0.5 as a Fraction of an Inch

Answer
1/2 in
0.5 in = 1/2 in (1/64 in) = 12.7 mm

0.5 inches equals 1/2 inch, likely the most recognized fraction on any tape measure. It is the nominal size of standard PVC and copper pipe, a frequent plywood and drywall thickness, and one of the most common bolt and socket sizes in general hardware. Sitting exactly at the midpoint of a full inch, it reads as 1/2 in whether you round to 1/16, 1/32, or 1/64 precision.

Try another decimal
Nearest 1/16
1/2"
Nearest 1/32
1/2"
Millimeters
12.7 mm

Related values

ValueResult
Nearest 1/8 in1/2 in
Nearest 1/16 in1/2 in
Nearest 1/32 in1/2 in
Nearest 1/64 in1/2 in
Millimeters12.7 mm
Centimeters1.27 cm
Feet0.041667 ft

How the conversion works

  1. Split the decimal. Separate the whole-number part from the decimal part. 0.5 has no whole-number portion, so the entire value goes into the fraction conversion.
  2. Multiply by precision. Multiply the decimal by the denominator you want, 16, 32, or 64, then round to the nearest whole number. 0.5 × 16 = 8 exactly, with no rounding needed.
  3. Simplify. Reduce the fraction using the greatest common divisor of numerator and denominator. 8/16 shares a factor of 8, simplifying all the way down to 1/2.
  4. Verify in mm. Multiply the decimal inches by 25.4 to check the metric equivalent: 0.5 × 25.4 = 12.7 mm.

Frequently Asked Questions

0.5 inches equals 1/2 in. This is exact at every common precision, 1/16, 1/32, and 1/64, since half an inch is the most fundamental fractional division of a tape measure.

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