Linear Foot Calculator
Add up linear feet from a number of pieces and their length, estimate the cost per linear foot, or convert an area in square feet to linear feet of boards.
What is a linear foot?
A linear foot is simply 12 inches of length, regardless of width or thickness. Trim, fencing, countertops and lumber are often priced by the linear foot.
Linear feet = number of pieces × length of each piece (ft) Linear feet from area = square feet ÷ (board width in inches ÷ 12)
Worked examples
Twelve 8 ft boards are 12 × 8 = 96 linear feet; at $2.15 per linear foot that costs $206.40. Covering 200 sq ft with boards that show 5.5 in of face needs 200 ÷ (5.5 ÷ 12) = 436.4 linear feet.
Add 10% or more for cuts and waste, and use the exposed face width (not the nominal size) when converting from square feet.
Frequently asked questions
Is a linear foot the same as a foot?
Yes. It is one foot of length measured along the material.
How do I convert square feet to linear feet?
Divide the square feet by the width of the material in feet.
What is the difference between linear feet and board feet?
Board feet measure volume (12 × 12 × 1 in). Linear feet measure only length.
How many linear feet in a yard?
Three.
Related calculators
- Flooring CalculatorSquare feet, boxes and cost of flooring.
- Perimeter CalculatorPerimeter and circumference of common shapes.
- Cubic Feet CalculatorVolume in cubic feet, yards, meters and gallons.
- Drywall CalculatorDrywall sheets, screws and mud for a room.
- Concrete CalculatorCubic yards and bags of concrete for slabs and columns.
- Cubic Yard CalculatorCubic yards of mulch, soil, gravel or fill for any area.