Inches and feet are common units of measurement in the imperial system, which is still used in some parts of the world, including the United States.
Confused about the correct symbols and abbreviations for inches and feet? This article will help you understand the right way to use them.
Understanding the inch symbol
There are several accepted ways to abbreviate “inches.” You can use the double prime symbol (“), the abbreviation “in.,” or simply “in.”
All of these are OK, as long as you’re consistent throughout your document. When using the double prime symbol, be sure to use straight quotes (” “) instead of curly quotes (‘‘ or “”). Straight quotes are preferred in technical writing because they are less likely to be misinterpreted.
It’s also important to know when to use an abbreviation at all. In research papers, academic papers, formulas, and studies, it’s perfectly fine to use “in.,” “in,” or the double prime symbol. In formal documents, it’s best to spell out “inch” or “inches.”
How do feet and inches relate to each other?
The single prime symbol (‘) is used to denote feet. One foot is equal to 12 inches. When you’re trying to quickly communicate a measurement, you can use this symbol to indicate feet and the double prime (“) to indicate inches. For example, you might write someone’s height as 6’2”, meaning six feet, two inches.
When you use these symbols together, make sure your meaning is clear and you’re consistent throughout your writing.
Best Practices and What to Avoid
When using inch and foot symbols, here are a few quick guidelines:
- In informal writing, research, formulas, and studies, use “in.” or “in”.
- In formal documents, write out “inch” or “inches.”
- Always use straight quotes (” “) for abbreviations, not curly quotes (“ ”).
Common mistakes include:
- Using curly quotes instead of straight quotes.
- Mixing abbreviations and full words in the same document.
- Using prime symbols for something other than feet and inches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you write 5 ft 4 inches?
There are several ways to write “5 feet 4 inches.” You can spell it out: “5 feet 4 inches.” You can use abbreviations: “5 ft 4 in.” Or, you can use symbols: 5′ 4″. All are correct, though using symbols is often the most concise.
What is the symbol for a foot or inch?
The symbol for feet is a single apostrophe (‘), and the symbol for inches is a double apostrophe (“). So, 6 feet would be written as 6’, and 6 inches would be written as 6”. Remember, it’s apostrophes, not quotation marks!
How do you write 5 ft 2 inches?
Similar to the first question, “5 feet 2 inches” can be written in a few ways: spelled out as “5 feet 2 inches”, abbreviated as “5 ft 2 in”, or using symbols as 5′ 2″. Choose the format that best suits your needs and the context of your writing.
Is 2 apostrophes inches or feet?
Two apostrophes (“) represent inches, not feet. A single apostrophe (‘) represents feet. So, if you see 12”, that means 12 inches, or one foot. Confusing them is a common mistake, so double-check your symbols!
In Closing
Using the right symbols for inches and feet might seem minor, but it’s important to get it right. Choosing the correct symbol makes your writing and technical communication clearer and more professional. When it comes to measurements, accuracy and clarity are key.