Inches to Fraction Calculator

What Is an Inches to Fraction Calculator?

An inches to fraction calculator converts:

• Decimal inches to fractional inches
• Fractional inches to decimal inches

It also shows related formats, such as feet and inches, millimeters, and centimeters.

Instead of guessing or doing mental math, the calculator handles rounding, precision, and simplification for you.

Why Decimal-to-Fraction Conversion Is Important

Decimal inches are common in software, CAD tools, and digital measuring devices. Fractional inches are common in:

• Carpentry
• Woodworking
• Metal fabrication
• Plumbing
• DIY home projects

For example:

• A digital caliper may read 5.75 inches
• A tape measure shows 5 3/4 inches

They represent the same length, but not everyone reads them the same way. This calculator translates one format into the other without confusion.

How the Calculator Works (Plain Explanation)

The calculator supports two calculation types:

1. Decimal to Fraction

You enter a decimal value like 5.75 inches.

The calculator:

1. Separates the whole number (5)
2. Converts the decimal part (0.75) into a fraction
3. Rounds it to the precision you choose (1/16, 1/32, etc.)
4. Simplifies the fraction if selected

Result:

• 5 3/4″

2. Fraction to Decimal

You enter:

• Whole inches (5)
• Numerator (3)
• Denominator (16)

The calculator:

1. Converts the fraction into a decimal
2. Adds it to the whole inches

Result:

• 5.1875″

This works both ways, so you can match digital plans with physical measurements.

Precision Settings Explained

Precision controls how fine the fraction is.

Common options include:

• 1/2 inch
• 1/4 inch
• 1/8 inch
• 1/16 inch (most common)
• 1/32 inch
• 1/64 inch
• 1/128 inch

Higher precision means:

• More accurate fractions
• Smaller rounding errors

Lower precision means:

• Easier to read
• Faster to measure by hand

For most woodworking and home projects, 1/16 inch is a good balance.

Fraction Simplification

When simplification is enabled, the calculator reduces fractions to their lowest form.

Example:

• 8/16 becomes 1/2
• 4/32 becomes 1/8

This makes results cleaner and easier to read on drawings and cut lists.

Display Format Options

The calculator lets you choose how results appear:

Inches Only

• Example: 14.375″

Feet + Inches

• Example: 1′ 2.375″

Both Formats

• Useful for construction and layout work

This flexibility helps when switching between plans, tools, and standards.

Extra Conversions Included

Beyond inches and fractions, the calculator also shows:

• Millimeters (mm)
• Centimeters (cm)

These are calculated using standard conversions:

• 1 inch = 25.4 mm
• 1 inch = 2.54 cm

This is helpful when working with metric drawings or imported materials.

Step-by-Step Example

Let’s say you enter:

• Decimal inches: 5.75
• Precision: 1/16 inch
• Simplify: Yes

The calculator:

1. Takes the whole number → 5
2. Converts 0.75 × 16 = 12
3. Simplifies 12/16 → 3/4

Final result:

• 5 3/4″
• 5.750″
• 0′ 5.750″
• 146.05 mm
• 14.61 cm

All results update instantly.

Who This Calculator Is For

This tool is useful for:

• Carpenters and woodworkers
• Builders and contractors
• Engineers and designers
• DIY homeowners
• Students learning measurements

If you ever switch between tape measures and digital tools, this calculator saves time and avoids mistakes.

Accuracy and Rounding Notes

The calculator rounds fractions to the nearest selected precision. This means:

• Results are practical, not theoretical
• Small rounding differences may occur

For critical or safety-related work, always verify measurements with physical tools.