How to Convert Decimal Feet to Inches (ft to in)

When choosing your inground liner, you will need to know how to convert decimal feet to inches.

In this blog, we will explain how to convert a measurement that is in decimal feet to inches, and even down to the nearest eighth of an inch. Don’t know what decimal feet means? Have you ever seen a measurement in feet that is not a whole number? For example, 4.62'. This is a measurement in decimal feet. Sometimes you need to know what the .62 part of the measurement is. That is what this blog is for: converting that decimal amount into inches. 

Quick Answer: How Do You Convert Decimal Feet to Inches?

To convert decimal feet to inches, multiply the decimal part of the measurement by 12.

Formula:
Decimal portion of feet × 12 = inches

Example:
4.62' = 4' + .62'
.62 × 12 = 7.44"
So, 4.62' is about 4' 7-1/2" when rounded to the nearest eighth of an inch, or about 4' 7" when rounded to the nearest whole inch.

Liner Measurement Tip: Most vinyl swimming pool liner measurements should be rounded to the nearest inch unless the measurement form or pool professional requests more precision.

Quick Inches-to-Feet Reference 

Before converting decimal feet to inches, it also helps to understand how common inch measurements convert into decimal feet. This is a great tool when you need to calculate square feet or add measurements together using a calculator. 

This can also be done by multiplying the inches by .08333, which is 1/12. This gives you the exact number, not the rounded number.

This can be very helpful if you have a measurement in inches and want to quickly convert it to feet. For example, if you measured the total width of a pool as 150", you can multiply:

150 × .08333 = 12.4995

That equals about 12'-6".

Decimal Inches and 1/8 Conversion 

Now that you understand how to convert inches to feet, here’s a chart to help explain how to calculate down to the nearest eighth of an inch. In the chart below, the math is done for you to make this as easy as possible.

If you want to better understand the math involved in doing this calculation, we explain the process and provide an example below the chart.

How to Convert Decimal Feet to Feet and Inches

Let’s assume you have a measurement in decimal form that equals 33.5528' and you want to convert it to feet and inches instead of just feet.

By looking at the chart above, we know 33.5528' is 33' 6-5/8", but how do we get this conversion? It is done using a simple two-step process.

Step 1: Convert the decimal feet to inches

Take the numbers to the right of the decimal and multiply by 12.

For this example:

.5528 × 12 = 6.6336"

So now we have:

33' 6.6336"

Step 2: Convert the remaining decimal inch to eighths

To determine what the eighths of an inch will be, divide the amount to the right of the inch decimal by .125 and round the result to the nearest whole number.

For this example:

.6336 ÷ .125 = 5.0688

Round to the nearest whole number, which is 5. So the fraction will be 5/8".

Our final result for this conversion is:

33' 6-5/8"

Calculator and App Options

The photo below was taken from a free iPhone app named “Decimals and Fractions by Grand Unified, LLC.” This app is a simple program that can quickly convert a fraction to a decimal or a decimal to a fraction. It can also show the remaining amount in plus or minus form and reduce the fraction.

As shown in the photo below, we used the app to calculate the remaining decimal from Step 2. Whether you prefer using the chart above, a standard calculator, or a decimal-to-fraction app, the goal is the same: convert the decimal portion into inches, then round to the nearest eighth of an inch when needed.

If You Are Now Ready to Order Your Liner, You Will Need Some of These Resources 

Measurement and Quote Form 1 is required for all pool shapes and sizes. Download the Liner Measurement Form 1.

Measurement and Quote Form 2 is required if you are ordering a liner for an L-shape pool or if your pool has vinyl covered steps. 

NOTE: Form 1 must also be completed and attached to Form 2. Download the Liner Measurement Form 2.

If you are unsure of how to measure your pool, please view our detailed measuring instructions or have a pool professional measure your pool to ensure correct and complete measurements are recorded. Download the Liner Measuring Instructions.

Freeform pools, such as a Kidney or Deer Creek pool, are very common but require more measurements than a rectangle pool. To ensure we create a liner that fits properly for your freeform pool, we require you to complete an A-B Point to Point Measurement Form. We have made instructions available so that you can complete the form yourself.