Linear Foot Calculator
Use this calculator to determine the total linear feet of material needed based on a desired area and the material's width.
Result:
Understanding and Calculating Linear Feet
What is a Linear Foot?
A "linear foot" is simply a measurement of length, equivalent to one foot (12 inches). The term "linear" is used to emphasize that we are measuring a single dimension – length – without regard for width or height. It's a straightforward unit of measurement, but it often causes confusion when materials are sold or estimated by linear foot, especially when those materials also have a defined width.
For example, if you buy a piece of lumber that is 10 feet long, it is 10 linear feet. If you buy a roll of fabric that is 50 feet long, it is 50 linear feet. The width of the lumber or fabric doesn't change its linear footage; it only affects its total area.
Why is "Linear Foot" Used?
Many materials are manufactured and sold in continuous lengths, making linear footage a practical unit for pricing and estimation. Common examples include:
- Lumber: Decking, trim, molding, and framing materials are often priced per linear foot.
- Fencing: The amount of fencing needed for a perimeter is typically measured in linear feet.
- Fabric and Textiles: Cloth, carpet, and upholstery materials are frequently sold by the linear foot or yard.
- Piping and Tubing: Plumbing and electrical conduits are measured in linear feet.
- Countertops: Custom countertops are often priced based on their linear length.
Using linear feet simplifies calculations for these types of products, as the width is often standardized or less critical than the overall length required.
How to Calculate Linear Feet
Calculating linear feet is straightforward when you already have a length measurement. If you have a length in feet, that number *is* your linear feet. If you have a length in inches, you simply divide by 12 to convert it to feet.
However, a common scenario where the term "linear foot" becomes useful is when you need to cover a certain area with a material that has a fixed width. In this case, you need to determine how much length of that material is required.
Formula for Area-Based Linear Foot Calculation:
To calculate the linear feet needed when you know the total area you want to cover and the width of the material, use the following steps:
- Convert Material Width to Feet: Since area is typically in square feet, you need to ensure all length measurements are in feet. If your material width is in inches, divide it by 12.
Material Width (feet) = Material Width (inches) / 12 - Calculate Linear Feet: Divide the total area (in square feet) by the material's width (in feet).
Linear Feet = Total Area (square feet) / Material Width (feet)
Practical Examples
Example 1: Flooring Material
You want to install new vinyl plank flooring in a room that measures 10 feet by 12 feet. The total area is 120 square feet (10 ft * 12 ft). The vinyl planks you've chosen are 6 inches wide.
- Total Area: 120 sq ft
- Material Width: 6 inches
Calculation:
- Convert material width to feet:
6 inches / 12 = 0.5 feet - Calculate linear feet:
120 sq ft / 0.5 feet = 240 linear feet
You would need 240 linear feet of the 6-inch wide vinyl plank flooring.
Example 2: Custom Countertop
You are designing a kitchen island that requires a countertop with a total surface area of 30 square feet. The countertop material you've selected comes in a standard depth (width) of 25 inches.
- Total Area: 30 sq ft
- Material Width: 25 inches
Calculation:
- Convert material width to feet:
25 inches / 12 ≈ 2.0833 feet - Calculate linear feet:
30 sq ft / 2.0833 feet ≈ 14.40 linear feet
You would need approximately 14.40 linear feet of the 25-inch deep countertop material.
Example 3: Fencing
You need to fence a rectangular garden that is 20 feet long and 15 feet wide. The perimeter is 2 * (20 + 15) = 70 feet. In this case, the "material width" (height of the fence) is irrelevant to the linear footage needed for the perimeter.
- Total Length Needed: 70 feet
Calculation:
Since you already have the length in feet, the linear footage is simply that length.
Linear Feet = 70 feet
You would need 70 linear feet of fencing material.
By understanding how to calculate linear feet, you can accurately estimate material quantities for various projects, saving time and avoiding unnecessary waste or shortages.