Sometimes you need to convert between measurement systems. Inches are part of the US customary system, while millimeters are part of the metric system.
So, what is 17 inches in millimeters? 17 inches is equal to 431.8 millimeters. Let’s take a closer look.
Understanding Inches and Millimeters
Let’s take a quick look at these two units of measurement.
Inches
An inch is a unit of length primarily used in the United States and, to some extent, in the United Kingdom. The ISO symbol for inches is “in.”
Millimeters
A millimeter is a unit of length in the metric system. Millimeters are used around the world when precise measurements are needed.
How many millimeters are in 17 inches?
The key to converting inches to millimeters is knowing the conversion factor:
1 inch = 25.4 mm
To convert any number of inches to millimeters, just multiply by 25.4. The formula looks like this:
[Inches] 25.4 = [Millimeters]
So, if we want to know how many millimeters are in 17 inches, we just multiply:
17 inches 25.4 mm/inch = 431.8 mm
That means 17 inches equals 431.8 millimeters.
Practical applications and examples
So, what’s 17 inches in the real world? Here are a few examples:
- A mid-sized computer monitor
- The bar on a professional-grade chainsaw
- A standard computer keyboard
- A rolled-up yoga mat
- The neck of an acoustic guitar
- A skateboard deck
- A small suitcase
But why would you need to convert inches to millimeters in the first place?
Well, the metric system, which includes millimeters, is used worldwide. Millimeters also allow for finer measurements than inches, which are often expressed as fractions. Plus, a lot of industries, like engineering, manufacturing, and construction, use both systems, so conversions are often necessary.
The Bottom Line
To sum it up, 17 inches is the same as 431.8 millimeters. You can convert inches to millimeters by multiplying the number of inches by 25.4.
Knowing how to convert units is crucial in many fields, especially when precise measurements are needed for engineering, construction, or manufacturing.