How do I change the measure to read feet and inches?

I was once stuck in the same situation but I realized You and I are missing one important step. (I will highlight it for you underneath) but for the rest of the viewers I will try to write down all the steps to get it done.

first you need to change the measurement units to inches

Go to
- Edit from top menu

- Scroll down to Preferences (Ctrl +K) 

- From Categories Pan: Select "Units & Guides"

- Select "Inches" from "Page & Ruler Units" drop down menu

- Press Ok

Now Select "Measure" tool.

Go to:

- "View" from top menu

- Scroll down to "Tools"

- Scroll down to "Measure"

Select "Open"

- Select "Measuring Tool" from Menu bar 

- Right Click on Screen

- Select : "Change Scale Ratio and Precision"

Change Ratio as per the drawings. In my case it is 1/4 = 1 Foot therefore I changed it to 0.25 = 1 Ft

Now here is the KEY STEP 

Right Click again on screen 

Go to Preferences 

Select: Measuring (2D)

Uncheck Box which says: "Use Scale and Units From Document (when present) 

Done