Cookie's Measure Aid - User Guide
Convert between Feet & Inches and Decimal Feet
Overview
Cookie's Measure Aid is a simple, powerful conversion tool that converts between traditional feet & inches measurements and decimal feet. Perfect for construction, architecture, engineering, and any profession that works with measurements.
Quick Start
The app has two conversion modes:
- Feet & Inches → Decimal Feet - Convert traditional measurements to decimal format
- Decimal Feet → Feet & Inches - Convert decimal measurements back to feet and inches
Results are calculated and displayed in real-time as you enter values.
Converting Feet & Inches to Decimal Feet
How to Use
- Enter the Feet value in the feet input field
- Enter the Inches value (0-11) in the inches input field
- Select a Fraction using the picker wheel (optional)
- The decimal feet result appears automatically below
Fraction Options
The fraction picker supports common construction fractions:
- 1/16, 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16
- 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, 15/16
You can also select no fraction (empty option) if you only need whole inches.
Example
To convert 5 feet, 8 inches, and 3/4 inch to decimal feet:
- Enter
5in the Feet field - Enter
8in the Inches field - Select
3/4from the fraction picker - Result:
5.73 ft
Converting Decimal Feet to Feet & Inches
How to Use
- Tap the Decimal Feet input field
- Enter the decimal value using the numeric keypad
- The feet & inches result appears automatically below
Input Method
The decimal feet input uses an ATM-style entry method:
- Enter numbers as if entering cents (e.g., enter
573for 5.73 feet) - The value is automatically divided by 100 and displayed as a decimal
- Results are displayed to 2 decimal places
Example
To convert 5.73 feet to feet & inches:
- Tap the Decimal Feet field
- Enter
573(which displays as 5.73) - Result:
5' 8 3/4"
Features
- Two-Way Conversion - Convert in both directions instantly
- Fraction Support - Supports all common construction fractions (1/16 through 15/16)
- Real-Time Results - Calculations update automatically as you type
- Precise Fractions - Automatically reduces fractions to lowest terms (e.g., 4/16 becomes 1/4)
- Smart Rounding - Rounds to nearest 1/16 inch for accurate conversions
- Input Validation - Inches are automatically limited to 0-11 (prevents invalid entries)
- Haptic Feedback - Tactile feedback when changing fraction selections
- Easy Keyboard Dismissal - Swipe down anywhere on screen to hide keyboard
- Dark Theme - Easy on the eyes with black background and white text
Tips & Best Practices
For Accurate Conversions
- Always enter inches as a value between 0-11 (the app will automatically cap at 11)
- Use the fraction picker for precise measurements down to 1/16 inch
- When entering decimal feet, remember to enter as "cents" (e.g., 1250 for 12.50 feet)
Common Use Cases
- Construction: Convert blueprint measurements to decimal for calculations
- Architecture: Switch between traditional and decimal measurements
- Engineering: Quick conversions for CAD and design work
- Estimating: Convert measurements for material calculations
Understanding the Results
Decimal Feet Format
Decimal feet are displayed with 2 decimal places, followed by "ft":
5.73 ftmeans 5 feet and 0.73 feet (approximately 8.76 inches)12.50 ftmeans 12 feet and 6 inches exactly
Feet & Inches Format
Traditional measurements are displayed as:
5' 8 3/4"means 5 feet, 8 inches, and 3/4 of an inch12' 6"means 12 feet and 6 inches (no fraction)- Fractions are automatically reduced (e.g., 8/16 becomes 1/2)
Technical Details
- Precision: Decimal feet displayed to 2 decimal places
- Fraction Precision: Rounds to nearest 1/16 inch
- Conversion Formula: Decimal Feet = Feet + (Inches + Fraction) / 12
- Platform: iOS (iPhone & iPad)
- Input Method: Numeric keypad for all inputs
Troubleshooting
Inches field won't accept values above 11?
- This is by design - inches are automatically limited to 0-11
- If you need more inches, add them as feet (e.g., 13 inches = 1 foot 1 inch)
Decimal input not working as expected?
- Remember to enter values as "cents" - enter
1250for 12.50 feet - The display shows the decimal value, but you enter whole numbers
Fraction not showing in result?
- If the conversion results in a whole number of inches, no fraction is displayed
- Fractions are only shown when there's a fractional part
Keyboard won't dismiss?
- Swipe down anywhere on the screen to hide the keyboard
- You can also tap outside the input field
Conversion Examples
Example 1: Simple Conversion
Input: 6 feet, 3 inches
Result: 6.25 ft
(3 inches = 0.25 feet, since 3 ÷ 12 = 0.25)
Example 2: With Fraction
Input: 4 feet, 7 inches, 1/2 inch
Result: 4.63 ft
(7.5 inches = 0.625 feet, since 7.5 ÷ 12 = 0.625)
Example 3: Decimal to Feet & Inches
Input: 8.75 ft (enter as 875)
Result: 8' 9"
(0.75 feet = 9 inches, since 0.75 × 12 = 9)
Example 4: Complex Conversion
Input: 10.42 ft (enter as 1042)
Result: 10' 5"
(0.42 feet ≈ 5 inches, rounded to nearest 1/16)