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.
NAIBC / IRC codes
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