Linear Metres Converter
Convert between metric and imperial length measurements. Essential for construction projects using mixed measurement systems or converting architectural drawings.
Common Construction Conversions
| Metric | Imperial | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 50mm | 2 inches | Timber thickness |
| 100mm | 4 inches | Block width, timber |
| 150mm | 6 inches | Timber joists |
| 200mm | 8 inches | Floor joists |
| 300mm | 12 inches / 1 foot | Standard spacing |
| 1 metre | 3.28 feet / 1.09 yards | General measurement |
Timber Conversion Reference
Timber is commonly sold in imperial sizes but often specified in metric:
| Nominal Imperial | Actual Metric | Common Name |
|---|---|---|
| 4" × 2" | 100mm × 50mm | Four by two |
| 6" × 2" | 150mm × 50mm | Six by two |
| 8" × 2" | 200mm × 50mm | Eight by two |
| 9" × 2" | 225mm × 50mm | Nine by two |
Sheet Material Sizes
Common sheet materials and their equivalent sizes:
- 8' × 4' sheet: 2440mm × 1220mm (plywood, plasterboard)
- 10' × 5' sheet: 3050mm × 1525mm (large boards)
- 6' × 3' sheet: 1830mm × 915mm (small boards)
Conversion Formulas
1 inch = 25.4mm = 2.54cm
1 foot = 304.8mm = 30.48cm
1 yard = 914.4mm = 0.9144m
1 mile = 1609.344m = 1.609km
Feet and Inches Format
Imperial measurements are often expressed in feet and inches (e.g., 6'2"). Our calculator can convert these mixed formats to metric measurements.
CACalifornia Building Code (Title 24)
References & Sources
Standards Cited
- SI Brochure (9th edition) — The International System of Units
Defines the metre as the SI base unit of length from which all linear conversions derive View → - NIST Special Publication 811 — Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI)
Provides authoritative conversion factors between imperial and metric length units (e.g., 1 inch = 0.0254 m exactly) View → - ASTM E621 — ASTM E621 — Standard Practice for the Use of Metric (SI) Units in Building Design and Construction
Guides metric unit usage and conversions in North American construction measurement
Formulas Used
- Length Unit Conversion:
result = value x (fromFactor / toFactor)
Source: NIST SP 811 — Conversion via metres as the intermediate base unit - Feet and Inches to Metres:
metres = (feet x 0.3048) + (inches x 0.0254)
Source: NIST SP 811
Key Assumptions
- 1 inch = 0.0254 m (exact definition) — NIST Special Publication 811
- 1 foot = 0.3048 m (exact definition) — NIST Special Publication 811
- 1 yard = 0.9144 m (exact definition) — NIST Special Publication 811
- 1 mile = 1609.344 m (exact definition) — NIST Special Publication 811
- 1 nautical mile = 1852 m (exact definition) — International Bureau of Weights and Measures