The measurement 8 feet 4 inches is used instead of 7 feet 16 inches because it is the more commonly used and accepted way of expressing the measurement. In this case, 8 feet 4 inches is equivalent to 100 inches, while 7 feet 16 inches is equivalent to 88 inches. Therefore, it is generally more precise and convenient to use 8 feet 4 inches rather than 7 feet 16 inches when expressing the size of an object or space.