Converting between different units of measurement is something we all do, whether we realize it or not. One common conversion is figuring out how many feet are in a certain number of inches.
This article provides a quick and easy guide to converting 87 inches to feet. We’ll walk you through the process step-by-step and give you the background information you need to understand the conversion.
Understanding inches and feet
What is an inch?
An inch is a unit of length measurement in both the imperial and US customary systems of measurement. One inch is exactly 25.4 millimeters.
Historically, the inch has been associated with the length of a barleycorn or the width of a thumb.
What is a foot?
A foot is also a unit of length in the imperial and US customary systems. One foot is exactly 0.3048 meters, or 12 inches.
The length of a foot has varied throughout history, but it’s generally tied to the length of a human foot.
The Conversion Factor: Inches to Feet
The key to converting inches to feet is knowing that 1 inch equals 0.083333 feet. This number is a conversion factor — you can use it to convert any number of inches into its equivalent in feet.
The relationship is simple: To convert from inches to feet, you multiply the number of inches by 0.083333.
Where does this conversion factor come from? Well, there are 12 inches in a foot. So, 1 inch is 1/12th of a foot, or 0.083333 feet.
Converting 87 Inches to Feet: Step-by-Step
Here’s the math:
87 inches 0.083333 feet/inch
This tells us that 87 inches is about 7.25 feet (specifically, 7.249971 feet). For most purposes, rounding to two decimal places is accurate enough.
Another way to think about it: 87 inches equals 7 feet and 3 inches.
Wrapping Up
So, to recap: 87 inches is about the same as 7.25 feet. Remember, that conversion factor of 12 inches per foot is key!
Knowing how to convert inches to feet is more useful than you might think, whether you’re tackling a home improvement project, working in construction, or just trying to figure out if that new bookcase will fit.