to check the metric equivalent of any height.
How many feet is 72 inches?
72 inches equals exactly 6 feet. Divide 72 ÷ 12 = 6. For the full reverse conversion tool, see the inches to feet converter.