You can convert feng shui measurements in inches for a more precise use of feng shui principles in Western spaces. Measurements are an important aspect of feng shui since the dimensions of an object can affect the overall chi energy in a room. Using objects such as furniture that are not proportionate to a room can attract misfortune and bad luck. Knowing the basics of feng shui measuring can ensure that you create a balanced space that is filled with positive energy.
A Feng Shui Foot
The feng shui foot originated from the side of what is often referred to as the Magic Square or Lo Shu Square. The length of the feng shui foot is then divided into to eight sections, each representing one of the eight trigrams.
The Eight Trigrams of the Bagua
Each of the eight trigrams signifies something specific.
- Li: This is the trigram of fire that represents passion, glory and fame.
- Kun: The trigram of earth represents protection and beginnings.
- Tui: This is the trigram of metal, representing desire and pleasure.
- Chien: The trigram of heaven represents superiority and leadership.
- Kan: This trigram of water represents stagnation and misfortune.
- Ken: This is the trigram of the mountain and represents stillness and protection against danger.
- Chen: This is the trigram of wood and symbolizes growth, awakening and excitement.
- Sun: The trigram of the wind represents flexibility.
Feng Shui Measurements
Traditional feng shui rulers denote which measures are auspicious (positive chi) and which are inauspicious (negative chi). The problem is that not all feng shui rulers have the measurements in inches, making a conversion necessary. The mathematical conversion is very simple: One feng shui foot equals about 17 centimeters. If you feel the need to be exact, one feng shui foot equals 16.929133858 inches. Here is a quick cheat sheet of feng shui measurements in inches:
One feng shui foot = 13 1/2 inches. Here's the breakdown:
- One feng shui foot = approximately 17 centimeters
- 17 centimeters = approximately 6 3/4 inches
- 6 3/4 multiplied by two (it's just easier) = 13 1/2 inches
Converting Larger Feng Shui Measurements in Inches
Very few things in anyone's home, apartment or office is measured in inches; here are a few simple conversions of feng shui measurements in inches to feet:
- Five feet = Approximately 4 1/2 feng shui feet
- 10 feet = Approximately 9 feng shui feet
- 15 feet = Approximately 13 1/2 feng shui feet
- 20 feet = Approximately 18 feng shui feet
Again, if you have the desire to get the exact measurements, five feet is 4.44 feng shui feet. For the examples given up above, the 4.44 feng shui feet was rounded up to 4.5 feet. It just makes the math much easier and since nothing is perfect in nature, being off by less then one-sixteenth of an inch isn't going to affect your chi.
Using Feng Shui Measurements
Finally, after all that math (sorry for all you metric systems users), here is yet another quick reference guide for positive and negative feng shui measurements:
| Inches | Chi | Influence |
| 0 to 2 1/4 | Positive | Fortune and wealth |
| 2 1/4 to 4 1/4 | Negative | Illness |
| 4 1/4 to 6 3/8 | Negative | Relationships |
| 6 3/8 to 8 3/8 | Positive | Fairness and Equality |
| 8 3/8 to 10 1/2 | Positive | Encouragement and promotion |
| 10 1/2 to 12 5/8 | Negative | Material loss or theft |
| 12 5/8 to 14 3/4 | Negative | Misfortune |
| 14 3/4 to 16 7/8 | Positive | Beginnings |
When Measuring Objects for Feng Shui
It's more likely that the objects in your home or office are not going to be the exact measurements as those described above and that's okay. Simply utilize the basic principles of feng shui and remember to trust your intuition. Feng shui does specify where and how you place objects in your home or office, but it is also extremely intuitive because chi is energy you don't see, but feel. If you place a large piece of furniture in a certain space and it just doesn't "feel" right, move it around until it does. Use this same intuitive principal for small objects as well. Finally, don't overwhelm yourself when applying feng shui principles in your home, especially with something as detailed as measurements of objects and floor plans in your home. Instead, start with one room at a time until all the rooms are complete.
