How to use the FIS Calculator
Here we will try to explain to you how the calculator works and some of its features.
ENTERING FEET AND INCHES
To enter your dimension, press the black number buttons for feet, inches, and the numerator of the fraction, then press the blue denominator button across the top to enter halves (/2), quarters (/4), eighths (/8), or sixteenths (/16). A denominator of 32nds does not have to be entered as the calculator defaults to 32nds.
Note: The calculator starts in 32nds mode and defaults back to 32nds mode after touching the clear button. When 32nds are displayed as the denominator, no other button is required to be touched for 32nds.
Example 1: To enter the dimension 9'-10"15/32 only takes 3 keystrokes. Touch the black "9" key, the "10" key, and the "15" key to enter the dimension. (32nds do not require a denominator button to be touched.)
Example 2: To enter the dimension 9'-10"5/8 only takes 4 keystrokes. Touch the black "9" key, the "10" key, and the "5" key then touch the blue "/8" button across the top to enter the dimension.
Example 3: To enter the dimension 3'-8"1/4 only takes 4 keystrokes. Touch the black "3" key, the "8" key, and the "1" key then touch the blue "/4" button across the top to enter the dimension.
USING FUNCTION KEYS WITH DIMENSIONS
After entering the first dimension touch one of the function keys such as the "plus" (+) or the "minus" (-) key.
If you have accidently entered an "improper" number of inches or fractions such as 1'-15" 7/4, you will see the display change to the correct dimension format (2'-4" 3/4 in this case) after touching another button. Then enter another dimension as explained above and touch the "equal" (=) button. You will then see the answer in feet, inches, and fraction.
To convert your dimension to another format is as easy as touching the appropriate button down the left side of the key pad.
You can store your dimension with the
MEM (memory) button in any mode and recall it with the RCL button to add it to another dimension later. This is useful for tallying groups of dimensions as it gives you a place to store an answer and add to it later. The recall is displayed in the present mode you happen to be in.
TO MULTIPLY AND DIVIDE FEET & INCHES
Multiplying and Dividing Feet and Inches at this time is limited to whole number multipliers and dividers and must be in Feet or Inches (depending on the mode you are in).
Example: Division in Feet and Inch mode: 10'-6"1/2 divided by 2'-0 will return the value 5'-3"1/4. Multiplication would be the reverse, 5'-3"1/4 multiplied by 2'-0 will return the value of 10'-6"1/2.
Example: Division in Inch mode: 6"1/2 divided by 2" will return the value 3"1/4. Multiplication would be the reverse, 3"1/4 multiplied by 2" will return the value 6"1/2.
Since the calculator is in Feet, Inch and/or Fraction mode it is looking for that format to multiply and divide with.
So a whole number at this point is in feet (Feet mode) or inches (Inch mode) and requires the additional zeros to fulfill what it is looking for. You can however switch to decimal
mode, divide or multiply by a whole number then switch back to feet and inch mode, with the same results.
IN DECIMAL AND METRIC MODE
The calculator operates just as any typical calculator does.
Although the main outstanding feature we think about this calculator is its ability to add and subtract feet and inches and fractions in so few key strokes, we also think the ability to enter a dimension in any mode, then
change modes and add and subtract more dimensions to it, then switch to another mode and continue adding and subtracting is also an amazing feature as well and extremely useful.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How come when I clear the calculator it shows "0" 32nds?
A: The calculator defaults to 32nds mode so you don't have to enter that as a denominator if it is displayed.
Our logic is this: 32nds have the most possible entries at 16. These include all the odd number of 32nds
such as 1/32, 3/32, 5/32, etc. as opposed to 1/2, 1/4 and 3/4, etc. so we thought if we defaulted to that it would cut down on the key strokes overall if you didn't have to enter the denominator all the time.
Q: When I'm in INCH mode and I hit the DEC mode button it does not give me the decimal equivalent of an inch.
A: That is correct. At this time it returns a decimal of a foot value. You can multiply it by 12 and you will have decimal of an inch until we address that issue.
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