Inches Feet Yards and Miles
- Inches, Feet, Yards and Miles – Explanation
- Converting Inches, Feet, Yards, Miles
- Converting Measurements – Inches
- Converting Measurements – Feet
- Converting Measurements – Yards
- Converting Measurements – Miles
- Inches, Feet, Yards and Miles – Examples
- Inches, Feet, Yards and Miles – Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions about Inches, Feet, Yards and Miles
Do you want to learn faster and more easily?
Basics on the topic Inches Feet Yards and Miles
Inches, Feet, Yards and Miles – Explanation
In this learning text we are going to learn about using inches, feet, yards and miles. When we want to find out the length of something we use units of length like: inches, feet, yards or miles. In this text we are going to look at the smallest to the biggest units of length as well as the conversion from one to another.
- An inch is a very small measure of length and is represented by the abbreviation in or inverted commas ‘’
- A foot is a bigger measurement than an inch and is represented by the abbreviation ft or apostrophe ‘
- A yard is a bigger measurement than a foot and is represented by the abbreviation yd
- A mile is a bigger measurement than a yard and is represented by the abbreviation mi or sometimes m but don’t get confused with metres!
If you would like to visualise the above information on miles, yards, feet, inches, have a look at the diagram below:
Converting Inches, Feet, Yards, Miles
In the following inches, feet, yards, miles conversion chart, you can see how many inches are equal to each of the other measurements. We will also show real-life examples to each of the measurements.
Converting Measurements – Inches
An inch has been used since the 7th century and is commonly used in several countries worldwide. It was replaced by centimetres after the metric system was introduced and accepted in most countries.
We use inches in measuring small objects or precision engineering and manufacturing, as well as in graphic design and printing. Inches can be converted into feet and you can learn more about is with the video called Converting Inches and Feet, but you can also convert them into yards and miles. Have a look at the inches, feet, yards, miles chart below for an overview.
| Inches | Conversion |
|---|---|
| 12 inches | 1 foot |
| 36 inches | 1 yard |
| 63,360 inches | 1 mile |
Converting Measurements – Feet
Another unit of length which is a bigger measurement than an inch is a foot. The foot was originally derived from the use of the human body as a basis for units of length.
The practical use of feet in real life is for example estimating heights and distances, building construction and architecture or we use feet in sports fields and track measurements.
| Feet | Conversion |
|---|---|
| 3 feet | 1 yard |
| 5,280 feet | 1 mile |
Converting Measurements – Yards
Now we will move on to yards. A yard is a bigger measurement than a foot. The origin of the yard measure is uncertain as both the Romans and the Welsh used multiples of a shorter foot (2.5 feet Roman and 3 feet Welsh).
We can find the use of yards in fashion, such as textile and fabric measurements, tailoring and sewing.
| Yards | Conversion |
|---|---|
| 1,760 yards | 1 mile |
Converting Measurements – Miles
Finally, let’s look at miles. We use miles for any long distance. A mile comes from Romans who had a measurement known as a thousand paces. A pace comprised five, possibly sandal shod, Roman feet. Using a mathematical calculation, we get around 5,000 feet per mile.
The practical uses of miles we can recognise in travel and navigation, the automotive industry and mileage, as well as sports events and marathon distances.
| Miles | Conversion |
|---|---|
| 1 mile | 5,280 feet |
Inches, Feet, Yards and Miles – Examples
Let’s look at some real-life examples to have a good imagination of each of the measurements. For example, a paper clip is roughly one inch, a sub sandwich is roughly one foot, the length of an adult bike is roughly one yard and finally four laps of a standard running track are roughly one mile.
The infographic above shows some real-world examples of inches, feet, yards and miles. Now you should be able to recognise roughly each of the measurements and give specific examples if necessary. If you need more help, please watch the video explaining each individual measurement and complete the worksheets that are available for this topic.
Inches, Feet, Yards and Miles – Summary
| Unit of Measurement | Explanation | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| inch | An inch is a very small measure of length and is represented by the abbreviation in or by inverted commas ‘’ | A paperclip, a bottle cap, a finger or thumb |
| foot | A foot is a bigger measurement than an inch and is represented by the abbreviation ft or apostrophe ‘ | A bread roll, a standard ruler, 2 litre drinks bottle |
| yard | A yard is a bigger measurement than a foot and is represented by the abbreviation yd | The distance from the tip of your nose to the end of your arm, the length of a guitar |
| mile | A mile is a bigger measurement than a yard and is represented by the abbreviation mi | A very long truck, around 2 000 steps |
Frequently Asked Questions about Inches, Feet, Yards and Miles
Transcript Inches Feet Yards and Miles
What a beautiful day for Zuri to read her magazine!
"Freddie, what are you doing?" "Oh, I heard you can measure things in feet!" "What? No Freddie, they meant like this!"
Let's join Freddie in learning all about Inches, Feet, Yards, and Miles.
Inches, feet, yards, and miles are measurements, or units, of length sometimes used in the
The length of an ADULT bike is roughly one yard.
For one mile, there isn't a specific item that is one mile long, but FOUR laps of a standard running track is equal to one mile!
While Freddie finishes up learning about these units of length, let's review!
Remember, inches, feet, yards, and miles are all measurements, or units, of length.
An inch is a very small measure of length and is represented by the abbreviation
"Freddie! What are you doing this time!" "I'm using this foot long sandwich to measure your face!" "What? No Freddie, I think you completely misunderstood!"
Inches Feet Yards and Miles exercise
-
What are the units of length?
HintsAn abbreviation of a word just means a shorter version of the word.
Sometimes the letters chosen from the abbreviation come from the beginning and end of the word.
SolutionAn inch has the abbreviation in and is the smallest unit of measurement.
A foot is next in line and the abbreviation is ft.
After a foot comes a yard. The abbreviation is yd.
Finally, the largest unit of measurement is the mile and the abbreviation is mi.
-
How big is each unit of length?
HintsUse the image here to help you remember the smallest to the largest units of measurement.
The metric system is used in most places in the world to measure length. However, the United States of America uses inches, feet, yards and miles.
Solution1) The smallest unit of length is an inch.
2) The largest unit of length is a mile.
3) A foot is made up of twelve inches. Just like a ruler!
4) A yard is larger than a foot but smaller than a mile.
5) Inches, feet, yards, and miles are used mostly in the United States while the metric system is used in most other countries.
-
Can you convert to a different unit of measurement?
HintsRemember, a foot is equal to 12 inches. If the bench is two feet long, it can't be 6 inches!
Remember, a foot is made up of twelve inches. So if the bench is two feet long, the problem is just 12 + 12.
Solution- The bench that Freddie sees is 24 inches long.
- The bench is 2 feet long. A foot is 12 inches.
- Since the bench is two feet long, we just add 12 inches + 12 inches.
- Therefore, the bench is 24 inches long or two feet long.
-
Can you match the lengths that are equal to each other?
HintsRemember the pyramid to help you with the lengths of each unit. The inch is the smallest and the mile is the biggest.
Use the partial chart pictured here to help you match some of the units of measure.
SolutionWe can use many of the units of measurement to measure the same distance. The number depends on which unit of measure is being used!
12 inches = 1 foot
36 inches = 1 yard
1 yard = 3 foot
1,760 yards = 1 mile
5,280 feet = 1 mile
-
Which are units of measure?
HintsRemember, units of length are not actually objects. We can use objects as examples and visuals of a unit of length!
We can also use a ruler as an example of how long a foot is.
SolutionThe actual units that can be used to measure length are an inch, foot, yard and mile. The inch being the smallest and the mile being the longest.
The adult bicycle, paper clip, sandwich and four laps of a running track are all just ways we can visualise, or see the units of length as a reference.
-
Can you convert to a different unit of measurement?
HintsRemember, one yard is equal to three feet
Remember that 1 yard equals three feet. The problem is 3 feet x 3.
SolutionThe ball that Freddie kicked is 9 feet away.
- The ball is 3 yards from Freddie.
- Each yard is equal to three feet.
- If we add each yard (3 feet), we get the problem, 3 feet + 3 feet + 3 feet.
- 3+3+3= 9 feet!
