How to Convert Feet and Inches to Decimal Feet

The Formula

Converting feet-inches to decimal feet uses one simple division. Take the inch portion and divide by 12, then add it to the whole feet.

Step-by-Step Examples

Here are three examples showing the conversion at different precision levels.

Example 1: 6 feet 3 inches → 3 ÷ 12 = 0.2500 → 6.2500 decimal feet. This is an exact conversion because 3 divides evenly into 12.

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Example 2: 10 feet 7 inches → 7 ÷ 12 = 0.5833 → 10.5833 decimal feet. This is a repeating decimal (0.58333...), typically rounded to 4 decimal places.

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Example 3: 4 feet 11-1/2 inches → First convert 11.5 inches (11 + 0.5) ÷ 12 = 0.9583 → 4.9583 decimal feet.

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Working with Fractions

When your tape measure shows a fractional inch like 5/16" or 7/8", convert the fraction to a decimal first, add it to the whole inches, then divide by 12.

Example: 3 feet 4-5/16 inches. Convert fraction: 5 ÷ 16 = 0.3125. Total inches: 4.3125. Divide by 12: 4.3125 ÷ 12 = 0.3594. Add feet: 3.3594 decimal feet.

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