How to Convert Feet to Inches
To convert feet to inches, multiply the number of feet by 12. There are exactly 12 inches in one foot. For example, 5 feet = 5 × 12 = 60 inches. For a height like 5 feet 7 inches, multiply 5 by 12 to get 60, then add the 7 remaining inches: 60 + 7 = 67 inches.
This guide covers the formula, worked examples, a complete reference table, and common conversion mistakes to avoid.
Quick Answer
Feet to inches formula: inches = feet × 12
For feet and inches together: total inches = (feet × 12) + extra inches
How to Convert Feet to Inches Step by Step
The conversion is the same every time. There are 12 inches in one foot. There is no decimal and no approximation. Follow these 3 steps.
1. Identify the feet value
Write down how many whole feet you are converting. If the height is given as feet and inches (for example, 6 feet 2 inches), keep track of both parts.
2. Multiply feet by 12
Each foot equals 12 inches. Multiply the foot count by 12. For 6 feet: 6 × 12 = 72 inches.
3. Add remaining inches
If there are extra inches beyond the whole feet, add them. For 6 feet 2 inches: 72 + 2 = 74 total inches.
Feet to Inches Formula and Worked Examples
Here are 4 common height conversions using the feet to inches formula.
5 feet in inches
5 × 12 = 60 inches
5 feet 6 inches in total inches
(5 × 12) + 6 = 66 inches
6 feet in inches
6 × 12 = 72 inches
6 feet 2 inches in total inches
(6 × 12) + 2 = 74 inches
Feet to Inches Conversion Table
Use this table to look up common height values in feet and their total inch equivalents.
| Feet | Total Inches | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12 in | One foot |
| 2 | 24 in | Two feet |
| 3 | 36 in | One yard |
| 4 | 48 in | Short child height |
| 4'6" | 54 in | 4 ft 6 in |
| 5 | 60 in | Five feet |
| 5'2" | 62 in | 5 ft 2 in |
| 5'4" | 64 in | 5 ft 4 in |
| 5'6" | 66 in | 5 ft 6 in |
| 5'8" | 68 in | 5 ft 8 in |
| 5'10" | 70 in | 5 ft 10 in |
| 6 | 72 in | Six feet |
| 6'2" | 74 in | 6 ft 2 in |
| 6'4" | 76 in | 6 ft 4 in |
Common Feet to Inches Conversion Mistakes
Forgetting to add the extra inches
A height of 5 feet 9 inches is not 60 inches. It is (5 × 12) + 9 = 69 inches. Always add any remaining inches after multiplying.
Treating decimal feet as feet and inches
5.5 feet does not mean 5 feet 5 inches. It means 5 feet plus 0.5 of a foot, which is 6 inches. 5.5 feet = 66 inches. To confirm: 5 feet 5 inches = 65 inches, not 66.
Related Height Conversion Resources
This page belongs to the Height Conversion Guides silo.
Supporting guides
Relevant calculators
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you convert feet to inches?
Multiply the number of feet by 12. If there are extra inches, add them after the multiplication. Example: 5 feet 7 inches = (5 × 12) + 7 = 67 inches.
How many inches are in a foot?
There are exactly 12 inches in one foot. This is a fixed constant in the imperial measurement system.
How many inches is 5 feet?
5 feet equals 60 inches. The calculation is 5 × 12 = 60.
How many inches is 6 feet?
6 feet equals 72 inches. The calculation is 6 × 12 = 72.
Why do you multiply by 12 to convert feet to inches?
Because the imperial system defines 1 foot as exactly 12 inches. Multiplying by 12 converts the larger unit (feet) into the smaller unit (inches).