Decimal Feet Converter
Turn a feet-and-inches field measurement into decimal feet (and meters). Survey and machine-control readouts are usually decimal feet; tapes are often feet and inches.
Enter your values, then press Calculate.
How to calculate
Enter whole feet and remaining inches. Inches may be decimal (6.5). Inches may also be 12 or more; they are added in, not rejected, so 10 ft 18 in becomes 11.5 ft.
Formula
Decimal feet = feet + inches ÷ 12. Meters = decimal feet ÷ 3.280839895. Total inches = decimal feet × 12.
Common use cases
- Grade rod to decimal feet
- Plan elevation vs tape
- Checking a cut sheet
- Converting architectural inches to civil decimal feet
Worked example
Example: 10 ft 6 in
1. Add inch fraction of a foot
10 + 6 ÷ 12 = 10.5 ft
Related calculators
- Feet/Inches ConverterConvert a length in any unit into feet and remaining inches.
- Station Difference CalculatorFind the distance between two stations in the 100-foot stationing system.
- Elevation Difference CalculatorFind the cut or fill between two elevations, in feet and inches.
- Pipe Slope CalculatorConvert elevation drop and run into percent grade, ratio, and inches per foot.
FAQ
Is 6 inches exactly 0.5 ft?
Yes. 6 ÷ 12 = 0.5. Use decimal inches (for example 6.125) when the tape shows a fraction.
When should I use decimal feet?
Cut sheets, grade rods, and most civil software store elevations as decimal feet. Convert the tape reading here, then take it to the instrument.
Disclaimer
These calculators are estimating tools for planning and field checks. They are not a substitute for approved plans, specifications, licensed professional engineering, or governing standards. Confirm densities, waste factors, and yields with your supplier and project documents.