Help

This calculator helps you compute expressions with inches, fractional parts, and other units of length.

The calculator is designed for carpenters, woodworkers, and makers to perform mathematical calculations with inches. It also supports feet and metric units, which will be automatically converted.

Important: Any number without a unit is treated as inches. You can also explicitly specify them using in or " (double quote), but it is not required.

Fundamentals of Operation

Entering Numbers:

•Integers: Simply enter a number, for example, 5.

•Fractions: Use the numerator/denominator format, for example, 3/4.

•Mixed Fractions: Enter the whole part, a space, and the fractional part, for example, 1 3/4.

•Decimals: You can also use decimal fractions, for example, 1.5.

Mathematical Operations:

The calculator supports standard arithmetic operations:

•+ (addition)

•- (subtraction)

•* (multiplication)

•/ (division)

Using Parentheses:

Use parentheses to control the order of operations. For example, (2 + 3) * 4 = 20".

Units of Measurement

Inches (Default):

Any number without a unit is treated as inches. You can also explicitly specify them using in or " (double quote), but it is not required.

Feet (ft or '):

The calculator supports feet as a unit. Use ft or ' (single quote) to denote feet. For example: 2ft or 2'.

Metric Units:

The calculator automatically converts metric units to inches. You can use:

•mm (millimeters)

•cm (centimeters)

•m (meters)

Example: 1ft + 100mm + 1.5cm + 0.1m. Each of these values will be converted to inches and then summed up.

Precision and Results

Switching Precision:

You can change the rounding precision for fractions (to 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64) using the settings menu. This is useful when working with drawings of varying detail.

Result Formats:

The calculation result is displayed simultaneously in three formats:

•Fractional (as a mixed fraction)

•Decimal (in inches)

•Metric (in millimeters)

You can choose which of these formats is primary by clicking the selector next to the results. The primary result is also automatically copied to the clipboard.

Examples for Woodworking

Example 1: Calculating Shelf Length.

You need to cut a shelf for a cabinet that is 90cm wide. There should be 1/8 inch gaps on each side. What will be the length of the shelf?

Expression: 90cm - 1/8 - 1/8 = 35 3/16"

Example 2: Centering an Object.

You have a board that is 5 1/2 inches wide, and you need to find the center. Simply divide the width by two.

Expression: 5 1/2 / 2 = 2 3/4"

Example 3: Summing Offcuts.

You have several board offcuts: 1ft, 12 1/4 inches, 30.5cm, and 4 1/8 inches. What is their total length?

Expression: 1ft + 12 1/4 + 30.5cm + 4 1/8 = 40 3/8"

Wishing you precise calculations, successful projects, and satisfied clients!