📏 Linear Feet Calculator
Convert measurements to linear feet with precision and ease
Calculate Linear Feet
What Are Linear Feet?
Linear feet is a measurement of length in a straight line, regardless of the width or height of the material being measured. One linear foot is simply 12 inches or one foot of length. Unlike square feet (which measures area) or cubic feet (which measures volume), linear feet only measures distance in one dimension.
This measurement is commonly used in construction, woodworking, landscaping, and retail for materials like lumber, fencing, piping, molding, fabric, and rope. Understanding how to calculate linear feet is essential for accurate material estimation and project budgeting.
How to Calculate Linear Feet: Step-by-Step Guide
Method 1: Simple Length Conversion
When you need to convert measurements from other units to linear feet:
From Yards: Linear Feet = Yards × 3
From Meters: Linear Feet = Meters × 3.28084
From Centimeters: Linear Feet = Centimeters ÷ 30.48
📝 Example 1: Converting Inches to Linear Feet
Problem: You have a board that is 96 inches long. How many linear feet is this?
Solution: Linear Feet = 96 ÷ 12 = 8 linear feet
Method 2: Calculating Perimeter
For rectangular or square areas where you need linear feet around the perimeter:
📝 Example 2: Fencing a Rectangular Yard
Problem: Your backyard is 40 feet long and 25 feet wide. How many linear feet of fencing do you need?
Solution: Linear Feet = 2 × (40 + 25) = 2 × 65 = 130 linear feet
Method 3: Multiple Pieces
When you have multiple pieces of the same length:
📝 Example 3: Multiple Boards
Problem: You need 15 pieces of baseboard molding, each 8 feet long. How many total linear feet?
Solution: Total Linear Feet = 8 × 15 = 120 linear feet
Method 4: Board Feet to Linear Feet
Converting board feet (a volume measurement for lumber) to linear feet:
📝 Example 4: Lumber Conversion
Problem: You have 20 board feet of lumber that is 6 inches wide and 1 inch thick. How many linear feet?
Solution: Linear Feet = (20 × 12) ÷ (6 × 1) = 240 ÷ 6 = 40 linear feet
Common Applications of Linear Feet
1. Construction and Carpentry
- Lumber: Purchasing wood boards, 2x4s, beams, and planks
- Molding and Trim: Crown molding, baseboards, door frames, and window trim
- Piping: Plumbing pipes, electrical conduit, and HVAC ductwork
- Framing: Wall studs, ceiling joists, and floor joists
2. Landscaping and Outdoor Projects
- Fencing: Wood, vinyl, chain-link, or wrought iron fencing materials
- Edging: Garden bed borders and landscape edging
- Decking: Deck boards and railing materials
- Irrigation: Drip lines and sprinkler pipes
3. Retail and Fabric
- Fabric: Upholstery, curtains, and clothing materials sold by the linear foot
- Rope and Cable: Utility rope, wire, and decorative cording
- Wallpaper: Rolls of wallpaper and border trim
- Carpet: Runners and hall carpeting
Linear Feet vs. Square Feet vs. Cubic Feet
🔍 Understanding the Differences
Linear Feet (1D): Measures length only – one dimension. Example: 10 linear feet of rope is just 10 feet long.
Square Feet (2D): Measures area – length × width. Example: A room that is 10 feet × 12 feet = 120 square feet.
Cubic Feet (3D): Measures volume – length × width × height. Example: A box that is 2 feet × 3 feet × 4 feet = 24 cubic feet.
Practical Tips for Calculating Linear Feet
1. Always Add Extra Material
When purchasing materials, add 10-15% extra to account for waste, mistakes, and future repairs. For example, if you need 100 linear feet of fencing, purchase 110-115 linear feet.
2. Account for Overlapping and Joints
Materials like siding, fencing, and flooring often require overlapping. Factor in the overlap amount when calculating total linear feet needed.
3. Convert All Measurements to the Same Unit
Before calculating, ensure all measurements are in the same unit. If you have some measurements in inches and others in feet, convert everything to feet first.
4. Measure Twice, Order Once
Double-check all measurements before making purchases. Re-measure complex areas with corners, angles, or irregular shapes to ensure accuracy.
5. Consider Material Lengths
Materials come in standard lengths (8 feet, 10 feet, 12 feet, etc.). Calculate how many full-length pieces you need and minimize waste by planning cuts efficiently.
Common Conversion Reference Table
| From Unit | To Linear Feet | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Inches | Divide by 12 | inches ÷ 12 |
| Yards | Multiply by 3 | yards × 3 |
| Meters | Multiply by 3.28084 | meters × 3.28084 |
| Centimeters | Divide by 30.48 | cm ÷ 30.48 |
| Miles | Multiply by 5,280 | miles × 5,280 |
Real-World Scenarios and Calculations
Scenario 1: Installing Crown Molding
You're installing crown molding in a rectangular living room that measures 18 feet by 14 feet.
Calculation: Perimeter = 2 × (18 + 14) = 2 × 32 = 64 linear feet
With 10% waste: 64 × 1.10 = 70.4 linear feet (round up to 71 linear feet)
Scenario 2: Building a Deck Railing
Your deck is 16 feet by 12 feet, but one 16-foot side is against the house (no railing needed).
Calculation: Linear Feet = 16 + 12 + 12 = 40 linear feet of railing
Scenario 3: Purchasing Baseboards
You need baseboards for 4 walls: 12 feet, 10 feet, 12 feet, and 10 feet, minus 3 feet total for doorways.
Calculation: Total = (12 + 10 + 12 + 10) – 3 = 41 linear feet
Baseboards come in 8-foot lengths: 41 ÷ 8 = 5.125, so you need 6 pieces (48 linear feet total)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between linear feet and running feet?
There is no difference. Linear feet and running feet are the same measurement – both refer to a straight-line measurement of length. The terms are used interchangeably in construction and retail.
How do I calculate linear feet for irregularly shaped areas?
For irregular shapes, break the perimeter into straight segments, measure each segment, and add them together. Use a flexible measuring tape for curved sections and approximate as closely as possible.
Can I convert square feet to linear feet?
You cannot directly convert square feet to linear feet because they measure different things (area vs. length). However, if you know the width of the material, you can calculate: Linear Feet = Square Feet ÷ Width in Feet.
How many linear feet are in a roll of material?
This depends on the product. Check the product specifications – fabric bolts typically contain 40-50 linear yards (120-150 linear feet), while carpeting and fencing vary widely by manufacturer.
Do I need to account for corners when calculating linear feet?
Corners don't add length to your linear feet calculation, but they may require special corner pieces or mitered cuts. Some materials require overlap at corners, which should be factored into your total purchase.
💡 Pro Tip: Material Waste Calculator
Different materials have different waste factors:
- Straight runs: Add 5-10% for waste
- Complex layouts with corners: Add 10-15% for waste
- Diagonal installations: Add 15-20% for waste
- Pattern-matched materials: Add 20-25% for waste
Conclusion
Calculating linear feet is a fundamental skill for any DIY enthusiast, contractor, or homeowner. Whether you're purchasing lumber for a deck, fencing for your yard, or trim for your home, accurate linear feet calculations ensure you buy the right amount of material – avoiding costly shortages or wasteful excess.
Remember to always measure carefully, convert units properly, add appropriate waste factors, and double-check your calculations before making purchases. Use our calculator above to quickly and accurately determine linear feet for any project, and refer back to this guide whenever you need clarification on concepts or formulas.
With practice, calculating linear feet will become second nature, helping you plan projects more efficiently and budget more accurately for all your construction, renovation, and DIY needs.