Metric ⇄ Imperial Converter

 

Recently, I built a small desktop app that helps engineers, designers, and anyone working with mixed measurement systems quickly convert lengths between metric and imperial units.

 Key Features
Converts mm, cm, m ↔ inches, feet (decimal), feet-inches (format 0’0″)
Works both directions — metric ⇄ imperial
Smart input recognition: 5’7″, 5ft 7in, 5 7, or even 5-7.25
Quick calculation via CALCULATE button or Enter key
Keeps a conversion history in the same window
Compact, minimal interface built with Tkinter

 Two Interface Versions
English version
Russian version
Both fully localized and identical in functionality.

 Conversion Examples

1 m → 3’3.37″
5’7″ → 170.18 cm
100 mm → 3.94″
6.5 ft → 6’6″


 Feedback is welcome — what do you think about this idea?


English version: https://lnkd.in/g2CWKYfe


Russian version: https://lnkd.in/gShd_vff

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UPD

 Updated My Metric ⇄ Imperial Converter (v2). What’s New?

I’ve redesigned and released a new version of my compact metric–imperial converter. The program now has a more streamlined interface, cleaner logic, and improved usability for everyday work.

Below is a list of all major updates and new features.

 1. Ultra-Compact Interface

Version v1 used a wide, three-column layout (input → output → history).
In v2, the interface is completely redesigned:

• Narrow vertical window (200×480 px)
• All elements arranged in a single column
• Minimal padding, compact fonts
• Perfect for keeping the converter always on screen

 2. New Unit Selectors (Comboboxes)

Instead of radio buttons, the new version uses Combobox dropdowns:

• Saves space
• Faster unit switching
• Shows all units together

A new key/label dictionary structure also makes the code cleaner.

 3. Automatic Recalculation

No need to press a button anymore.
If the input field contains a value, it:

• recalculates automatically when the input/output unit changes
• updates the result
• adds a new line to history

A real speed boost during active work.

 4. Improved History Panel

• Uses Consolas 9 pt for perfectly aligned output
• Added context menu:
  • Cut
  • Copy
  • Paste
  • Select All
• Proper autoscroll

The previous version had no editing features at all — history was “locked” and basic.

 5. Better Feet–Inches Parser

Both versions support formats like:

• 5’7″
• 5 7
• 5 ft 7 in
• 5-7.5
• 5;7
• 5.5′

But the new version:

• is faster
• uses a cleaner parsing function
• improves _pretty_in() formatting
• handles imperfect inputs more safely

 6. New Menu Bar

Added menu commands:

• Calc. — quick calculation
• Clear — clear history
• on Top — keep window always on top

Additionally, the menu color scheme changes dynamically when “on Top” is enabled — a small but pleasant visual improvement.

 Final Result

The updated converter is:

• more convenient
• faster
• more compact
• visually cleaner
• better for continuous use on a desktop

Exactly what you need for quick, precise metric–imperial conversions throughout the day.

Download v2: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Efd0PXVU8rAxeim1SMTP8Bz7niGjkBZE/view?usp=sharing

If you enjoyed this program and would like to support the author, you can do so here:

https://ko-fi.com/anton57101