Quick reference
Common area conversions
Area conversion squares the underlying length factor.
| From | Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1 in² | 645.16 mm² |
| 1 ft² | 0.092903 m² |
| 1 m² | 10.7639 ft² |
| 1 cm² | 100 mm² |
Section property utility
Engineering Area Converter
Convert cross-sectional area, tributary area, and bearing area between common metric and imperial units.
1Convert
→
2Send
→
3Analyze
Enter a value in any field
Convert area units
Next step
Open Section Properties
Calculate cross-sectional area with the section tool, then send the complete section into the Beam Calculator.
Engineering context
Area in structural calculations
Cross-sectional area is used in axial stress, average shear stress, member mass, and self-weight calculations.
Tributary area is different: it represents the floor or roof area whose load is carried by a member. Convert the resulting pressure load to a line load before applying it to a beam.
Area is not moment of inertia
Area uses squared length units. Second moment of area uses fourth-power length units and cannot be converted with an area factor.
Where this conversion is used
Structural engineering applications
- Cross-sectional area
- Tributary floor and roof area
- Bearing area
- Self-weight calculations
Questions engineers ask
Area conversion FAQ
How many mm² are in one in²?
One square inch is exactly 645.16 mm².
Why is the area factor squared?
Area has two length dimensions, so the length conversion factor is applied twice.
Can area be used in a beam stress calculation?
Area is relevant to axial and average shear stress. Bending stress also requires moment of inertia and the distance to the extreme fibre.
Conversion factors follow SI and U.S. customary unit relationships. Rounded reference values are for convenience; the live converter uses higher-precision factors.