Cernarus

Convert Square Feet to Square Inches - Area Converter

This converter transforms area values expressed in square feet (ft²) into square inches (in²). It uses the exact mathematical relationship between the two area units so results are deterministic and appropriate for construction, real estate, lab notes, CAD exports, and procurement estimates.

The conversion is grounded in standard unit definitions used by national metrology institutes and technical standards bodies. For practical work, always consider measurement device tolerances and rounding rules used by your industry or regulatory authority.

Use this tool when you need fast, unambiguous conversions (for example: floor plans, material takeoffs, or specification sheets). For metric or other unit systems, use the related converters linked below.

Updated Nov 10, 2025

Interactive Converter

Convert between square foot and square inch with precision rounding.

Quick reference table

Square FootSquare Inch
1 ft²144 in²
5 ft²720 in²
10 ft²1,440 in²
25 ft²3,600 in²
50 ft²7,200 in²
100 ft²14,400 in²

Methodology

Area conversions between square feet and square inches are exact and rely on the relationship between the base linear units: 1 foot = 12 inches. Square the linear factor to convert areas.

To convert, multiply the value in square feet by 144 because (12 inches per foot)² = 144 square inches per square foot. No empirical calibration changes this factor; it is a fixed mathematical constant.

When applying results in regulated contexts (building codes, procurement, lab reports), round according to the required significant figures or tolerance band. If you measure physical areas, factor in instrument uncertainty (tape, laser, or drawing scale) before final reporting.

Worked examples

1 ft² = 1 × 144 = 144 in²

5.5 ft² = 5.5 × 144 = 792 in²

0.125 ft² = 0.125 × 144 = 18 in²

Expert Q&A

What is the exact relationship between square feet and square inches?

There are exactly 144 square inches in one square foot because 1 foot = 12 inches and area scales with the square of linear dimensions: (12 in / 1 ft)² = 144 in²/ft².

How should I round converted values for construction or procurement?

Follow the rounding or tolerance rules specified by your project or regulatory standard. Common practice is to round to the nearest whole square inch for small parts and to the nearest 0.1 or 1 square foot for larger areas, but always confirm with contract specs or authority having jurisdiction.

Can I convert back from square inches to square feet?

Yes. Divide the number of square inches by 144 to get square feet. This is the exact inverse of multiplying by 144.

Do measurement tool tolerances affect the conversion factor?

No. The conversion factor (144) is exact. However, real-world measurements have uncertainties (tape measure accuracy, laser distance meter precision, drawing scale). Account for those device tolerances separately when reporting final values.

What abbreviations are standard for these units?

Standard abbreviations are ft² or sq ft for square feet and in² or sq in for square inches. Use whichever notation your documentation standards or jurisdiction require.

Where can I find authoritative guidance on units and measurement practice?

National metrology institutes and standards organizations provide guidance. Refer to the NIST SI guidance and NIST Special Publication 811 for authoritative information on unit usage and reporting practices.

I need to convert to metric units as well. Where should I go?

Use the relevant area converters for square meters (m²) or square centimeters (cm²). Metric conversions rely on the meter-inch/foot relationships defined by national standards; convert to metric first if required by project specifications.

Sources & citations