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Linear Feet Calculator

A linear feet calculator gives the total running length of material you need — either from a number of pieces times their length, or from an area divided by the board width. Linear feet measures length only, which is how trim, lumber, fencing, flooring planks, pipe and fabric are priced.

Your measurements

Result

It clears up the common mix-up between linear feet (length) and square feet (area): a 200 sq ft floor in 5.5 in planks is a very different number of linear feet, and this converts between them.

How it is calculated

Pieces mode: linear feet = number of pieces × length each. Area mode: linear feet = area ÷ board coverage width (width converted to feet), times a waste multiplier. Linear feet ignores width and thickness — it is purely running length, the unit trim and lumber are sold in.

Steps

Choose 'pieces × length' or 'area ÷ board width'.
For pieces, enter how many and the length of each.
For area, enter the area and the board/plank width.
Read the total linear feet (and metres).
Add waste for cuts when converting from an area.

Worked example

Twelve 8 ft boards are 96 linear feet. Or a 200 sq ft floor in 5.5 in planks needs about 480 linear feet with 10% waste.

Common questions

What is a linear foot?

One foot of length, regardless of width or thickness. Trim, lumber, fencing and fabric are sold by the linear foot.

How is linear feet different from square feet?

Linear feet measures length only; square feet measures area (length × width). The calculator converts an area to linear feet using the board width.

How do I convert square feet to linear feet?

Divide the area by the board's coverage width (in feet). The calculator does it and adds waste.

How do I figure linear feet for trim?

Add the lengths of all the runs — or use pieces × length. For a room, that is the perimeter minus openings.