20 inches equals 1.6667 feet, or 1 foot 8 inches. This is one of the most searched length conversions because it comes up constantly in shopping, DIY projects, and everyday measuring.
Quick Answer Box
20 inches = 1.6667 feet Fraction format: 20 inches = 1 ⅔ feet Feet + inches format: 1 foot 8 inches Formula used: 20 ÷ 12 = 1.6667 feet
What is 20 Inches to Feet?
20 inches to feet equals 1.6667 feet, or exactly 1 foot 8 inches. This conversion connects the imperial measurement system, which uses inches and feet, and is mainly used in the United States and, less commonly, the United Kingdom. Since 12 inches make one foot, dividing by 12 gives the feet value. People use this conversion when measuring furniture, checking package dimensions, buying curtains or rugs, sizing luggage, or working on home improvement projects where inches on a tape measure need to be read in feet.
How to Convert Inches to Feet
The formula for converting inches to feet is simple: divide the number of inches by 12, since there are 12 inches in one foot.
Step-by-step for 20 inches:
- Start with 20 inches
- Divide by 12 (inches per foot)
- 20 ÷ 12 = 1.6667 feet
- The remainder (0.6667 × 12 = 8) gives you 8 inches, so the full answer is 1 foot 8 inches
Two methods:
- Divide method: 20 ÷ 12 = 1.6667 feet
- Multiply method (reverse check): 1.6667 feet × 12 = 20 inches ✓
Both methods confirm the same result, so you can double-check your math either way.
Real-World Examples: What Does 20 Inches Look Like?
- Carry-on suitcase: Most airline carry-on bags are close to 20 inches tall, which is exactly why this measurement matters so much for travelers.
- Laptop screen (diagonal): A large 20-inch monitor or TV screen is roughly the height of a toddler standing up.
- Bicycle wheel: Many kids’ bikes come with 20-inch wheels, a common size for children ages 6-10.
- Bathroom vanity depth: A standard small bathroom vanity is often about 20 inches deep, just under 1 foot 8 inches.
- Large stockpot: A tall kitchen stockpot with lid can reach close to 20 inches, useful when checking cabinet clearance.
- Guitar body length: Many guitar bodies (not including the neck) measure close to 20 inches, useful for case shopping.
Practical Use Cases
DIY & Home Improvement
When measuring shelves, cabinets, or wall space, contractors often work in inches but need feet for larger layout plans. If a shelf is 20 inches wide, that’s 1 foot 8 inches — helpful when planning how many shelves fit across an 8-foot wall. Converting keeps your measurements consistent when switching between a tape measure and a floor plan.
Fashion & Clothing / Shopping
Clothing and accessory dimensions are often listed in inches, but people naturally think in feet for height comparisons. A 20-inch necklace, for example, sits close to 1 foot 8 inches of chain length, and knowing this helps buyers picture how low it will hang compared to their height.
School, Science & Math
Students learning the imperial measurement system practice converting inches to feet as an early math skill. A worksheet problem like “20 inches to feet” teaches division and remainders, since 20 ÷ 12 = 1.6667, with the leftover 8 inches demonstrating how mixed units work in real-world measuring.
Nearby Conversions Table
| Inches | Feet (decimal) | Fraction | Feet + Inches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 in | 1.25 ft | 1 ¼ ft | 1 ft 3 in |
| 16 in | 1.3333 ft | 1 ⅓ ft | 1 ft 4 in |
| 17 in | 1.4167 ft | 1 5/12 ft | 1 ft 5 in |
| 18 in | 1.5 ft | 1 ½ ft | 1 ft 6 in |
| 19 in | 1.5833 ft | 1 7/12 ft | 1 ft 7 in |
| 20 in | 1.6667 ft | 1 ⅔ ft | 1 ft 8 in |
| 21 in | 1.75 ft | 1 ¾ ft | 1 ft 9 in |
| 22 in | 1.8333 ft | 1 ⅚ ft | 1 ft 10 in |
| 23 in | 1.9167 ft | 1 11/12 ft | 1 ft 11 in |
| 24 in | 2.0 ft | 2 ft | 2 ft 0 in |
| 25 in | 2.0833 ft | 2 1/12 ft | 2 ft 1 in |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many feet is 20 inches? A: 20 inches equals 1.6667 feet, or 1 foot 8 inches. You get this by dividing 20 by 12, since there are 12 inches in a foot.
Q: What is 20 inches as a fraction of a foot? A: 20 inches equals 1 ⅔ feet as a fraction. This comes from simplifying 20/12 down to its lowest terms, which is 5/3, or 1 ⅔.
Q: How do you convert 20 inches to feet and inches? A: Divide 20 by 12 to get 1 whole foot, with a remainder of 8. So 20 inches equals 1 foot 8 inches exactly.
Q: How many centimeters is 20 inches? A: 20 inches equals about 50.8 centimeters. You get this by multiplying inches by 2.54, since 1 inch equals 2.54 cm.
Q: Is 20 inches more than 1.5 feet? A: Yes. 20 inches (1.6667 feet) is more than 1.5 feet (18 inches) by a difference of 2 inches.
Q: What common object is about 20 inches long? A: A typical carry-on suitcase or a kids’ bicycle wheel is close to 20 inches, making it an easy real-world reference point.
Tips for Converting Inches to Feet
- Mental math trick: Since 12 inches = 1 foot, quickly estimate by rounding — 20 is close to 24 (2 feet), so you know the answer will land just under 2 feet.
- Use decimals for math, fractions for measuring: Decimals like 1.6667 feet work best for calculators and spreadsheets, while fractions like 1 ⅔ feet are easier to read on a tape measure.
- Common mistake to avoid: Don’t confuse feet and inches when writing measurements — 1.8 feet is not the same as 1 foot 8 inches; the decimal 0.8 must be converted separately (0.8 × 12 = 9.6 inches).
- Double-check with multiplication: Always verify your answer by multiplying the feet result back by 12 — it should return the original inch value.
- Tool recommendation: For fast, error-free results, use an online inches-to-feet calculator instead of doing repeated manual division, especially for uneven numbers.
Conclusion
To sum up, 20 inches equals 1.6667 feet, or exactly 1 foot 8 inches. Whether you’re measuring luggage, shelving, or a bike wheel, this simple division-by-12 formula gives you an accurate answer every time. Bookmark this page for quick reference next time you need to convert inches to feet.
