When measuring longer lengths, what unit of measure do carpenters prefer?

Carpenters prefer to use feet and inches when measuring longer lengths because this system aligns more closely with the standard practices and tools used in carpentry in the United States. The foot-inch system allows for easier communication and understanding within the trade, especially when dealing with dimensions and layouts of structures, as many building codes and materials are also designed around these measurements.

Using feet and inches can be more practical in construction settings where lumber and fixtures are typically sized in those units. For instance, standard board lengths and framing components often come in dimensions like 2x4s (two inches by four inches) and are sold at lengths of 8, 10, or 12 feet. Conversely, millimeters and centimeters, while precise, are less common in the carpentry field in the U.S. industry, as they do not match the conventions familiar to most carpenters, which can lead to confusion and mistakes. Square feet, although useful for measuring area, are not suitable when measuring linear distances, making feet and inches the most appropriate choice for this context.