An inch is a unit of measurement commonly used in the United States and other countries that follow the imperial system. It is equal to 1/12 of a foot and is often used to measure length or distance. One inch is equivalent to 2.54 centimeters in the metric system, which is used in most other parts of the world. Inches are frequently used in everyday contexts, such as measuring the height of a person or the dimensions of a piece of furniture. For example, a standard piece of paper is typically 8.5 by 11 inches. Understanding inches is essential for tasks like home improvement and crafting.