How to Write Feet and Inches?

If you’ve ever second-guessed whether to write 5’7″ or 5 ft. 7 in., you’re not alone. The confusion between apostrophes, quotation marks, prime symbols, and abbreviations trips up everyone from students to professional writers. Whether you’re describing someone’s height, measuring lumber for a DIY project, or writing technical specifications, knowing how to write feet and inches correctly matters.

Here’s the good news: there’s no single “wrong” way to write measurements in feet and inches, but there are better practices depending on your context. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn every accepted notation method, understand when to use each format, master the style guide rules, and avoid the most common mistakes that make your writing look unprofessional.

Feet and Inches: Quick Reference Guide

Before diving into the details, here’s your at-a-glance reference for the most common ways to write feet and inches:

For Feet:

• Symbol: 5′ (prime mark or apostrophe)
• Abbreviated: 5 ft. (with period)
• Spelled out: five feet

For Inches:

• Symbol: 7″ (double prime or quotation mark)
• Abbreviated: 7 in. (with period)
• Spelled out: seven inches

Combined Formats:

• 5’7″ (most common in casual writing)
• 5 ft. 7 in. (formal abbreviation)
• 5′7″ (proper prime marks for publishing)
• five feet seven inches (spelled out completely)

The key principle: choose one format and stick with it throughout your entire document. Mixing 5 ft. 7″ or 5′ 7 in. looks inconsistent and unprofessional. When measuring distances for projects like understanding shiplap measurements or calculating dimensions for home improvement, consistency becomes even more critical for accuracy.

Now let’s explore each notation method in detail so you can choose the right one for your specific needs.

How to Write Feet: The Complete Guide

The word “feet” represents the plural form of “foot,” a unit of measurement equal to 12 inches or approximately 0.3048 meters. When writing measurements involving feet, you have three main options.

The Abbreviated Form: ft.

The most straightforward abbreviation uses “ft.” with a period at the end. This format works well in technical writing, construction documents, and any context where you want clarity without taking up too much space.

Examples:

• The ceiling is 10 ft. high
• Purchase 8 ft. of chain-link fencing
• The room measures 12 ft. by 15 ft.
• Standard lumber comes in 6 ft., 8 ft., and 10 ft. lengths

When using “ft.” in running text, always include the period. Some style guides allow dropping the period in tables or technical specifications for space efficiency, but in standard prose, keep it. Notice there’s a space between the number and “ft.” This spacing helps readability, especially in longer documents with multiple measurements.

The Symbol Form: ‘ (Prime Mark)

The prime mark (′) is the technically correct symbol for feet, though most people use the standard apostrophe (‘) as a substitute. This symbol format is extremely common in casual writing, social media, and everyday communication.

Examples:

• She stands 6′ tall
• The board is 8′ long
• Install the shelf 5′ above the floor
• The tree grew to 40′ in height

The beauty of this format lies in its brevity. No spaces appear between the number and the symbol (6′ not 6 ‘). This makes it perfect for tight spaces, quick notes, product listings, and informal communication. When calculating distances, like when you’re figuring out how long it takes to walk a mile, these compact measurements help keep information digestible.

The Spelled-Out Form: feet or foot

In formal writing, literary contexts, and certain academic papers, spelling out “feet” or “foot” remains the most appropriate choice. Use “foot” for singular (one foot) and “feet” for plural (two or more feet).

Examples:

• The statue stands twenty feet tall
• Move back three feet from the edge
• The rope was fifty feet long
• She is five feet four inches tall

Pay special attention to hyphenation when using feet as an adjective. When the measurement comes before a noun it modifies, hyphenate all parts and use the singular “foot”:

• A six-foot ladder (not six-feet ladder)
• The ten-foot pole (not ten-feet pole)
• My five-foot-two daughter (not five-feet-two)

But when the measurement doesn’t directly modify a noun, don’t hyphenate:

• The ladder is six feet tall
• The pole measures ten feet
• My daughter is five feet two inches tall

How to Write Inches: The Complete Guide

Inches, being exactly 1/12 of a foot, follow similar notation patterns to feet but with their own symbols and conventions.

The Abbreviated Form: in.

Like feet, inches can be abbreviated with “in.” followed by a period. This format appears frequently in technical specifications, product descriptions, and formal documentation.

Examples:

• The screen measures 15.6 in. diagonally
• Cut the wood to 23.5 in. length
• The fabric is 60 in. wide
• Apply a 2 in. layer of mulch

The period after “in.” distinguishes it from the word “in” (meaning inside or within). Without the period, readers might momentarily confuse the abbreviation with the preposition, disrupting their reading flow. Always include a space between the number and “in.” for proper formatting.

The Symbol Form: ” (Double Prime)

The double prime mark (″) serves as the proper symbol for inches, though the standard straight quotation mark (“) works as a practical substitute in everyday writing. This symbol appears most often in casual contexts, product specifications, and quick measurements.

Examples:

• The monitor is 27″ wide
• Install screws 16″ apart
• The phone is 6.2″ tall
• Cut strips 3″ wide

No space appears between the number and the inch symbol (27″ not 27 “). This compact format makes it ideal for product listings, social media posts, and space-constrained documents. You’ll see this notation everywhere from TV specifications (55” television) to recipe adjustments to construction notes.

The Spelled-Out Form: inches or inch

For formal writing, creative work, and certain academic contexts, spelling out “inches” or “inch” provides the most readable format.

Examples:

• The bracelet was seven inches long
• Add one inch of water to the pan
• The gap measured three inches wide
• She grew two inches over the summer

Like feet, hyphenation rules apply when inches function as an adjective:

• A three-inch nail (hyphenated, singular)
• The nail is three inches long (not hyphenated, plural)
• My two-inch-wide belt (hyphenated when compound adjective)

Writing Feet and Inches Together

Combining feet and inches in a single measurement requires careful attention to formatting, consistency, and spacing rules. This is where many writers make mistakes that undermine their credibility.

The Symbol Combination: 5’7″

The most popular format in everyday writing combines the apostrophe for feet with quotation marks for inches. This format appears everywhere from dating profiles to police reports to casual conversations.

Examples:

• He stands 6’2″ tall
• The doorway is 6’8″ high
• She’s exactly 5’4″ in heels
• The shelf fits a 7’3″ space

Critical rule: no space appears after the foot symbol. Write 5’7″ not 5′ 7″. This tight formatting keeps the measurement unified as a single unit. Think of it like writing a phone number—you wouldn’t put random spaces between digits because it would look fragmented and confusing.

The Abbreviated Combination: 5 ft. 7 in.

For more formal documents, technical writing, or when following specific style guides, the full abbreviation format provides maximum clarity.

Examples:

• The ceiling height is 8 ft. 2 in.
• Cut the board to 3 ft. 6 in. length
• The patient is 5 ft. 11 in. tall
• Wall studs are typically 8 ft. 0 in. or 10 ft. 0 in.

Notice the spaces around each element: number-space-ft.-space-number-space-in. This spacing improves readability in formal documents where precision and professionalism matter. You might use this format in construction blueprints, medical records, official reports, or academic papers in technical fields.

The Prime Mark Combination: 5′7″

Professional publishing and typography purists prefer the actual prime (′) and double prime (″) symbols rather than apostrophes and quotation marks. These specialized characters have a distinct northeast-to-southwest slant that differs from regular punctuation.

Examples:

• The average height is 5′9″
• Door frames measure 6′8″ standard
• The desk is 2′6″ deep
• Ceiling joists span 12′0″

Most word processors don’t automatically create these symbols. You’ll need to insert them using special character menus or HTML codes (′ = ′ and ″ = ″). Unless you’re working in professional publishing, graphic design, or typography-conscious fields, the standard apostrophe and quotation marks serve perfectly well.

The Spelled-Out Combination: five feet seven inches

Academic writing in the humanities, creative fiction, formal essays, and certain journalism contexts call for spelling out measurements completely.

Examples:

• The basketball player stands six feet eleven inches tall
• The gap measured two feet three inches across
• She claimed to be five feet four inches but seemed shorter
• The original plan called for ten feet six inches of clearance

When spelling out measurements, you can optionally include “and” between feet and inches in very formal contexts: “five feet and seven inches.” However, modern usage typically omits the “and” for cleaner flow.

Critical Consistency Rule

Never mix notation styles within a single measurement or document. These combinations look unprofessional:

• 5 ft. 7″ (mixing abbreviation with symbol)
• 5′ 7 in. (mixing symbol with abbreviation)
• Five feet 7″ (mixing spelled-out with symbol)
• 6’2 in. (mixing symbols with abbreviation)

Pick one format at the start of your document and maintain it throughout. If you write your first height as 5’7″, every subsequent height measurement should use the same format. Consistency demonstrates attention to detail and makes your writing look polished and professional. This principle applies whether you’re writing about measurements, financial calculations like understanding compound interest, or any other numeric data.

Hyphenation Rules for Feet and Inches

Hyphenation causes significant confusion when writing measurements. The rules depend on whether your measurement functions as an adjective (modifying a noun) or stands alone as a predicate.

When to Hyphenate

Use hyphens when the measurement comes before and modifies a noun:

• A six-foot-tall man
• The ten-inch-wide board
• My five-foot-two sister
• A twelve-foot-long rope
• The three-inch-deep hole

Notice that you use singular forms (foot, inch) and hyphenate all parts when creating this compound adjective. This helps readers understand that the entire phrase modifies the following noun.

When NOT to Hyphenate

Skip the hyphens when the measurement comes after the noun or serves as a predicate:

• The man is six feet tall
• The board measures ten inches wide
• My sister is five feet two inches
• The rope extends twelve feet long
• The hole goes three inches deep

In these cases, you use plural forms (feet, inches) and no hyphens because you’re not creating a compound adjective.

Special Cases

When you omit the measurement unit, hyphenate the numbers:

• She’s five-two (short for five-foot-two)
• He drives a forty-footer (meaning a forty-foot boat)
• I need a two-by-four (meaning 2-inch by 4-inch lumber)

Understanding these hyphenation patterns helps your writing look grammatically correct and professionally edited.

Style Guide Standards for Feet and Inches

Professional writers, editors, and publishers follow established style guides that dictate measurement formatting. Your choice of style guide often depends on your field, publication, or employer’s preferences.

Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS)

The Chicago Manual of Style, widely used in book publishing and academic writing, recommends spelling out measurements in nontechnical contexts:

In running text: “The room was twelve feet by fifteen feet with eight-foot ceilings.”

For technical or scientific writing, Chicago allows abbreviations: “The specimen measured 3 ft. 6 in. in length.”

Chicago discourages using symbols (‘, “) in formal prose, preferring either spelled-out words or standard abbreviations (ft., in.) with periods.

Associated Press Stylebook (AP Style)

The AP Stylebook, the bible of journalism and news writing, takes a more flexible approach:

Spell out feet and inches in most stories: “The 6-foot-2-inch forward scored 28 points.”

Use abbreviations in technical or statistical contexts: “6 ft. 2 in.” but note that AP omits the periods in some uses.

AP accepts symbols in appropriate contexts like sports statistics, but emphasizes consistency within each story.

For dimensions of objects: “The desk is 3 feet wide, 5 feet long and 2 feet deep.” Notice “feet” isn’t repeated with each number in a series.

AMA Manual of Style (Medical Writing)

Medical and scientific publications often follow the AMA Manual of Style:

Use numerals and abbreviations for all measurements: “The patient is 5 ft. 7 in. tall and weighs 165 lb.”

No spaces between number and abbreviation in some contexts: “5ft 7in” (though this varies by publication)

Metric conversions often appear in parentheses: “5 ft. 7 in. (170 cm)”

Technical Writing Standards

Engineering, construction, and technical fields often develop their own conventions:

Architectural drawings: Use symbols exclusively (6’8″ door height)

Construction specifications: Mix formats depending on context (“2×4×8′ studs”)

Engineering reports: Abbreviations with periods (ft., in.) for precision

Product specifications: Symbols without spaces (55″ TV, 15.6″ laptop)

The key lesson: identify which style guide your field, employer, or publication follows, then apply its rules consistently. When in doubt, check your organization’s style manual or ask your editor.

Common Mistakes When Writing Feet and Inches

Even experienced writers make these seven frequent errors. Learning to spot and correct them will instantly improve your measurement notation.

Mistake 1: Using Curly Quotes Instead of Straight Quotes

Many word processors automatically convert straight quotes (‘ “) into curly or “smart” quotes (‘ ‘ ” “). While curly quotes look elegant in regular text, they’re incorrect for measurements.

Wrong: 5’7″ (with curly quotes) Right: 5’7″ (with straight quotes)

The technical reason: measurements use prime marks (′ ″), not quotation marks. Straight quotes serve as acceptable substitutes, but curly quotes don’t. If your word processor insists on making quotes curly, you may need to disable the “smart quotes” feature in your settings.

Mistake 2: Adding Spaces After the Foot Symbol

Perhaps the most common formatting error is adding a space between feet and inches when using symbols.

Wrong: 5′ 7″ Wrong: 6′ 2″ Right: 5’7″ Right: 6’2″

The measurement reads as a single unit, so it should appear as a single unit with no internal spaces. Think of the entire measurement (5’7″) as one “word” that shouldn’t be broken up.

Mistake 3: Forgetting Periods with Abbreviations

When you abbreviate feet and inches as “ft.” and “in.”, the periods aren’t optional—they’re required to distinguish abbreviations from regular words.

Wrong: 5 ft 7 in Right: 5 ft. 7 in.

Without periods, “in” looks like the preposition “in” rather than an abbreviation for “inches.” This momentarily confuses readers and makes your writing look careless. The same attention to detail matters when writing about financial topics like loan amortization or mathematical concepts.

Mistake 4: Mixing Notation Styles

Consistency within each measurement is crucial. Don’t combine different notation methods.

Wrong: 5 ft. 7″ (mixing abbreviation with symbol) Wrong: 5′ 7 in. (mixing symbol with abbreviation) Right: 5 ft. 7 in. (abbreviations for both) Right: 5’7″ (symbols for both)

Choose one format and stick with it. Your readers will appreciate the consistency.

Mistake 5: Incorrect Hyphenation

Using hyphens when you shouldn’t, or omitting them when you should, creates grammatical errors.

Wrong: “The six-feet tall man” (should be six-foot with singular noun) Wrong: “The man was six-foot-tall” (no hyphens needed after noun) Right: “The six-foot-tall man” (hyphenate compound adjective before noun) Right: “The man was six feet tall” (no hyphens after noun)

Remember: hyphens join compound adjectives before nouns. Skip them when the measurement comes after the noun.

Mistake 6: Using Apostrophes Instead of Prime Marks in Professional Publishing

While apostrophes work fine in casual writing, professional publishing requires proper prime marks.

Casual writing: 5’7″ (acceptable) Professional typography: 5′7″ (with prime marks)

Unless you’re working in professional publishing, graphic design, or typography-conscious fields, don’t worry too much about this distinction. Regular apostrophes and quotation marks serve perfectly well for everyday writing.

Mistake 7: Inconsistency Within Documents

The biggest mistake isn’t using the “wrong” format—it’s switching between formats within a single piece of writing.

Inconsistent document:

• “John stands 6’2″ while his brother is 5 ft. 11 in. Their sister measures five feet seven inches.”

Consistent document:

• “John stands 6’2″ while his brother is 5’11”. Their sister measures 5’7″.”

Pick one style at the start and maintain it throughout. This consistency demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail that readers notice, even if only subconsciously.

Understanding Prime Marks vs. Quotation Marks

The technical distinction between prime marks and quotation marks matters in professional typography, though most casual writers can safely ignore it. Here’s what you should know.

Prime Mark (′) for Feet

The prime mark is a specialized symbol specifically designed for units of measurement. It slopes from northeast to southwest and appears slightly heavier than a standard apostrophe. In mathematics and science, prime marks also indicate derivatives, arcminutes in angular measurements, and various other technical notations.

True prime mark: 5′ Apostrophe substitute: 5′

For everyday writing, the apostrophe serves perfectly well as a substitute. Your readers won’t notice the difference, and the meaning remains crystal clear.

Double Prime (″) for Inches

The double prime mark consists of two prime marks together, creating a symbol that resembles but isn’t identical to quotation marks.

True double prime: 7″ Quotation mark substitute: 7″

Again, for most writing purposes, straight quotation marks work fine. Reserve true prime marks for professional publishing, scientific papers, and typography-conscious contexts.

Straight vs. Curly Quotes

Beyond the prime mark issue, you also need to distinguish between straight and curly quotes:

Straight quotes: ‘ ” Curly quotes: ‘ ‘ ” “

Measurements always use straight quotes (or prime marks), never curly quotes. Curly quotes curve toward or away from the text, which looks wrong in measurements. Straight quotes remain vertical, making them appropriate substitutes for prime marks.

How to Type Proper Prime Marks

Most keyboards don’t include dedicated prime mark keys. Here are your options:

On Windows:

• Prime (′): Alt+8242 (using numeric keypad)
• Double prime (″): Alt+8243 (using numeric keypad)
• Or use Character Map to find and copy symbols

On Mac:

• Prime (′): Option+2032 doesn’t work; use Insert Symbol
• Access through Edit > Emoji & Symbols > search for “prime”

HTML Codes:

• Prime: ′ or ′
• Double prime: ″ or ″

In Most Situations: Just use the apostrophe (‘) and quotation mark (“) keys on your keyboard. Unless you’re doing professional typography, these substitutes work perfectly well.

Context-Specific Guidelines for Feet and Inches

Different writing contexts call for different notation approaches. Understanding these nuances helps you choose the most appropriate format for your specific needs.

Academic Writing

The formality of academic writing typically demands spelled-out measurements in humanities papers:

“The sculpture stands seven feet tall and weighs approximately 2,000 pounds.”

However, STEM fields often prefer abbreviations for efficiency:

“The specimen measured 3 ft. 6 in. in length and 1 ft. 2 in. in width.”

Always check your style guide (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) and follow your professor’s or department’s preferences. When in doubt, ask before you submit. Just as you’d carefully check formulas when working with compound interest calculations, verify your notation preferences in academic contexts.

Creative Writing and Fiction

Novels, short stories, and creative nonfiction typically spell out measurements completely:

“The detective was a six-foot-two hulk of a man with shoulders that barely fit through doorways.”

This approach maintains the narrative flow without jarring readers with symbols or abbreviations. However, dialogue can be more flexible:

“How tall are you?” she asked. “About five-ten,” he replied.

The casual “five-ten” sounds natural in conversation without being spelled as “five feet ten inches.”

Journalism and News Writing

News articles follow AP Style, which generally spells out measurements:

“The 6-foot-4 center dominated the paint, scoring 32 points.”

Sports statistics and box scores may use symbols:

“Johnson (6’8″, 245 lbs.) led all scorers with 28 points.”

The AP Stylebook offers specific guidance on measurements in different contexts, so journalists should keep an updated copy handy.

Technical Documentation

Engineering specs, construction documents, and technical manuals prioritize clarity and space efficiency:

“Install 2×4×8′ studs at 16″ centers.” “Minimum ceiling height: 7’6″ (8’0″ preferred).” “Clearance required: 3 ft. 6 in. minimum.”

Technical writing often mixes formats based on industry standards, space constraints, and clarity needs. The key is consistency within each document or document set.

Business and Professional Writing

Business reports, presentations, and corporate communications often use abbreviated formats:

“The new office space offers 2,400 sq. ft. with 9 ft. ceilings.” “Conference room dimensions: 15 ft. × 20 ft.”

Professional emails can be more casual:

“The standing desk adjusts from 30″ to 48″ height.”

Match your formality level to your audience and company culture.

Social Media and Casual Digital Writing

Online platforms favor brevity, making symbols the natural choice:

“Just saw someone 7’2″ at the grocery store!” “My apartment is tiny—like 10’×12′ total.”

Nobody expects formal notation on Twitter, Instagram, or text messages. Use whatever communicates quickly and clearly.

E-commerce and Product Descriptions

Product listings balance information density with scannability:

“55” 4K Smart TV – Ultra HD Display” “Desk dimensions: 48″W × 24″D × 30″H” “Available in 6 ft. and 8 ft. lengths”

Symbols conserve space while remaining instantly understandable to shoppers.

Real-World Examples Across Different Contexts

Seeing how feet and inches appear in actual usage helps cement your understanding. Here are practical examples from various fields and situations.

Height Descriptions

Personal descriptions:

• “She stands 5’4″ and weighs 125 pounds.”
• “The basketball player is six feet eleven inches tall.”
• “At 6’2″, he’s the tallest in his family.”

Medical records:

• “Patient height: 5 ft. 7 in.”
• “Child’s height at 24 months: 2 ft. 10 in.”

Dating profiles:

• “6’1″ if that matters”
• “5’6″ in heels, 5’3″ without”

Construction and Home Improvement

Lumber specifications:

• “2×4×8′ pressure-treated pine”
• “Purchase (10) 2×6×10′ boards”
• “1×12×6′ select pine shelving”

Room dimensions:

• “Master bedroom: 12’×15′ with 8′ ceilings”
• “Kitchen: 10 ft. 6 in. × 13 ft. 2 in.”
• “Closet: 3’×6′ walk-in”

Installation instructions:

• “Mount TV bracket 5’6″ from floor”
• “Install shelf 18″ above countertop”
• “Space studs at 16″ on center”

When planning home projects, precise measurements matter as much as understanding material costs and project calculations.

Real Estate Listings

Property descriptions:

• “Spacious 15’×18′ living room with 9′ ceilings”
• “Luxurious 6’×8′ master bathroom with soaking tub”
• “Lot size: 75 ft. × 120 ft. (0.21 acres)”

Product Specifications

Electronics:

• “27” LED monitor with 2560×1440 resolution”
• “15.6” laptop with full HD display”
• “75” QLED 4K television”

Furniture:

• “Queen mattress: 60″×80″”
• “Dining table: 36″×72″ extends to 96″”
• “Bookshelf: 30″W × 12″D × 72″H”

Appliances:

• “Refrigerator dimensions: 35 3/4″W × 68 7/8″H × 34 5/8″D”
• “Dishwasher: Standard 24″ width”

Fashion and Tailoring

Clothing measurements:

• “32” inseam for men’s pants”
• “16” neck, 34-35″ sleeve dress shirt”
• “Size 8 fits up to 5’6″ height”

Alterations:

• “Hem pants 2″ shorter”
• “Take in waist 1.5″”
• “Let out shoulders 0.5″”

Gardening and Landscaping

Planting instructions:

• “Plant bulbs 6″ deep and 4″ apart”
• “Space tomato plants 2 ft. apart in rows 3 ft. apart”
• “Mulch bed with 2-3″ layer of wood chips”

Sports and Fitness

Equipment specifications:

• “10′ basketball hoop (regulation height)”
• “Volleyball net: 7’11-5/8″ for men, 7’4-1/8″ for women”
• “Boxing ring: 16’×16′ to 24’×24′”

Player stats:

• “Forward: 6’8″, 245 lbs.”
• “Goalkeeper: 6’4″ reach advantage”

Aviation and Marine

Aircraft specifications:

• “Wingspan: 35 ft. 10 in.”
• “Ceiling: 41,000 ft.”

Boat measurements:

• “Length overall (LOA): 28’6″”
• “Beam: 9’8″”
• “Draft: 3’4″”

These examples demonstrate how feet and inches notation appears across virtually every field and industry. The format varies by context, but the underlying principles remain constant: choose your notation method, stay consistent, and prioritize clarity.

Five Quick Tips for Writing Feet and Inches Correctly

After absorbing all this information, keep these five essential principles in mind for error-free measurement notation.

Tip 1: Choose One Style and Stay Consistent

This bears repeating because it’s the most important rule. Pick your format at the beginning of your document and never deviate:

If you start with symbols (5’7″), use symbols throughout. If you begin with abbreviations (5 ft. 7 in.), stay with abbreviations. If you spell out the first measurement (five feet seven inches), spell out all measurements.

Consistency demonstrates professionalism and makes your writing look polished. Switching formats mid-document looks careless and confuses readers.

Tip 2: Consider Your Audience and Context

Match your notation style to your readers’ expectations:

Academic readers expect spelled-out measurements in humanities, abbreviations in sciences. Professional audiences appreciate formal abbreviations (ft., in.) in business documents. Casual readers prefer quick symbols (‘, “) in everyday communication. Technical audiences follow industry standards specific to their field.

When in doubt, err on the side of formality. It’s easier to be “too proper” than “too casual” in professional contexts.

Tip 3: Follow Your Style Guide When Applicable

If you’re writing for publication, school, or an organization with a style guide, that guide takes precedence over all other considerations:

Academic papers: Follow APA, MLA, Chicago, or your professor’s requirements. Journalism: AP Stylebook rules govern newspaper and online news writing. Publishing: Chicago Manual or your publisher’s house style. Technical fields: Industry-specific standards (AMA for medical, APA for psychology, etc.).

Don’t guess—look it up. Style guides exist precisely to eliminate ambiguity and ensure consistency across publications.

Tip 4: Use Hyphens When Creating Compound Adjectives

The hyphenation rule is simple once you understand the pattern:

Before the noun (compound adjective): six-foot-tall man (hyphenate, use singular) After the noun (predicate): man is six feet tall (no hyphens, use plural)

This pattern applies regardless of which notation method you’re using:

• “A 6-foot-2 player” vs. “The player is 6 feet 2 inches”
• “A five-inch-wide board” vs. “The board is five inches wide”

Correct hyphenation marks you as a careful writer who understands grammar nuances.

Tip 5: Double-Check Symbol Spacing

The most visible errors involve spacing around symbols:

No space after foot symbol: 5’7″ (not 5′ 7″) Space after abbreviated forms: 5 ft. 7 in. (not 5ft. 7in.) No space between number and symbol: 27″ (not 27 “) Space between number and abbreviation: 27 in. (not 27in.)

These spacing rules might seem picky, but they significantly impact readability and professionalism. A quick proofread catches most spacing errors before they reach your readers.

Advanced Considerations for Feet and Inches

Beyond basic notation, several advanced topics deserve attention for those seeking comprehensive understanding.

Fractional Inches

Many measurements include fractions of an inch, requiring special notation:

With symbols: 5’7-1/2″ With abbreviations: 5 ft. 7-1/2 in. Spelled out: five feet seven and one-half inches

The hyphen connects the whole number to the fraction (7-1/2) to show they form a single measurement. Never write 5’7 1/2″ with a space between the whole and fractional parts.

In technical contexts, decimal equivalents often replace fractions:

• 7.5″ instead of 7-1/2″
• 5’7.5″ instead of 5’7-1/2″

Decimals simplify calculations but may look less natural in casual writing.

Very Large Measurements

When measurements exceed 10 or 12 feet, consider whether feet remains the most appropriate unit:

Awkward: The property is 450 feet long Better: The property is 150 yards long Or: The property is 0.085 miles long

However, certain contexts (like real estate and construction) conventionally use feet even for large distances:

• “Lot depth: 120 ft.”
• “Setback requirement: 25 ft. from street”

Metric Conversions

Scientific and international contexts often require metric equivalents:

“The patient is 5 ft. 7 in. (170 cm) tall” “Door opening: 6’8″ (2.03 m) high” “Board length: 8 ft. (2.44 m)”

Place conversions in parentheses immediately following the imperial measurement. This helps international readers while maintaining the primary measurement system.

Area and Volume

Square feet and cubic feet follow similar notation principles:

Square feet: 1,200 sq. ft. or 1,200 ft² or 1,200 square feet Cubic feet: 64 cu. ft. or 64 ft³ or 64 cubic feet

The superscript numbers (², ³) are technically correct but harder to type, so abbreviations (sq. ft., cu. ft.) appear more commonly in everyday writing.

Architectural Notation

Architectural drawings use specialized notation:

• 1/4″ = 1′-0″ (scale notation)
• 8′-0″ (always showing inches, even when zero)
• Dimension strings with tick marks

If you’re creating technical drawings, learn the specific conventions of architectural notation beyond general writing standards.

International Variations

Different English-speaking countries have preferences:

United States: Heavy use of feet and inches in everyday life United Kingdom: Transitioning to metric but still uses feet/inches for height and some distances Canada: Officially metric but feet/inches common in construction and casual conversation Australia: Primarily metric with occasional feet/inches in specific contexts

Understanding these variations helps when writing for international audiences or publications.

Typography Considerations for Professional Publishing

If you work in publishing, graphic design, or professional typography, additional refinements matter.

Proper Character Selection

Professional typesetters distinguish between multiple similar-looking characters:

Apostrophe (‘): Curved, used in contractions like “don’t” Prime mark (′): Straight diagonal, used for feet measurements Single quote (‘ or ‘): Curved, used for quotations

Double quote (” or “): Curved, used for quotations Double prime (″): Straight diagonal, used for inches measurements

In professional typography, using apostrophes and quotes for measurements is technically incorrect, even though it’s acceptable in everyday writing. Design software like Adobe InDesign and professional publishing platforms provide access to proper prime marks.

Kerning and Spacing

Typography software allows precise control over spacing:

Tight spacing: 5′7″ (numbers, symbols touching) Optical spacing: Let software adjust spacing based on character shapes Manual adjustments: Fine-tune spacing for visual appeal

Professional designers may slightly adjust spacing between numbers and prime marks for optimal visual balance, especially in large headlines or display text.

Font Considerations

Different fonts render prime marks differently:

Sans-serif fonts: Prime marks may appear very similar to apostrophes Serif fonts: Often show more distinction between characters Monospace fonts: Equal spacing can help alignment in tables

Choose fonts that clearly distinguish prime marks from other punctuation when measurements appear frequently in your document.

Common Questions About Writing Feet and Inches

Q: Is it ever acceptable to use just numbers without any symbol?

In very informal contexts where the meaning is absolutely clear, you might see just numbers: “He’s about six-two” (meaning 6’2″) “The room is twelve by fifteen” (meaning 12′ × 15′)

However, this only works in casual conversation where context makes the units obvious. In writing, always include some indicator (symbol, abbreviation, or spelled-out word) to avoid ambiguity.

Q: Should I use a space before and after the multiplication sign in dimensions?

Style guides vary, but most recommend spaces around the multiplication sign:

Preferred: 12 ft. × 15 ft. Also acceptable: 12′ × 15′ Avoid: 12ft.×15ft. (cramped, hard to read)

The spaces improve readability, especially when measurements include inches: 12’6″ × 15’8″

Q: How do I write measurements in all caps?

When writing in all caps (such as in headlines or signage), maintain the same formatting rules:

ALL CAPS: THE DOORWAY IS 6’8″ HIGH ALL CAPS: CEILING HEIGHT: 8 FT. 0 IN. ALL CAPS: MINIMUM CLEARANCE: SEVEN FEET

Don’t add periods after abbreviations in all-caps acronyms (FBI, NASA) but do keep them with measurement abbreviations (FT., IN.) for clarity.

Q: What about negative measurements or temperature?

Negative feet measurements rarely occur outside specialized contexts:

Below grade: “Foundation extends -3 ft. below grade” Temperature: Use degrees, not feet/inches (32°F, not 32’F)

Q: How do I write ranges of measurements?

Use “to” or an en dash (–) between measurements:

With words: “heights from five to six feet” With symbols: “between 5’6″ and 6’2″” With dash: “5’6″–6’2″ range” With abbreviations: “5 ft. 6 in. to 6 ft. 2 in.”

Maintain parallel structure—don’t write “from 5’6″ to six feet two inches.”

Historical Context: How Measurement Notation Evolved

Understanding the history behind feet and inches notation provides interesting context, though it won’t change how you write today.

The foot as a measurement unit dates back thousands of years, originally based on the length of a human foot. Different regions had different “foot” lengths until standardization efforts in the 18th and 19th centuries established the international foot at exactly 12 inches or 0.3048 meters.

The prime mark (′) comes from medieval notation where a single stroke indicated primary division of a unit, while the double prime (″) indicated secondary division. This mathematical notation system predates its use in measurements and also appears in angle measurements (degrees, minutes, seconds) and time calculations.

The abbreviations “ft.” and “in.” simply shorten the words “feet” and “inches,” with the period indicating abbreviation—a convention that dates to early English writing when economy of space on expensive paper and parchment mattered greatly.

Interestingly, the confusion between prime marks and apostrophes/quotes arose with typewriters, which lacked specialized keys for prime marks. Writers began using available punctuation as substitutes, and this practice continued into the computer age. Most modern keyboards still don’t include prime mark keys, perpetuating the use of apostrophes and quotes as acceptable substitutes.

Writing Feet and Inches in Digital Contexts

Modern digital writing presents unique challenges and opportunities for measurement notation.

Social Media Character Limits

When character counts matter (Twitter, text messages, headlines), symbols offer maximum efficiency:

Space-saving: “Check out my 6’8″ boyfriend!” Readable: Quick visual processing Universal: Everyone recognizes the symbols

Abbreviations take more space: “Check out my 6 ft. 8 in. boyfriend!” (less efficient)

HTML and Web Writing

Web content requires consideration of HTML encoding:

Regular apostrophes/quotes: Work fine in most contexts HTML entities: ′ (′) and ″ (″) for proper prime marks Special characters: ′ (′) and ″ (″) as numeric codes

Most web writing uses standard keyboard characters (‘, “) because they display consistently across browsers and devices without special encoding.

Spreadsheets and Data Entry

Excel, Google Sheets, and databases have specific formatting needs:

Avoid: Entering 5’7″ might trigger quote formatting issues Better: Use separate columns for feet and inches Best: Store as decimal inches (67″) or centimeters for calculations

When measurements need calculation, convert everything to a single unit (total inches or centimeters) rather than mixing feet and inches.

Email and Professional Communication

Email formatting typically follows these principles:

Business emails: Use abbreviations (5 ft. 7 in.) for professionalism Quick messages: Symbols (5’7″) work fine for brevity Formal correspondence: Spell out (five feet seven inches) when very formal

Remember that email clients may change quote marks to curly quotes automatically, which could look incorrect in measurements. Check your sent messages to ensure formatting appears as intended.

Mobile Device Challenges

Typing measurements on phones and tablets presents unique challenges:

Virtual keyboards: May lack easy access to prime marks Autocorrect: Might change notation unexpectedly Screen space: Favors compact symbol notation

For mobile-first content, symbols (‘, “) offer the best user experience due to their brevity and universal recognition.

Teaching Others to Write Feet and Inches

If you need to explain proper notation to students, colleagues, or team members, use these teaching strategies.

Start with the Why

Help learners understand why correct notation matters:

“Proper formatting shows attention to detail and professionalism.” “Consistency helps readers process information more quickly.” “Following conventions ensures your writing meets publication standards.”

People learn better when they understand the purpose behind rules.

Provide Visual Examples

Create comparison charts showing correct vs. incorrect:

✓ Correct: 5’7″ | ✗ Incorrect: 5′ 7″ ✓ Correct: 5 ft. 7 in. | ✗ Incorrect: 5 ft. 7″ ✓ Correct: five-foot-seven man | ✗ Incorrect: five feet seven man

Visual learning reinforces concepts better than verbal explanations alone.

Practice with Real Scenarios

Give learners authentic writing tasks:

“Write a height description for a dating profile.” “Create product specifications for a furniture listing.” “Draft construction notes for a building project.”

Real-world applications make abstract rules concrete and memorable.

Create Reference Materials

Develop quick-reference guides:

One-page formatting cheat sheets Style guide summary cards Examples library for common situations

Reference materials support learning long after the initial instruction.

Troubleshooting Measurement Notation Problems

When you encounter measurement notation issues, use this troubleshooting guide.

Problem: Inconsistent formatting throughout document

Solution: Do a find-and-replace operation to standardize:

• Search for one pattern (5 ft.)
• Replace with preferred format
• Repeat for all variations
• Final manual proofread to catch exceptions

Problem: Word processor changing quotes to curly quotes

Solution: Disable smart quotes in settings:

• Microsoft Word: File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options > AutoFormat > Uncheck “Straight quotes with smart quotes”
• Google Docs: Tools > Preferences > Uncheck “Use smart quotes”

Problem: Not sure which style guide applies

Solution: Ask directly:

• Email your editor/professor/supervisor
• Check the publication’s submission guidelines
• Review similar previously published pieces
• When in doubt, choose Chicago Manual for general use

Problem: Mixing up when to hyphenate

Solution: Apply this test:

• Does the measurement come before and modify a noun? → Hyphenate
• Does it come after the noun? → No hyphens
• Example: “six-foot man” (before) vs. “man is six feet” (after)

Problem: Unsure about spacing with symbols

Solution: Remember the rule:

• Symbols: No spaces anywhere (5’7″ not 5′ 7″ or 5 ‘7″)
• Abbreviations: Spaces between elements (5 ft. 7 in.)

Problem: Fractions causing formatting issues

Solution: Connect fractions to whole numbers with hyphen:

• Correct: 7-1/2″
• Incorrect: 7 1/2″
• Alternative: Use decimals (7.5″)

Beyond Feet and Inches: Related Measurements

While this guide focuses on feet and inches, understanding related measurement systems provides helpful context. When working with distance measurements, whether you’re calculating how many miles is 10000 steps or figuring out how long it takes to walk a mile, understanding various measurement units becomes invaluable.

Other Imperial Measurements

Yards: 3 feet = 1 yard (abbreviated yd.) Miles: 5,280 feet = 1 mile (abbreviated mi.) Fathoms: 6 feet = 1 fathom (nautical measurements)

These units follow similar notation principles: spell out, abbreviate with periods, or use symbols in appropriate contexts.

Metric Equivalents

Understanding conversions helps international communication:

1 inch = 2.54 centimeters (cm) 1 foot = 30.48 centimeters or 0.3048 meters (m) 1 yard = 0.9144 meters 1 mile = 1.609 kilometers (km)

Specialized Measurements

Different fields use specialized measurement units:

Nautical: Knots, fathoms, nautical miles Aviation: Flight levels (in hundreds of feet) Surveying: Rods, chains, links Textiles: Yards, bolts, hanks

Each specialty has its own notation conventions, though the general principles of consistency and clarity still apply.

The Future of Measurement Notation

As the world becomes increasingly digital and globalized, measurement notation continues to evolve.

Metric System Adoption

The United States remains one of few countries primarily using imperial measurements. Gradual metric adoption may eventually change how Americans write measurements, though feet and inches will likely persist in construction, real estate, and personal height descriptions for decades.

Digital Typography Improvements

Modern fonts and digital publishing tools make proper prime marks more accessible than ever. As design software becomes more user-friendly, we may see increased use of technically correct prime marks (′ ″) instead of apostrophe/quote substitutes.

Voice-Activated Writing

Voice-to-text technology is changing how people compose documents. Saying “five feet seven inches” produces spelled-out text that writers must manually convert to symbols or abbreviations if desired. This may increase use of spelled-out measurements.

Internationalization of Content

Global content increasingly includes multiple measurement systems:

“The player stands 6’7″ (2.01 m) tall.” “Door height: 6’8″ / 203 cm”

Providing both imperial and metric measurements serves wider audiences and may become standard practice in international publishing.

Automated Conversion Tools

Software increasingly offers automatic measurement conversion. Writers might enter measurements in any format, and publishing systems could automatically convert to house style or reader preferences. This technology could reduce formatting concerns while increasing accessibility.

Final Thoughts: Consistency Matters Most

After exploring every aspect of how to write feet and inches, one principle rises above all others: consistency matters more than choosing the “perfect” format.

Whether you write 5’7″, 5 ft. 7 in., or five feet seven inches, maintaining that choice throughout your document demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail. Readers notice consistency, even if only subconsciously, and it builds trust in your writing.

Consider your context: academic papers demand different formality than social media posts. Follow applicable style guides when they exist. When no specific rules apply, choose the format that best serves your readers’ needs and stick with it.

Remember these key principles:

Choose your format based on context: Formal or casual, technical or creative, each context suggests appropriate notation.

Stay consistent throughout each document: Never mix formats like 5 ft. 7″ or 5′ 7 in. in a single piece.

Mind your spacing: No space after foot symbol (5’7″), space between abbreviations (5 ft. 7 in.).

Hyphenate compound adjectives: Use “six-foot-tall man” but “man is six feet tall.”

Follow your style guide: When applicable, style guides override all other considerations.

Use clear, unambiguous notation: Your primary goal is communicating measurements accurately.

With these principles in mind, you now have complete command of feet and inches notation. Whether you’re writing a height description, technical specifications, creative fiction, or casual messages, you understand which format works best and how to apply it consistently.

The confusion about apostrophes and quotation marks, prime marks and double primes, abbreviations and symbols need no longer trip you up. You’ve mastered the nuances of hyphenation, spacing, and style guide requirements. You can write measurements with confidence, knowing your notation will look professional and communicate clearly.

Practice these principles in your daily writing. Before long, correct measurement notation will become second nature, requiring no more conscious thought than punctuation or capitalization. Your writing will be clearer, more professional, and more polished as a result.

Now go forth and write those measurements correctly—whether you’re describing someone who’s 6’2″, specifying lumber that’s 8 ft. long, or crafting a character who stands five feet seven inches tall. You’ve got this.