Whether you're a student of geometry, a DIY enthusiast, or simply curious about the world around you, understanding how long is 1 will allow you to make sense of any number in a measurement. From the size of a Bic pen to the length of a mile, knowing how long one is will help you with countless calculations and everyday tasks.
One inch is a unit of measurement in the imperial system. The word is derived from the Roman uncia and means "twelfth." In the United States customary system, an inch is roughly equal to 1/36 yard or 1/12 foot. In the metric system, it is equal to 2.54 centimeters.
The easiest way to measure an inch is with a ruler or tape measure. Ensure that the measuring edge is flat and straight, and align it with the starting point. Next, trace along the object you want to measure, ensuring that the length ends up at the one-inch mark on your ruler. You can also use a caliper, which allows you to trace extremely precise distances down to a thousandth of an inch.
If you find that your answer includes a decimal, multiply it by 60 to convert the number into minutes and seconds. For example, if your answer is 7600 seconds, it's actually equal to about 126.6 minutes, as you can see below. The same method can be used to convert any number of inches into yards and miles as well.
