Linear Feet Calculator – Guide & Formulas
Calculate the total linear footage of lumber, fencing, siding, or trim. Converts other standard units to linear feet easily.
Calculate total linear footage (length in a straight line) for trim, molding, decking, fencing, or framing. Convert inches, yards, or metric units to linear feet, and estimate costs with precision.
Key Takeaway
Use the free Linear Feet Calculator to calculate the total linear footage of lumber, fencing, siding, or trim. converts other standard units to linear feet easily. Get instant results with step-by-step explanations.
How to Use the Linear Feet Calculator
- Select the unit of measurement you have (e.g. inches, yards, feet).
- Enter the length of each board or item and the quantity.
- Add an optional waste factor and cost per linear foot to get complete project specs.
The Formula
Variable Definitions
- LF: Total Linear Feet
- L_i: Length of segment i
- Q_i: Quantity of segment i
- W: Waste percentage (decimal)
Buying Trim for a Living Room
You need 12 boards of baseboard trim, each measuring 96 inches long, with a 10% waste allowance.
- Step 1: Convert board length to feet: 96 inches / 12 = 8 feet per board.
- Step 2: Calculate base linear feet: 8 ft × 12 boards = 96 linear feet.
- Step 3: Add 10% waste: 96 × 0.10 = 9.6 feet.
- Step 4: Total order required: 96 + 9.6 = 105.6 linear feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a linear foot and a board foot?
A linear foot measures only length (1D), regardless of the width or thickness. A board foot measures total volume (3D), equal to 12" x 12" x 1" of wood.
How do you convert square feet to linear feet?
To convert square feet to linear feet, divide the total square footage by the width of the board in feet (e.g., 200 sq ft / 0.5 ft width = 400 linear feet).
Is a linear foot the same as a normal foot?
Yes, "linear" simply emphasizes that you are measuring straight-line distance (length) rather than area or volume.