Linear Feet Calculator
Use this free linear feet calculator to quickly convert measurements into linear feet for your project. Enter dimensions like length, width, or total area to get accurate results, making it easy to estimate materials for flooring, fencing, lumber, and construction work.
Linear feet = length only — no width or height · Always add waste factor when ordering materials · 1 linear foot = 12 inches = 0.333 yards = 0.3048 meters
How Does the Linear Feet Calculator Work?
Linear feet (also written as lineal feet) measure length in one direction only — no width or height involved. The term is used in construction, flooring, fencing, lumber, trim, fabric, and piping whenever only the length of a material matters, regardless of its cross-section or profile.
This calculator converts any unit (inches, yards, meters, centimeters) to linear feet, multiplies by the number of segments or pieces, and applies a waste factor so you order the right quantity the first time.
Linear feet measure length only (one dimension). Square feet measure area (length × width). A board that is 8 feet long is 8 linear feet regardless of whether it's 2 inches wide or 12 inches wide. When buying flooring, the store sells by square feet (area). When buying trim, crown molding, or fencing, they sell by linear feet (length). Knowing which unit applies prevents costly ordering mistakes.
Use our square footage calculator when you need area measurements, or our board feet calculator when buying dimensional lumber that accounts for thickness and width.
Unit Conversion Reference
| From | To Linear Feet | Multiply By | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inches | Linear Feet | ÷ 12 | 72 inches ÷ 12 = 6 linear ft |
| Yards | Linear Feet | × 3 | 10 yards × 3 = 30 linear ft |
| Meters | Linear Feet | × 3.2808 | 10 meters × 3.2808 = 32.81 linear ft |
| Centimeters | Linear Feet | ÷ 30.48 | 300 cm ÷ 30.48 = 9.84 linear ft |
| Linear Feet | Inches | × 12 | 6 linear ft × 12 = 72 inches |
| Linear Feet | Yards | ÷ 3 | 30 linear ft ÷ 3 = 10 yards |
| Linear Feet | Meters | × 0.3048 | 10 linear ft × 0.3048 = 3.048 m |
Common Uses by Project Type
| Project | What to Measure | Typical Waste Factor | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fencing | Perimeter of fence run | 10% | Add for gate gaps and end posts |
| Baseboards / Trim | Perimeter of room walls | 10–15% | Extra for inside/outside corners and cuts |
| Crown Molding | Perimeter of ceiling | 15% | Miter cuts waste more material |
| Flooring (strip/plank) | Length of room | 5–10% | Sold by sq ft but installed in linear runs |
| Piping / Conduit | Run length + fittings | 5% | Account for elbows, tees, and connections |
| Gutters | Length of roof eaves | 10% | Add for downspout sections and corners |
| Lumber (framing) | Each wall run | 10% | Use framing calculator for full stud count |
| Deck boards | Length of deck | 10–15% | Use deck boards calculator for board count |
Material suppliers don't take back cut pieces. Whether you're ordering trim, fencing, or piping, always add at least 10% to your net measurement before placing an order. For projects with diagonal cuts, miter corners, or irregular layouts, use 15%. Running short mid-project means a second trip to the store and the risk of a slightly different dye lot or batch — adding waste upfront is always cheaper than running short.
Example Calculations
Example 1 — Fence Perimeter
40 + 60 + 40 = 140 linear ft net
Add 10% waste factor:140 × 1.10 = 154 linear ft to order
Example 2 — Baseboard Trim for a Room
(12 + 14) × 2 = 52 linear ft net
Subtract one doorway (3 ft):52 − 3 = 49 linear ft net
Add 15% for corner cuts:49 × 1.15 = 56.4 → order 57 linear ft
Example 3 — Converting Inches to Linear Feet
648 ÷ 12 = 54 linear ft net
Add 15% waste for miter cuts:54 × 1.15 = 62.1 → order 63 linear ft