Foot to Point (Typography) Converter
Convert feet to points with our free online length converter.
Quick Answer
1 Foot = 863.999456 points
Formula: Foot × conversion factor = Point (Typography)
Use the calculator below for instant, accurate conversions.
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Foot to Point (Typography) Calculator
How to Use the Foot to Point (Typography) Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Foot).
- The converted value in Point (Typography) will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Length category.
- Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Foot to Point (Typography): Step-by-Step Guide
Converting Foot to Point (Typography) involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Foot = 863.9995 pointsExample Calculation:
Convert 10 feet: 10 × 863.9995 = 8639.995 points
Disclaimer: For Reference Only
These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.
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View all Length conversions →What is a Foot and a Point (Typography)?
The foot is a unit of length in the British imperial and United States customary systems of measurement. Since the international yard and pound agreement of 1959, one foot has been defined as exactly 0.3048 meters, which equals precisely 12 inches or 1/3 of a yard.
The foot is denoted by the symbol ft or by a single prime mark ′ (e.g., 6′ means 6 feet). When combined with inches, the notation uses both symbols: 5′-9″ means 5 feet, 9 inches (69 inches total, or approximately 1.75 meters).
The foot occupies a unique position in the imperial system as the most commonly used length unit for human-scale measurements—distances that relate directly to human body size, living spaces, and immediate environments. While inches handle smaller precision work and miles cover long distances, feet describe the comfortable middle ground of everyday human experience.
The Desktop Publishing Point
The modern typographic point is defined as exactly 1/72 of an international inch. This creates the mathematically convenient relationship:
- 1 point (pt) = 1/72 inch = 0.013888... inches
- 1 point = 0.352777... millimeters
- 72 points = 1 inch (exactly)
- 1 inch = 25.4 mm (by international definition)
This definition, known as the PostScript point or DTP point (Desktop Publishing point), was established by Adobe Systems in the 1980s and has become the universal standard for all modern typography.
The Em Square and Font Height
When we say "12 pt font," we're technically measuring the em square—the metal block that held the physical letter in traditional typesetting. This em square includes:
- Ascenders: Parts of letters extending above the baseline (like the top of 'h' or 'b')
- Descenders: Parts extending below the baseline (like the tail of 'g' or 'y')
- Built-in spacing: Extra vertical space above and below letters
This means 12 pt text doesn't have letters exactly 1/6 inch tall—the actual visible letter height (called x-height) is typically 60-70% of the point size, with the rest being built-in spacing. This spacing prevents lines of text from touching each other.
Points vs. Picas
Typography traditionally pairs the point with the pica:
- 1 pica = 12 points = 1/6 inch
- 6 picas = 1 inch
- 1 pica ≈ 4.233 mm
Professional designers often measure larger typographic elements in picas. For example, a column width might be "20 picas" (3.33 inches) rather than "240 points." The pica provides a more manageable unit for page layout dimensions while maintaining exact mathematical relationships.
Historical Point Systems (Pre-Digital)
Before the DTP point standardization, multiple incompatible point systems existed:
Didot Point (Continental Europe):
- 1 Didot point ≈ 0.3759 mm
- Based on the French pied du roi (royal foot)
- Approximately 67.55 Didot points per inch
- Still occasionally referenced in European historical printing contexts
American/British Pica Point:
- 1 pica point ≈ 0.351459 mm
- 72.27 points per inch (not exactly 72!)
- Derived from metal type casting standards
- Also called the "Anglo-American point"
Fournier Point (Early French):
- Pierre Simon Fournier's original 1737 system
- Approximately 0.348 mm
- 72.989 points per French royal inch
- Largely replaced by Didot system by 1800
The digital revolution eliminated these variations. Today, when anyone uses "point" in typography, they mean the 1/72-inch DTP point unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Note: The Foot is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Point (Typography) belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Foot and Point (Typography)
The foot represents one of humanity's oldest measurement units, with origins predating written records.
Ancient Origins: The foot concept emerged independently in multiple ancient civilizations, all based on the approximate length of a human foot. The Egyptian royal cubit (20.6 inches) divided into smaller units approximating foot measurements. The Greek pous measured roughly 11.6 inches, while the Roman pes (foot) standardized at approximately 11.65 modern inches (296 mm).
Roman Influence: When Romans conquered Britain, they brought the pes, which heavily influenced British measurement traditions. The Roman foot divided into 12 unciae (inches), establishing the 12-inch relationship that persists today. Even after the Roman Empire fell, this measurement structure survived in English-speaking regions.
Medieval Variations: Throughout medieval Europe, foot measurements varied dramatically by region and ruler. Different "feet" existed simultaneously—the Tower foot, the London foot, and various guild-specific feet. King Henry I of England (r. 1100-1135) reportedly standardized the yard as the distance from his nose to his outstretched thumb, making the foot one-third of that distance.
Statute Definitions: In 1266, King Henry III's Composition of Yards and Perches defined relationships between feet, yards, and rods for land measurement. The 1324 statute by Edward II attempted further standardization, though regional variations persisted for centuries.
English Standardization: The British Weights and Measures Act of 1824 established the Imperial foot throughout the British Empire. This Imperial foot differed slightly from the US foot after American independence—the US maintained measurements from pre-1824 British standards.
1959 International Agreement: The international yard and pound agreement unified English-speaking countries. The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa agreed that 1 yard equals exactly 0.9144 meters, making 1 foot exactly 0.3048 meters (304.8 mm). This ended over a century of slight differences between US and British feet.
US Survey Foot Retirement: From 1893 to 2023, the United States maintained two different feet—the international foot (0.3048 m exactly) and the US survey foot (0.30480061 m, or 1200/3937 meters). The survey foot was used for land surveys and mapping. On January 1, 2023, the National Geodetic Survey officially retired the US survey foot, making all American measurements use the international foot exclusively.
Aviation Standard: In 1947, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standardized altitude measurements worldwide in feet. This remains universal today—even pilots in fully metric countries like France, Germany, and Japan report altitude in feet. This standardization prevents confusion and enhances safety in international aviation.
Early Typography: The Cicero and Finger-Width (1400s-1700s)
Early European printing used inconsistent measurements based on:
- The cicero: A unit based on the line width of a specific typeface (Cicero type), varying by region
- Local inches and feet: Each region had different inch definitions
- Finger widths and eyeball estimates: Printers adjusted type spacing by hand
This inconsistency made it nearly impossible to share typeface designs or maintain consistency across print shops.
Pierre Simon Fournier: The First Point System (1737)
French typefounder Pierre Simon Fournier le Jeune published "Table des proportions" (1737), introducing the first systematic point system:
- Based the point on the French royal inch (pouce du roi)
- Divided the inch into 72 points (a number divisible by many factors: 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12)
- Created 20 standardized font sizes
- Named sizes after musical terms (e.g., "Petit-Canon," "Gros-Parangon")
Fournier's system brought mathematical precision to typography for the first time, allowing typefounders to create consistent, proportional type families.
François-Ambroise Didot: The Didot Point (1783)
François-Ambroise Didot, another French typefounder, refined Fournier's system by basing measurements on the pied du roi (royal foot):
- 1 Didot point = 1/72 of 1/12 of the pied du roi ≈ 0.3759 mm
- Larger than Fournier's point (about 7% bigger)
- Created the cicero as 12 Didot points
- Established type size naming still used today (e.g., corps 8, corps 12)
The Didot system became the standard across Continental Europe and remains influential in French and German typography traditions. Some European printing specifications still reference "Didot" even today when discussing historical typography.
American and British Variations (1800s)
The 19th century saw typography spread across the English-speaking world, but without international standards:
American Point System (established c. 1886):
- Created by the United States Type Founders Association
- Based on the pica: 1 pica = 0.166 inches
- Therefore: 1 point = 0.166/12 ≈ 0.013837 inches
- Result: approximately 72.27 points per inch
British Imperial Point:
- Similar to American system but based on British imperial inch
- Also approximately 72.27 points per inch
- Created incompatibilities when Britain and US used different inch definitions before 1959
This proliferation of standards created international printing chaos. A "12 point" font in France was noticeably different from "12 point" in Britain or America.
Adobe PostScript: The Digital Revolution (1982-1985)
The desktop publishing revolution began when Adobe Systems developed PostScript, a page description language for laser printers:
John Warnock and Charles Geschke (Adobe founders) faced a choice: adopt historical point systems with fractional relationships to inches, or create a new, mathematically clean standard.
They chose simplicity: 1 point = exactly 1/72 inch
This decision meant:
- Easy calculation: multiply by 72 to convert inches to points
- Clean pixel mapping on early displays (72 DPI screens made 1 point = 1 pixel)
- No fractional arithmetic in computer calculations
- Complete break from historical confusion
Apple LaserWriter and Macintosh (1985)
Apple Computer licensed Adobe PostScript for the Macintosh computer and LaserWriter printer (launched January 1985):
- First affordable desktop publishing system
- 72 DPI screen resolution matched PostScript's 72 points/inch
- Onscreen "What You See Is What You Get" (WYSIWYG): Text appeared on screen at the exact size it would print
- Revolutionary for designers: no more calculating conversions
The LaserWriter cost $7,000 (expensive but far cheaper than typesetting equipment costing $50,000+), making professional typography accessible to small businesses and independent designers.
Industry Standardization (1985-1995)
The DTP point rapidly became universal:
1987: Adobe releases Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop (1990), both using PostScript points
1987: PageMaker (Aldus, later Adobe) becomes industry-standard layout software
1990s: Microsoft adopts 72 points/inch in Word, PowerPoint, Publisher
1996: CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) defines the pt unit as 1/72 inch for web typography
2000s: All professional design software (InDesign, Quark, CorelDRAW) standardizes on DTP point
By 2000, the historical Didot and pica points had effectively vanished from active use. The DTP point achieved something remarkable: complete global standardization of a measurement unit in just 15 years.
Modern Digital Era (2000-Present)
Today's typography operates in a world of complete point standardization:
- Print design: All software uses 72 pt/inch
- Web design: CSS
ptunits defined as 1/72 inch (thoughpxandemare more common online) - Mobile apps: iOS, Android use point-based typography systems
- E-readers: Kindle, Apple Books use point-based font sizing
- Office software: Word, Google Docs, Apple Pages all use identical point measurements
The point has become so universal that most designers under 40 have never encountered historical point systems. The DTP point is simply "the point."
Common Uses and Applications: feet vs points
Explore the typical applications for both Foot (imperial/US) and Point (Typography) (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for feet
Residential Construction and Remodeling
Home construction in America operates in feet for layout and square feet for area calculations. Foundation plans show exterior dimensions (e.g., 40' × 60' house footprint = 2,400 sq ft per floor). Interior walls use standard 8-foot studs for 8-foot ceiling heights, or 9-foot and 10-foot studs for taller ceilings.
Lumber lengths come in 2-foot increments: 6', 8', 10', 12', 14', 16' boards. This modular system allows efficient layout with minimal waste. A wall spanning 16 feet can use a single 16-foot top plate rather than joining shorter pieces.
Plywood and drywall sheets measure 4' × 8' (32 square feet per sheet). With standard 16-inch stud spacing, three studs span 48 inches (4 feet), perfectly matching sheet width. This dimensional coordination throughout the building industry stems from foot-based planning.
Standard door heights are 6'8" (80 inches), accommodating people up to about 6'5" with clearance. Door widths vary: 2'6" (30"), 2'8" (32"), 3'0" (36"). Window rough openings are specified in feet and inches: 3'0" × 4'0" window.
Architectural Design and Floor Plans
Architects draw floor plans at scales based on feet: 1/4" = 1'0" (common residential) or 1/8" = 1'0" (larger buildings). Blueprint dimensions appear as feet-inches notation: 12'-6" means 12 feet, 6 inches (150 inches total).
Room planning uses standard furniture dimensions understood in feet:
- Queen bed: approximately 5' × 6'8"
- King bed: approximately 6'4" × 6'8"
- Sofa: 6-8 feet long
- Dining table (seats 6): 3' × 6'
- Dining table (seats 8): 3'6" × 7'
Designers ensure adequate circulation space: 3 feet minimum for walkways, 4 feet preferred. A 12' × 15' bedroom comfortably fits a king bed with nightstands and leaves walkway space.
Building codes specify requirements in feet: egress windows must have 5.7 square feet of opening, stair landings must be at least 3 feet deep, hallways must be at least 3 feet wide.
Commercial Real Estate and Office Space
Commercial property leasing operates in square feet. Office space leases quote price per square foot annually: $30/sq ft/year means a 1,000 sq ft office costs $30,000 per year ($2,500/month). Retail space commands higher rates, often $40-100+/sq ft/year in prime locations.
Office planning uses square feet per employee: 150-250 sq ft per person including shared spaces, or 50-75 sq ft for individual workstations. A company with 50 employees needs approximately 7,500-12,500 square feet total.
Commercial buildings describe floor plate size in square feet: a 100' × 120' floor plate provides 12,000 sq ft of rentable space per floor. Column spacing (typically 20-30 feet in modern buildings) affects layout flexibility.
Retail space measures street frontage in feet—20 feet, 40 feet, 60 feet of storefront directly influences visibility and foot traffic. Corner locations with frontage on two streets command premium rent.
Swimming and Aquatics
Swimming pools use feet for all dimensions. A typical residential pool might measure 16' × 32' (512 sq ft surface area) with shallow end 3'6" and deep end 8'0". Lap pools are typically 8-10 feet wide by 40-50 feet long.
Competition pools follow precise foot-based specifications:
- Short course: 75 feet (25 yards, 6-8 lanes)
- Olympic pool: 164 feet (50 meters, 10 lanes) with 6'6" minimum depth
Pool safety regulations require depth markers at 3', 4', 5', 6', 8', and deeper. "NO DIVING" signs appear in areas less than 9 feet deep. These measurements help swimmers quickly assess safety.
Interior Design and Space Planning
Interior designers work in feet for furniture placement and room flow. Industry standards include:
- Seating area: 8' × 10' minimum for sofa, chairs, coffee table
- Dining area: Allow 3 feet per chair, 3-4 feet circulation around table
- Kitchen work triangle: 12-26 feet total (sum of distances between sink, stove, refrigerator)
- Island clearance: 3-4 feet on all sides for traffic flow
- TV viewing distance: 1.5-2.5× the diagonal screen size
A 12' × 18' living room (216 sq ft) allows space for a seating arrangement, TV console, and traffic flow. A 10' × 10' room (100 sq ft) feels cramped with more than a bed and dresser.
Window treatment specialists measure window width and height in feet and inches to calculate fabric requirements. Curtains typically extend 4-8 inches beyond window frame on each side, requiring precise foot-inch measurements.
Theater and Entertainment Venues
Stage dimensions, screen sizes, and venue layouts use feet:
- Proscenium width: 30-50 feet (typical theater)
- Stage depth: 20-40 feet
- Fly space: 60-80+ feet (above stage for scenery)
- Movie screen width: 40-90 feet (commercial theaters)
- IMAX screen: 72' × 52' (standard), 97' × 76' (largest)
Theatrical lighting positions specify trim height (distance from stage floor to light) in feet: 12', 18', 24'. Sound engineers place speakers based on feet of distance to achieve proper coverage—one speaker per 30-50 feet of venue length.
Venue capacity relates to square footage: 6-7 square feet per person for standing room, 10-12 sq ft per person for chair seating with aisles, 15-20 sq ft per person for banquet seating with tables.
Firefighting and Emergency Services
Fire departments specify equipment reach in feet: 75-foot aerial ladders, 100-foot platform trucks. Building codes restrict height based on fire equipment access—many jurisdictions limit wood-frame construction to 75 feet (roughly 7 stories) due to ladder reach limitations.
Hose lengths standardize at 50 feet or 100 feet. Firefighters calculate distance from hydrant to building entrance in feet to determine hose requirements. Water pressure calculations use feet of elevation: each foot of elevation change requires roughly 0.43 PSI pressure adjustment.
Emergency responders use feet for scene measurements: accident scenes, crime scenes, and disaster areas document positions and distances in feet. "Vehicle came to rest 150 feet beyond point of impact" provides clear spatial understanding.
Landscaping and Irrigation
Landscape contractors measure yards in feet for material calculations and cost estimates. Sod comes in rolls typically 2' × 5' (10 sq ft). Mulch, topsoil, and gravel calculate coverage in square feet at various depths: 1 cubic yard covers 324 sq ft at 1 inch depth, or 81 sq ft at 4 inches depth.
Irrigation system design uses feet for sprinkler spacing: 15-foot spacing for spray heads, 30-40 foot spacing for rotary heads. Drip irrigation calculates emitter placement in feet: 12-18 inches for flower beds, 2-3 feet for shrubs.
Tree planting requires spacing in feet based on mature spread: 15-20 feet apart for small trees, 30-40 feet for large shade trees, 50+ feet for massive specimens. "Plant trees 30 feet from building foundations" prevents root damage to structures.
Property grading specifies slope in inches per foot: 2-3 inches of drop per 10 feet of distance away from house foundations prevents water intrusion.
When to Use points
1. Document Typography and Word Processing
Body Text Standards:
- 10-12 pt: Standard body text for business documents, reports, letters
- 11 pt: Often considered optimal for printed books (balance of readability and page economy)
- 12 pt: Default in Microsoft Word, Google Docs; universally acceptable for any document
- 14 pt: Large print books for readers with visual impairments
Heading Hierarchies: Professional documents typically use 3-5 heading levels with systematic point size progression:
- H1 (Title): 18-24 pt, bold
- H2 (Major sections): 16-18 pt, bold
- H3 (Subsections): 14-16 pt, bold
- H4 (Minor subsections): 12-14 pt, bold or italic
- Body text: 10-12 pt, regular
This creates clear visual hierarchy while maintaining readability.
2. Professional Graphic Design and Layout
Adobe Creative Suite Standards:
- InDesign: All text boxes, frames, and measurements in points
- Illustrator: Artboard rulers can display points; all typography in points
- Photoshop: Type tool uses points by default
Print Design Specifications:
- Business cards: Names typically 14-18 pt, contact info 8-10 pt
- Brochures: Headlines 24-36 pt, body text 9-11 pt
- Posters: Titles 48-144+ pt depending on viewing distance
- Magazine layouts: Body 9-10 pt (smaller for dense content), headlines 18-48 pt
Grid Systems: Many designers use point-based grids: 12 pt baseline grids ensure consistent vertical rhythm across pages.
3. Web Typography (CSS)
CSS supports points, though pixels and ems are more common for responsive design:
body {
font-size: 12pt; /* Equivalent to 16px at 96 DPI */
}
h1 {
font-size: 24pt; /* Prints at exactly 1/3 inch tall */
}
@media print {
body { font-size: 11pt; } /* Optimize for printed output */
}
Print Stylesheets: Points are ideal for @media print CSS rules since they translate directly to physical printed size.
Fixed Layouts: PDF generators and print-to-web applications often use point-based layouts for predictable output.
4. Font Design and Development
Em Square Definition:
- Font designers work within an em square measured in points
- Traditionally 1000 or 2048 units per em square (OpenType fonts)
- Defines the bounding box for all characters
Typeface Specifications:
- X-height: Ratio of lowercase 'x' height to full em square (typically 0.5-0.6)
- Cap height: Uppercase letter height (typically 0.65-0.75 of em square)
- Ascenders/descenders: Extensions above/below baseline
All these proportions maintain their relationships regardless of point size, so a typeface designed with good proportions at 12 pt will remain readable at 8 pt or 72 pt.
5. Publishing and Book Design
Book Industry Standards:
- Fiction novels: 10-12 pt body text, typically Garamond, Baskerville, or Caslon
- Textbooks: 10-11 pt body, 8-9 pt captions/sidebars
- Children's books: 14-18 pt for early readers, larger for picture books
- Academic journals: 10-11 pt Times New Roman or similar serif fonts
Line Spacing (Leading): Traditionally measured in points: 10 pt text with 12 pt leading (written "10/12" and pronounced "ten on twelve") means 10 pt font with 2 pts of extra space between lines.
6. Screen Display and User Interface Design
Operating System Defaults:
- Windows: 96 DPI screen resolution → 12 pt = 16 pixels
- macOS (historical): 72 DPI → 12 pt = 12 pixels (now uses points independently of DPI)
- Retina/HiDPI displays: Points now represent logical pixels rather than physical pixels
Mobile App Guidelines:
- iOS: Uses point as device-independent unit; 1 pt = 1 logical pixel (2-3 physical pixels on Retina)
- Android: Uses density-independent pixels (dp), roughly equivalent to points
Accessibility Standards:
- WCAG 2.1: Recommends minimum 14 pt (18.67 px at 96 DPI) for body text
- Large print: 18 pt or larger considered "large print" for accessibility
7. Technical Drawing and CAD (Limited Use)
While engineering drawings typically use millimeters or inches, annotation text in CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks) is specified in points:
- Drawing notes: 10-12 pt
- Dimension labels: 8-10 pt
- Title blocks: 14-24 pt
This ensures text remains readable when drawings are printed or exported to PDF.
Additional Unit Information
About Foot (ft)
How many inches are in a foot?
There are exactly 12 inches in 1 foot. This relationship is fundamental to the imperial measurement system and has remained constant since ancient Roman times, when the pes (foot) was divided into 12 unciae (inches).
The 12-inch division offers mathematical convenience—12 is evenly divisible by 2, 3, 4, and 6, making fractional measurements easier in practical work. You can divide a foot into halves (6"), thirds (4"), quarters (3"), or sixths (2") with whole-number results.
Converting feet to inches: Multiply feet by 12
- 5 feet = 5 × 12 = 60 inches
- 7.5 feet = 7.5 × 12 = 90 inches
Converting inches to feet: Divide inches by 12
- 72 inches = 72 ÷ 12 = 6 feet
- 100 inches = 100 ÷ 12 = 8.33 feet = 8 feet, 4 inches
Mixed notation: 5'9" means 5 feet, 9 inches = (5 × 12) + 9 = 69 inches total.
How many feet are in a yard?
There are exactly 3 feet in 1 yard. This relationship dates back to medieval English measurements, where the yard represented a stride or the distance from the nose to an outstretched thumb of King Henry I.
The yard serves as a larger unit convenient for measuring fabric, sports fields, and medium distances. In American football, progress is measured in yards (first down = 10 yards = 30 feet), but field dimensions are often specified in feet (field width = 160 feet = 53⅓ yards).
Converting yards to feet: Multiply yards by 3
- 10 yards = 10 × 3 = 30 feet
- 100 yards = 100 × 3 = 300 feet (length of football field)
Converting feet to yards: Divide feet by 3
- 90 feet = 90 ÷ 3 = 30 yards (baseball base paths)
- 18 feet = 18 ÷ 3 = 6 yards (first down in football)
How many feet are in a mile?
There are exactly 5,280 feet in 1 mile. This seemingly arbitrary number results from historical compromises between different English measurement systems.
Historical origin: The Roman mile (mille passus) measured 1,000 paces (about 5,000 feet). Medieval England used furlongs for agricultural land measurement (660 feet = 1 furlong). Queen Elizabeth I standardized the mile in 1593 as exactly 8 furlongs, making 1 mile = 8 × 660 = 5,280 feet.
Common conversions:
- 1 mile = 5,280 feet
- 0.5 mile = 2,640 feet
- 0.25 mile = 1,320 feet
- 1,000 feet = 0.189 miles (about 3 city blocks)
Why it matters: Aircraft measure runway length in feet (7,000-foot runway, 10,000-foot runway), while navigation uses nautical miles (6,076 feet) or statute miles (5,280 feet). Real estate describes proximity in feet for nearby amenities ("500 feet to park") and miles for distant locations ("3 miles to downtown").
What's the difference between feet and square feet?
Feet (linear feet) measure distance in one dimension—length along a line. Use feet for measuring height, room length, fence lines, rope, baseboards, or any one-dimensional measurement.
Square feet measure area in two dimensions—the surface of a two-dimensional space. Use square feet for flooring, walls, ceilings, land area, or any flat surface.
The relationship: Square feet = length (in feet) × width (in feet)
- A room 12 feet long × 15 feet wide = 180 square feet
- A wall 10 feet wide × 8 feet tall = 80 square feet
Why confusion happens: A room with 54 linear feet of baseboard (12+15+12+15) contains 180 square feet of floor area. These are different measurements of the same room—perimeter versus area.
Cost implications: Contractors price differently:
- Fencing: $15-40 per linear foot installed
- Flooring: $3-12 per square foot installed
- Painting: $2-6 per square foot
Always clarify whether a price quote is per linear foot or per square foot—the difference is substantial.
Why does aviation use feet for altitude worldwide?
Aviation universally uses feet for altitude measurement, even in countries that otherwise use metric exclusively, for safety and standardization. This system was established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 1947.
Historical reason: When commercial aviation developed in the 1920s-1940s, British and American manufacturers dominated, and altimeters measured in feet. As aviation became international, standardizing on the existing system proved safer and cheaper than converting all aircraft instruments and training.
Safety benefits: Universal altitude standards prevent confusion during international flights. When a French pilot, Japanese air traffic controller, and American pilot all say "flight level three-five-zero," everyone knows it means 35,000 feet. No conversion errors, no miscommunication, no accidents from unit confusion.
Vertical separation: Aircraft flying opposite directions maintain 1,000-foot vertical separation (2,000 feet above 29,000'). This separation is calibrated into procedures, training, and equipment worldwide. Changing to meters would require recalibrating countless procedures and risking lives during the transition.
Exceptions: China and Russia use meters for some domestic operations below 29,500 feet, but convert to feet-based flight levels for international flights and at high altitudes. This hybrid system is gradually shifting toward full feet-based standards.
Practical result: Pilots must understand feet regardless of nationality. Pilot training worldwide includes feet-based altitude management, making it one of the few truly universal measurements.
How do I convert feet to meters accurately?
To convert feet to meters, multiply by 0.3048. This is the exact conversion factor established by the 1959 international agreement.
Formula: meters = feet × 0.3048
Examples:
- 1 foot = 1 × 0.3048 = 0.3048 meters
- 5 feet = 5 × 0.3048 = 1.524 meters
- 6 feet = 6 × 0.3048 = 1.8288 meters
- 10 feet = 10 × 0.3048 = 3.048 meters
- 100 feet = 100 × 0.3048 = 30.48 meters
Reverse conversion (meters to feet): Divide by 0.3048, or multiply by 3.28084
- 1 meter = 1 ÷ 0.3048 = 3.28084 feet
- 5 meters = 5 × 3.28084 = 16.404 feet
- 10 meters = 10 × 3.28084 = 32.808 feet
Quick mental approximation: For rough estimates, remember 1 meter ≈ 3.3 feet (or more precisely, 3.28 feet). This gives close results:
- 10 meters ≈ 33 feet (actual: 32.8 feet)
- 100 meters ≈ 330 feet (actual: 328 feet)
For professional work requiring precision (construction, engineering, manufacturing), always use the exact factor 0.3048 rather than approximations.
What does feet-inches notation mean?
The notation 5′-9″ (or 5'9") means 5 feet, 9 inches. The single prime ′ (or apostrophe ') represents feet, while the double prime ″ (or quote ") represents inches.
Reading the notation:
- 6′ = six feet = 72 inches
- 6″ = six inches = 0.5 feet
- 5′-9″ = five feet, nine inches = 69 inches total = 5.75 feet decimal
- 12′-6½″ = twelve feet, six and a half inches = 150.5 inches = 12.542 feet decimal
Why the dash? The dash or hyphen between feet and inches makes the notation clearer in blueprints and prevents confusion. Without it, 5'9" might be misread, though the prime symbols make the meaning clear.
Common uses:
- Human height: "She's 5'6" tall"
- Room dimensions: "12' × 15' bedroom"
- Construction drawings: Wall length shown as 24'-3½"
Converting to total inches: Multiply feet by 12, then add inches:
- 5'9" = (5 × 12) + 9 = 60 + 9 = 69 inches
Converting from total inches: Divide by 12 for feet, use remainder for inches:
- 75 inches = 75 ÷ 12 = 6 remainder 3 = 6'3"
Why is the foot still used instead of meters?
The United States continues using feet instead of meters primarily due to infrastructure investment, industry standardization, and cultural identity—not because feet offer any technical advantage.
Infrastructure costs: Converting to metric would require replacing billions of feet-based measurements throughout American infrastructure:
- 4 million miles of road signs showing feet/miles
- Building codes and standards written in feet
- Millions of blueprints, survey records, and property deeds
- Construction materials sized in feet (8' studs, 4'×8' sheets)
- Manufacturing equipment calibrated in decimal feet (thousandths of an inch)
Estimated conversion cost: $370 billion to $1 trillion.
Industry standardization: American construction, real estate, aviation, and manufacturing operate entirely in feet. Changing would require:
- Retraining millions of workers
- Replacing tools, measuring devices, and equipment
- Converting countless technical documents
- Updating software systems and databases
Cultural familiarity: Americans instinctively understand feet—"six feet tall," "ten feet away," "twenty feet deep." These measurements connect to body scale and everyday experience. Most Americans don't have intuitive feel for meters, making conversion feel arbitrary and confusing.
Partial adoption: The US actually uses metric in science, medicine, military, and some industries. Soft drinks come in liters, track races use meters, pharmaceuticals dose in milligrams. Americans live in a hybrid system.
Failed conversions: The 1975 Metric Conversion Act made metric "preferred" but voluntary. Without enforcement, most industries continued with feet. Public backlash against metric road signs in the 1980s ended highway conversion attempts.
International exceptions: Aviation worldwide uses feet for altitude. Maritime navigation uses nautical miles and fathoms. Even metric countries maintain some imperial measurements in specific contexts, showing that pure metric conversion isn't always practical or necessary.
How fast does light travel in a foot?
In vacuum, light travels one foot in approximately 1.0167 nanoseconds. In computer networking and high-frequency trading, this is a critical measurement—engineers often say "a nanosecond is a foot" as a rule of thumb for how fast signals move through cables.
Why is a "foot" divided into 12 inches instead of 10?
The number 12 is a "Highly Composite Number." It can be divided evenly into 2, 3, 4, and 6. This was incredibly useful for ancient builders and tradesmen who didn't have calculators. They could easily calculate "half a foot" (6"), "a third of a foot" (4"), or "a quarter of a foot" (3") without dealing with decimals like 3.333.
Is my physical foot actually one foot long?
Probably not! The average male foot is about 10.5 inches (26.6 cm) long, and the average female foot is about 9.5 inches (24 cm). The "standard foot" measurement was likely based on a very large foot (perhaps a king's) or a foot wearing a heavy boot.
What is the "Board Foot" used in lumber?
A board foot is actually a unit of volume, not length. It represents a piece of wood that is 1 foot long, 1 foot wide, and 1 inch thick. When you buy expensive hardwood, the price is usually "per board foot."
How many feet are in a "Standard Story" of a building?
In residential construction, a floor is typically 8 to 10 feet high. In commercial office buildings, it's often 12 to 14 feet to allow for air conditioning ducts and wiring above the ceiling.
Can a pilot choose to fly in meters?
No. In almost every country in the world, air traffic control mandates the use of feet for altitude. If a pilot used meters, they might collide with another plane. The only major exceptions have historically been Russia and China, and even they are moving toward the international feet-based standard.
What is a "Square Foot" vs. a "Linear Foot"?
Linear feet measure length (like a fence). Square feet measure area (like a carpet). A 10' x 10' room has 40 linear feet of walls but 100 square feet of floor.
Is the UK foot different from the US foot?
Since 1959, they are identical. Before 1959, the UK foot was about 2 parts per million shorter than the US foot.
How many feet are in a Fathom?
A Fathom is exactly 6 feet. It was traditionally the distance between a man's outstretched arms and is still used today to measure water depth in maritime navigation.
Why do we use a prime mark (') for feet?
The single prime (') comes from the Latin minuta, meaning "small part." The double prime (") for inches comes from secunda minuta, or "second small part." Interestingly, this is the same reason we use these symbols for minutes and seconds in time!
How many feet are in a "Rod"?
A rod is a historical unit of length equal to 16.5 feet. It was used in land surveying because four rods equal one "chain" (66 feet), and 80 chains equal exactly one mile.
What is the "Cubic Foot" of a refrigerator?
In the US, appliance capacity is measured in cubic feet. A 20 cubic foot refrigerator can hold approximately 566 liters of food. This is the volume of a space 1 foot high, 1 foot wide, and 1 foot deep, multiplied by 20.
How many feet is the world's deepest ocean point?
The Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench is approximately 35,876 feet (10,935 meters) below sea level. If you put Mount Everest (29,032 feet) inside it, there would still be over a mile of water above the peak.
Why do some rulers have "architect's scales" in feet?
Architect's rulers allow you to draw large buildings on small paper. A common scale is 1/4 inch = 1 foot. This means every quarter-inch mark on your drawing represents 12 inches of a real building.
How many feet is a "Standard Leap" in the Long Jump?
The world record for the men's long jump is 29 feet, 4.25 inches (8.95 meters), set by Mike Powell in 1991.
Can I calculate feet by counting my steps?
Yes! A standard walking step (pace) for an adult is roughly 2.5 feet. If you count 40 steps, you have walked approximately 100 feet.
How many feet is an Olympic Swimming Pool?
A standard Olympic pool is 50 meters long, which is approximately 164 feet. In the US, many high school and community pools are "short course," meaning they are exactly 25 yards (75 feet) or 25 meters (82 feet).
What is a "Square Foot" of leather?
Tanneries sell leather by the square foot. Because hide shapes are irregular, specialized machines "scan" the skin to calculate the total square footage for pricing.
Is the "Metric Foot" a real thing?
Unofficially, yes. In some metric countries transitioning away from imperial units, builders sometimes use a "Metric Foot" of exactly 30 centimeters. It is roughly 1.5% shorter than a real foot but makes decimal math easier on construction sites.
How much is an acre in feet?
One acre equals 43,560 square feet. This measurement originates from medieval English land measurement, where an acre represented the amount of land a yoke of oxen could plow in one day.
Common acre configurations:
- 1 acre = 43,560 square feet
- 1 acre ≈ 208.7 feet × 208.7 feet (if square)
- 1 acre = 660 feet × 66 feet (one furlong × one chain, historical farming measurement)
Practical examples:
- 0.25 acre = 10,890 sq ft ≈ 104.4' × 104.4' (quarter-acre suburban lot)
- 0.5 acre = 21,780 sq ft ≈ 147.6' × 147.6'
- 2 acres = 87,120 sq ft ≈ 295.2' × 295.2'
- 5 acres = 217,800 sq ft ≈ 466.7' × 466.7'
Football field comparison: An American football field including end zones measures 360 feet × 160 feet = 57,600 square feet = 1.32 acres. Without end zones, the playing field (300' × 160') is 48,000 sq ft = 1.1 acres.
Why it matters: Real estate describes land in acres but building sites in square feet or lot dimensions in feet. A half-acre lot might be 150' × 145', or 100' × 218'—multiple configurations yield the same area. Knowing the conversion helps visualize land size when shopping for property.
Zoning impact: Minimum lot sizes appear in ordinances as both acres and square feet: "0.5 acre minimum" = "21,780 square feet minimum." Subdivisions calculate density in units per acre: 4 houses per acre, 12 apartments per acre.
What's the origin of "six feet under"?
The phrase "six feet under" meaning burial or death originates from traditional grave depth—coffins were buried approximately six feet below ground surface.
Historical practice: The six-foot depth became standard in England during the 1665 Great Plague of London. Officials ordered plague victims buried "at least six foot deep" to prevent disease spread and discourage grave robbers. This depth kept odors contained and protected bodies from scavengers.
Modern burial depth: Contemporary cemeteries typically bury caskets 4-6 feet deep, though some jurisdictions specify different depths. The "six feet" measurement became culturally embedded as the standard, even when actual practice varies.
Measurement significance: Six feet provides enough earth to protect the coffin from surface disturbance (weather, animals, agriculture) while remaining practical to dig manually. Deeper burials exponentially increase labor, while shallower burials risk exposure.
Cultural persistence: The phrase "six feet under" persists in English as a euphemism for death, demonstrating how foot-based measurements embedded themselves in language and culture beyond mere physical measurement.
About Point (Typography) (pt)
How many points are in an inch?
Exactly 72 points (pt) = 1 inch (in) in the modern DTP point system used by all contemporary software. This creates simple conversions:
- 36 pt = 0.5 inches (half inch)
- 18 pt = 0.25 inches (quarter inch)
- 144 pt = 2 inches
Historically, European Didot points (≈67.55 per inch) and American pica points (≈72.27 per inch) used slightly different ratios, but these are obsolete in modern typography.
What is the difference between a point and a pixel?
Points are physical length units (1/72 inch), used for print and when physical size matters. Pixels are device-dependent digital display units whose physical size varies by screen resolution:
- On 96 DPI screens (Windows/web standard): 1 pt = 1.333 pixels
- On 72 DPI screens (old Mac standard): 1 pt = 1 pixel
- On Retina/HiDPI displays: 1 pt = 2-4 physical pixels (but still 1.333 "logical" pixels)
Use points for print design where physical dimensions matter. Use pixels or ems for responsive web design where consistency across devices matters more than absolute size.
What does 12 pt font mean?
12 pt font means the font's em square (the invisible bounding box containing the letters plus spacing) is 12 points (1/6 inch or 4.23 mm) tall. This includes:
- Ascenders: Parts above the baseline (tops of 'h', 'b', 'd')
- Descenders: Parts below the baseline (tails of 'g', 'y', 'p')
- Built-in spacing: Extra vertical room above and below
The actual visible letter height (called x-height for lowercase or cap height for capitals) is typically 60-70% of the point size. So 12 pt text has capital letters around 8-9 points (0.11-0.125 inches) tall, with the remaining space used for descenders and line spacing.
Why are there exactly 72 points in an inch?
Adobe Systems chose 72 because it's highly divisible: 72 = 2³ × 3² = 8 × 9, with factors including 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36. This makes common fractions simple:
- 1/2 inch = 36 pt
- 1/3 inch = 24 pt
- 1/4 inch = 18 pt
- 1/6 inch = 12 pt (standard body text)
- 1/8 inch = 9 pt
Additionally, early Macintosh screens used 72 DPI (dots per inch), making 1 point = 1 pixel—perfect for WYSIWYG ("what you see is what you get") design. Text appeared onscreen at its exact printed size.
Historically, Pierre Simon Fournier's 1737 system also used 72 points/inch for the same mathematical convenience, though his "inch" was the French royal inch, slightly different from today's international inch.
What's the difference between points and picas?
Points and picas are related typographic units:
- 1 pica = 12 points
- 6 picas = 72 points = 1 inch
- 1 pica = 1/6 inch ≈ 4.233 mm
Points are used for font sizes and small measurements (12 pt text, 2 pt line thickness). Picas are used for larger layout dimensions (column widths, page margins, grid spacing).
Example: A newspaper column might be "12 picas wide" (2 inches / 144 points) with "9 pt body text" and "1 pica margins" (12 points / 1/6 inch).
Both units are part of the same measurement system and convert simply (multiply or divide by 12), making calculations easy while providing appropriately-scaled units for different design elements.
How do I convert points to millimeters?
Formula: millimeters = points × 0.352777... (exact value: 25.4 / 72)
Simplified: millimeters ≈ points × 0.353 (accurate within 0.01%)
Quick conversions:
- 10 pt = 3.53 mm
- 12 pt = 4.23 mm
- 14 pt = 4.94 mm
- 18 pt = 6.35 mm
- 24 pt = 8.47 mm
- 72 pt = 25.4 mm (exactly 1 inch)
Reverse conversion (millimeters to points): points = millimeters × 2.834645... ≈ millimeters × 2.835
Example: A European specification requires "4 mm text." You need: 4 mm × 2.835 ≈ 11.34 pt (round to 11 pt or 11.5 pt).
Is 12 pt the same size in Word and Photoshop?
Yes, exactly. All modern software—Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Google Docs, Apple Pages—uses the same DTP point definition (1/72 inch). 12 pt text will measure exactly 1/6 inch (4.23 mm) when printed from any of these applications.
However, onscreen appearance may differ slightly due to:
- Font rendering differences: Windows ClearType vs. Mac font smoothing displays the same physical size slightly differently
- Screen zoom levels: If Word is zoomed to 150%, text appears larger on screen but still prints at correct physical size
- Different default fonts: Word's default Calibri looks different from Photoshop's default Arial, even at the same point size
But when measured with a ruler on printed output, 12 pt is always exactly 1/6 inch across all applications.
Why doesn't my 12 pt text look 12 points tall on screen?
Your screen zoom level affects apparent size, but the text will still print at correct physical dimensions:
- 100% zoom: 12 pt text appears at approximately true physical size (depending on monitor size and resolution)
- 200% zoom: 12 pt text appears twice as large on screen but still prints at 1/6 inch (4.23 mm)
- 50% zoom: Text appears half-size on screen but prints correctly
Most word processors and design software show the current zoom level in the bottom toolbar. Page view at 100% zoom usually displays content close to actual print size, though this depends on your monitor's physical dimensions and resolution.
To verify true size, print a test page and measure with a ruler: 12 pt text should measure exactly 0.167 inches or 4.23 mm from the top of the tallest letter to the bottom of descenders.
What's the best point size for body text?
10-12 pt is the standard range for printed body text, with specific recommendations depending on context:
Printed Documents:
- 10 pt: Acceptable minimum; used for dense content (textbooks, references)
- 11 pt: Comfortable reading size for most book typography
- 12 pt: Default in Microsoft Word; universally acceptable for any document
Digital/Screen Display:
- 12-16 pt (or 16-21 pixels at 96 DPI): More comfortable for extended screen reading due to backlit display eye strain
- 14-18 pt: Recommended for accessibility and readers with vision impairments
Factors affecting choice:
- Font design: Fonts with larger x-height (like Verdana) are readable at smaller sizes than fonts with small x-height (like Garamond)
- Line length: Longer lines benefit from larger text (12+ pt)
- Reader age: Older audiences benefit from 12-14 pt minimum
- Reading distance: Presentations and signage require much larger text (18+ pt)
When in doubt, 12 pt is the safe, professional standard for nearly all applications.
Can I use points for web design?
Yes, but it's discouraged for screen-only designs. Here's why:
Points in CSS:
CSS supports the pt unit (1/72 inch), but it's primarily useful for print stylesheets:
@media print {
body { font-size: 11pt; } /* Predictable printed size */
h1 { font-size: 18pt; }
}
Why not for screen:
- Not responsive: Points are absolute units, don't scale with user preferences or viewport size
- Accessibility issues: Users who increase browser font size won't affect point-sized text
- Device variations: Different pixel densities make points appear inconsistent across devices
Better alternatives for screen:
- Relative units (
em,rem): Scale with user preferences - Pixels (
px): Precise control with media queries - Viewport units (
vw,vh): Scale with screen size
Best practice: Use pixels or rems for screen, points for print stylesheets.
What is leading and how does it relate to points?
Leading (pronounced "led-ing") is the vertical space between lines of text, measured in points from baseline to baseline. The term comes from traditional typesetting, where thin strips of lead metal were inserted between lines of type.
Standard leading conventions:
- Solid leading: Leading = font size (10 pt text with 10 pt leading = "10/10")
- Lines touch; rarely used except for display type
- Normal leading: Leading = 120% of font size (10 pt text with 12 pt leading = "10/12")
- Default in most word processors
- Comfortable reading with adequate space
- Loose leading: Leading = 140-160% of font size (10 pt text with 14-16 pt leading = "10/14" or "10/16")
- Airy, easy to read
- Used for accessibility, children's books
Example: 12 pt text with 14.4 pt leading means:
- Font size: 12 points (1/6 inch)
- Space from baseline to baseline: 14.4 points (0.2 inches)
- Extra space between lines: 2.4 points (0.033 inches)
Too-tight leading makes text hard to read (lines blur together). Too-loose leading creates disconnected "rivers" of white space.
Do fonts actually differ in "12 pt" size?
Yes and no. All 12 pt fonts have the same em square (the bounding box), but they can look very different sizes due to:
X-height variation:
- High x-height fonts (Verdana, Arial): Lowercase letters occupy 50-60% of em square → appear larger
- Low x-height fonts (Garamond, Bodoni): Lowercase letters occupy 40-50% of em square → appear smaller
Example:
- 12 pt Verdana: Lowercase 'x' is about 6-7 points tall (very readable)
- 12 pt Garamond: Lowercase 'x' is about 5-6 points tall (more elegant but smaller)
Both fonts have the same 12 pt em square, but Verdana allocates more of that space to letter height and less to descenders/ascenders, making it appear larger.
Practical implication: When switching fonts in a document, you may need to adjust point size to maintain similar apparent size. Replacing 12 pt Garamond with 12 pt Verdana might look too large; 11 pt Verdana may better match the original appearance.
This is why typographers often specify fonts and sizes together: "11 pt Garamond" and "10 pt Verdana" can provide similar readability despite different nominal sizes.
Conversion Table: Foot to Point (Typography)
| Foot (ft) | Point (Typography) (pt) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 432 |
| 1 | 864 |
| 1.5 | 1,295.999 |
| 2 | 1,727.999 |
| 5 | 4,319.997 |
| 10 | 8,639.995 |
| 25 | 21,599.986 |
| 50 | 43,199.973 |
| 100 | 86,399.946 |
| 250 | 215,999.864 |
| 500 | 431,999.728 |
| 1,000 | 863,999.456 |
People Also Ask
How do I convert Foot to Point (Typography)?
To convert Foot to Point (Typography), enter the value in Foot in the calculator above. The conversion will happen automatically. Use our free online converter for instant and accurate results. You can also visit our length converter page to convert between other units in this category.
Learn more →What is the conversion factor from Foot to Point (Typography)?
The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Foot and Point (Typography). You can find the exact conversion formula and factor on this page. Our calculator handles all calculations automatically. See the conversion table above for common values.
Can I convert Point (Typography) back to Foot?
Yes! You can easily convert Point (Typography) back to Foot by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Point (Typography) to Foot converter page. You can also explore other length conversions on our category page.
Learn more →What are common uses for Foot and Point (Typography)?
Foot and Point (Typography) are both standard units used in length measurements. They are commonly used in various applications including engineering, construction, cooking, and scientific research. Browse our length converter for more conversion options.
For more length conversion questions, visit our FAQ page or explore our conversion guides.
Helpful Conversion Guides
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📚 How to Convert Units
Step-by-step guide to unit conversion with practical examples.
🔢 Conversion Formulas
Essential formulas for length and other conversions.
⚖️ Metric vs Imperial
Understand the differences between measurement systems.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Learn about frequent errors and how to avoid them.
All Length Conversions
Other Length Units and Conversions
Explore other length units and their conversion options:
- Meter (m) • Foot to Meter
- Kilometer (km) • Foot to Kilometer
- Hectometer (hm) • Foot to Hectometer
- Decimeter (dm) • Foot to Decimeter
- Centimeter (cm) • Foot to Centimeter
- Millimeter (mm) • Foot to Millimeter
- Inch (in) • Foot to Inch
- Yard (yd) • Foot to Yard
- Mile (mi) • Foot to Mile
- Nautical Mile (NM) • Foot to Nautical Mile
Verified Against Authority Standards
All conversion formulas have been verified against international standards and authoritative sources to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability.
National Institute of Standards and Technology — Official US standards for length measurements
Bureau International des Poids et Mesures — International System of Units official documentation
Last verified: February 19, 2026