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Single conversion
To convert from Mil (mil) to Inch (in), use the following formula:
Let's convert 5 Mil (mil) to Inch (in).
Using the formula:
Therefore, 5 Mil (mil) is equal to Inch (in).
Here are some quick reference conversions from Mil (mil) to Inch (in):
| Mils | Inches |
|---|---|
| 0.000001 mil | in |
| 0.001 mil | in |
| 0.1 mil | in |
| 1 mil | in |
| 2 mil | in |
| 3 mil | in |
| 4 mil | in |
| 5 mil | in |
| 6 mil | in |
| 7 mil | in |
| 8 mil | in |
| 9 mil | in |
| 10 mil | in |
| 20 mil | in |
| 30 mil | in |
| 40 mil | in |
| 50 mil | in |
| 100 mil | in |
| 1000 mil | in |
| 10000 mil | in |
For all Length converters, choose units using the From/To dropdowns above.
A mil is a tiny unit of length in the imperial system of measurement.
Its most crucial definition is simple: one mil is equal to one-thousandth of an inch (1/1000 or 0.001 inches).
The plural form of the unit is mils.
The name "mil" comes from the Latin word millesimum, which means "thousandth"—a perfect fit for a unit that represents 1/1000th of an inch.
In engineering and manufacturing, especially in the UK, you might also hear a mil referred to as a thou. This nickname helps prevent confusion with metric units, such as the millimeter.
The mil measurement is essential in industries where precision is key, even over minimal distances.
To give you some perspective, a human hair is about 2 to 4 mils thick.
This unit is commonly used to specify the thickness or diameter of:
It's crucial not to confuse the imperial mil with the metric millimeter (mm). A millimeter is a much larger unit of measurement.
Here's a simple breakdown of the mil vs. mm conversion:
As you can see, one millimeter is nearly 40 times larger than one mil.
It is crucial to specify the units used in technical specifications to avoid significant mistakes.
An inch (in) is a standard unit of length used in the imperial and United States customary systems.
It is most commonly known as 1/12 of a foot. The plural form is "inches."
For a quick inch definition, here are the most important conversions:
The history of the inch goes back centuries. The word "inch" itself originates from the Latin word uncia, meaning "one-twelfth," which highlights its relationship to the larger unit of a foot.
Early definitions were often based on natural reference points. For a long time, an inch was widely considered to be the width of a man's thumb at the base of the nail.
To create a more reliable standard, 14th-century English King Edward II officially defined the inch as the length of three grains of barley placed end to end.
While the inch is an imperial unit, its official modern definition is based on the metric system.
Since 1959, an international agreement has defined the inch as exactly 2.54 centimeters (or 25.4 millimeters).
This universal standard, agreed upon by the United States, the United Kingdom, and other nations, ensures that the inch has a precise and globally recognized value.
This consistency is crucial for international trade, engineering, and science.
In fields that require extreme accuracy, such as engineering and machining, the inch is often divided into even smaller parts.
One-thousandth of an inch (1/1000 or 0.001 inches) is commonly known as a "thou" or a "mil."
Although very small, this unit is crucial for defining tolerances in the manufacture of engine components, electronic devices, and other precision equipment, where minute differences can have significant effects.
By comparison, a standard piece of paper measures roughly 2–4 thou in thickness.