We like to have our data both simple and gorgeous. Using too many units in a single datum makes it complicated to understand. It also looks horrible even in appearance. If we measure a distance/ height with a combination of feet and inches units, it gets troublesome for others to understand the value. It will be easy to understand if the value is described in either feet or inches units with decimal. In this article, we are going to discuss how to convert feet and inches to decimal in Excel.
For more clarifications, I am going to use a Dataset containing the Name and Height columns. Here, the heights are mentioned with a combined unit of feet and inches.
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2 Easy Methods to Convert Feet and Inches to Decimal in Excel
1. Applying Arithmetic Operations to Convert Feet and Inches to Decimal
We can convert feet and inches to decimal by applying arithmetic operations. It is the simplest way for this conversion. It is easily understandable too.
Steps:
- First of all, I have modified the dataset. I have taken the combined value of feet and inches into two separate columns. The feet part of a particular value is placed in the Feet column and the inches part of that value is placed on the Inches columns.
- Then, apply the following formula with arithmetic operations in a cell to have the value in feet with decimal.
=C6+(D6/12)
Here, I input the value in cell E6. The value in D6 is in inches. So, I convert it into feet dividing the value by 12. Then, it is added with the value in cell C6 which is already in feet. Finally, I have the value in feet with decimal in cell E6 by adding these two values.
- Now, press ENTER button.
- Finally, use Fill Handle to AutoFill the rests.
Thus, we can convert feet and inches into decimal.
Read More: How to Convert Decimal Feet to Feet and Inches in Excel (3 Methods)
2. Using a Combined Function for Decimal Conversion
There is another effective way to convert feet and inches in decimal. We can use a formula which is a combination of LEFT, FIND, ABS, SUBSTITUTE, MID, and LEN functions.
The LEFT function returns a specified number of characters from the start of a text string.
The FIND function returns the starting position of a case-sensitive text string within another text string.
The ABS function is used to get the absolute value of a number.
The SUBSTITUTE function replaces existing text with new text in a text string.
The MID function returns a specific number of characters from the middle of a string, given a specific starting position.
The LEN function returns the number of characters in a text string.
Steps:
- Input the following formula to have the value in decimal:
=LEFT(C5,FIND("'",C5)-1)*12+ABS(SUBSTITUTE(MID(C5,FIND("'",C5)+1,LEN(C5)),"""",""))
Formula Breakdown
MID(C5,FIND(“‘”,C5)+1,LEN(C5)) – this portion provides the value from the double quotes.
Output – “-9 1/10″””
SUBSTITUTE(MID(C5,FIND(“‘”,C5)+1,LEN(C5)),””””,””) – becomes SUBSTITUTE(“-9 1/10″””,””””,””) and will replace the multiple quotes with a couple of one.
Output – “-9 1/10”
ABS(SUBSTITUTE(MID(C5,FIND(“‘”,C5)+1,LEN(C5)),””””,””)) – becomes
ABS(“-9 1/10”) – converts the text into positive number
Output – 9.1
LEFT(C5,FIND(“‘”,C5)-1)*12 – provides the value before the quotes and multiple the value with 12
Output – 72
LEFT(C5,FIND(“‘”,C5)-1)*12+ABS(SUBSTITUTE(MID(C5,FIND(“‘”,C5)+1,LEN(C5)),””””,””)) – becomes 72 + 9.1 and provides the final output
Output – 81.1
- Hit ENTER.
- Finally, AutoFill the rests.
Read More: How to Convert Inches to Feet and Inches in Excel (5 Handy Methods)
Practice Section
For more expertise, you can practice here.
Conclusion
In this article, I have tried to articulate the whole process on how to convert feet and inches to decimal in Excel. I hope it will be helpful for all. For any further questions, comment below.
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