Converting between millimeters (mm) and inches (in) is a common task, especially if you work in fields like engineering or manufacturing. It’s also something you might encounter in everyday life.
This article focuses on converting 87 mm to inches, which equals 3.4251968504 inches. We’ll look at the formula for converting mm to inches, and we’ll also discuss some tools that can make the conversion easier.
Defining Millimeters and Inches
Before we get to the conversion, let’s define what millimeters and inches are.
Millimeter (mm)
A millimeter is a unit of length in the metric system, which is also known as the SI system. There are 1,000 millimeters in a meter. Millimeters are often used to measure small items or small distances.
Inch (in)
An inch is a unit of length in the imperial and US customary systems. There are 12 inches in a foot. One inch is equal to 25.4 mm. You may see inches used for things like screen sizes, paper sizes, and in construction.
How to convert 87mm to inches
The formula for converting millimeters to inches is: inches = millimeters / 25.4. Remember that number: 25.4 millimeters equals one inch.
To convert 87 mm to inches, divide 87 by 25.4:
87 mm / 25.4 = 3.4251968504 inches.
For practical purposes, it’s usually best to round the result. So, 87 mm is approximately equal to 3.43 inches.
Expressing the Conversion in Different Formats
There are a few different ways to express the conversion from millimeters to inches. Here are some of the most common.
Decimal Representation
In decimal form, 87 mm = 3.4251968504 inches. This is the most common and precise way to show the conversion.
Fractional Representation
The fractional representation is 87 mm = 435/127 inches. You may see measurements expressed in fractional inches in some contexts.
Feet and Inches Representation
If we were to express 3.425 inches in feet and inches, it would be 0 feet and 3.425 inches.
Scientific Notation
In scientific notation, 8.7 x 10¹ millimeters ≈ 3.4252 x 10⁰ inches. Scientific notation is useful when you’re working with very large or very small numbers.
Practical applications and examples
Why would you need to convert 87 mm to inches? Lots of reasons! Maybe you’re working on a woodworking or metalworking project. Or maybe you’re designing something and need to translate metric measurements to inches for manufacturing in the US.
For example, say a component in your design needs to be exactly 87mm long. To get it made in the US, you’d need to tell the manufacturer that’s roughly 3.43 inches.
In projects like these, accuracy is key. A tiny error can throw off the whole design!
Putting It All Together
So, 87 millimeters equals about 3.425 inches. Just remember the formula: inches = millimeters / 25.4.
Getting unit conversions right is important! If you need to convert other units, there are lots of handy online conversion tools and tables you can use.
But it’s always a good idea to understand the basic principles of unit conversion, that way you can double-check your work or do the conversion yourself when you need to.